12 MARCH 2023 The Lowe Road A former Valley newspaperman who now writes about his travels across Arizona, the U.S. and the globe. BY SAM LOWE O ne day, about mid-afternoon, while in an airplane flying some 35,000 feet above the surface of the Earth, I was fortunate enough to get a window seat well back of the wing. About halfway through the journey, I looked down, and there was Greenland. It was a spectacular image, an abstract of swirls and contours. Immediately, I asked a flight attendant if it was all right to take photographs and, after getting approval, unleashed my camera to begin snapping. Good luck was with me. It was a brilliant, sunshiny day, and the landscape below was an etching in black and white as the snow-covered land gave way to gorges and rivers. I aimed and clicked more than 50 times before the scene faded away. Since then, I have made every effort to get a window seat, but it’s not easy in these days of assigned seating. And acquiring a window spot away from the wings so it affords a good view of the ground below, is also a hit-and-miss proposition. However, through kismet and good seat assignments, I have captured a substantial photographic assortment of what I call “The Aerials.” The pictures range from the Grand Canyon to the Chicago skyline to the glaciers of Alaska. And the Salton Sea in California. The world’s third tallest fountain in Arizona, a forest fire over Colorado and farmlands in Ohio. They reflect the changing landscapes, from rugged mountains to river channels to the flatlands, and each of them is a sort of symmetry, undisturbed by the clutter of their earthly surroundings. My favorites are Mount Rainier, taken when the pilot flew alongside the iconic Washington peak rather than fly over it, and a sunrise over Iceland. There’s not much involved in acquiring aerial shots, but two factors are key. First, get a window seat well in back of the wing. Second, make certain that it’s okay to take photos. There was a time when I had been warned not to remove my camera from its case because it’s battery-powered, but today there’s usually no problem. Especially now that laptops and other computer-related items have been approved for in-flight operation. Ask anyway! A couple of other things: Don’t put your camera or cell phone directly against the window surface. You’ll get smacked in the eye if the plane hits a bump. And since we’re old enough to know better but occasionally need reminding, don’t use flash. It’ll bounce off the glass and smack you in the eye. Also, because most airliners fly as high as seven miles above the surface of the Earth, don’t be disappointed if the only photo subjects you get to see are clouds. That’s not always a bad thing! Several cloud shots are part of my collection, especially a group of thunderheads encountered over Texas one summer day. They were soft and billowy, and they looked almost inviting, like they wanted our airship to jump in and play. The pilot was skilled enough to know about the danger that lurks therein and circled around them – but still close enough for some wonderful images. Always make sure to get the window seat Iceland Chicago Washington Philadelphia Greenland California Grand Canyon Fountain Hills Texas Ohio Alaska Colorado Rockies

Call for a free in home design consultation and estimate 480-864-4254 www.closetsbydesign.com Locally Owned and Operated! Licensed and Insured: ROC312904 Closets byDesign ® Imagine your home, totally organized! Follow us A� Custom Closets, Garage Cabinets, Home Offices and more... 40 % O ff Plus Free Installation 10% Off PLUS TAKE AN EXTRA Terms and Conditions: 40% off any order of $1000 or more or 30% off any order of $700-$1000 on any complete custom closet, garage, or home office unit. Take an additional 15% off on any complete system order. Not valid with any other offer. Free installation with any complete unit order of $850 or more. With incoming order, at time of purchase only. Expires 3/31/23. Offer not valid in all regions. SPECIAL FINANCING FOR 12 MONTHS! With approved credit. Call or ask your Designer for details. Not available in all areas