Thunderstorms are rare here in Southern California. A thunderstorm, with lightning, rolling in just as the sun is setting, even more rare. We got that last night. I could see the rain off in the distance as I walked up the flower covered hill to a spot where I could see almost the entire Santa Clarita Valley, but I didn’t expect the thunder that came a few minutes later. And I certainly didn’t expect the hail that eventually sent me racing down the hill and back to my truck to protect my camera.

“Awesome” is a word I throw out like candy, but I try not to use the word “epic” lightly. I typically reserve it for nature. Last night’s sunset was epic.

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