As a professional sunset chaser, 😉 it’s essential that I keep my aviator radar tuned to the sky. When I noticed my favorite sunset clouds beginning to form this evening, I knew it was time to gather my sunset-hunting gear. I’m always eager to capture another sunset photo for my other blog.
I absolutely love a mackerel sky at sunrise or sunset—and that’s exactly what was forming! Named for their fish scale appearance, these beautiful altocumulus or cirrocumulus clouds add wonderful texture to the sky, setting off a kaleidoscope of colors. Some of my favorite sunset photos feature this type of sky.
After checking the satellite, I noticed a small overcast layer of clouds forming to the west. However, with clear skies to the north and south, it was worth an expedition into the hellish, frozen moonscape we call February in Ohio.
Now fully geared up for winter—looking like a cross between the kid from A Christmas Story and a Weeble Wobble—I was in position and ready with my camera. They say Weebles wobble don’t fall down, but I was hoping I wouldn’t tip over in the strong, icy wind. Luckily, since I could no longer feel my face, I figured I’d be too numb to hurt if I did.
While wobbling back and forth in the winter breeze, the sky was looking perfect about 25 minutes before the sun dipped below the horizon. I was already envisioning the ultimate, color-filled photo—making my frostbitten nose totally worth it.
But then, I saw it! The dreaded sunset killer! Slowly, methodically, creeping above the horizon, mocking me. Okay, not exactly laughing, but definitely sporting an evil grin, ready to zap any beauty I was hoping to capture.
It was the infamous, horrible, the unstoppable… BAFC!
Now, I know the acronym BAFC isn’t widely recognized by the average person. Luckily for you, I’m an aviation professional, always happy to explain this highly technical term—Big Ass Fucking Cloud (BAFC)! 😜
So, the next time you’re chasing sunsets, be on the lookout for this evil cloud. To aid in your BAFC identification efforts, I’ve highlighted this vile cloud in the photo below.
Crock’s Thoughts 