Smoke, smoke, and more smoke

In case you were wondering if the wildfire smoke in the Pacific and Inland Northwest is really as bad as the news outlets are reporting, let me assure you, it is.





These pictures were taken from the eastbound scenic overlook on I-84 between Pendleton and La Grande, looking back toward Pendleton.

The first picture was taken a couple months ago, the second was taken this afternoon from the same spot and looking in the same direction.

On a good clear day you can see Mt. Hood, Mt. Adams, and Mt. Rainier from here (about 150, 150, and 170 miles away as the crow flies).

Today I couldn't even see the valley floor.