440924~- 132

Motion is always relative and the operation of psarallaxis present.
The general impression is one of a static position of the plane and an
acbive movement of the cloud masses. Occaisionally the sea below will
appear to be movi g in the direction of the plane. A better impression of
the relative nearnessof the clouds can be attained by comparing relative
speedsof the moving clouds. Many clouds appear to be near but are actually
more distant than others which appear farther beyond. The alto-stratus
pass by with the greatest speed due to our close proximity to their posit—
ion eith above or directly below the plane. Iti» during the passingesf
these clouds that one receives the true velocity of the plane. As we
approach this type of cloud its lenticular or needle shape is apparent
but as we actually conact it and pass by it changes to one of broad ex-
panse and its former compact arrangment becomes discontinous. Finally
as we pass beyond it recollects itself into itself into ite typical
lens shape. These forms are darker than their cumulus backgrounds
contrasting as if etched in black and white. ‘Some cumulus have 4 striat-
ed effect from these clouds.

This morning flight was also characterized by contrast of light and
dark as we faced the sun and delicate tonal gradations to the west.

Glided to Bermuda Island for refueling and then again to our sky
world. Bermuda is characterized by its complete green covering and a
lack of any extensive high teee growths. This afternoon was to be one that
I would refer te as the orderly march of the storm clouds. Each wave of
high cumulus made its appearance with a predictable pattern. The ocean
belew was always descernible at one point or another except when passing
thru the wall of the giant cumulus barriers or other area of congested
cloud formation. From a zone of fracto-—cumulus one would pass into a
mixture of high isolated cumulus and fracto-cumulus. Far ahead the dom-
inating cumulus giants advanced in a long solid front. As we cruised

along could tell by the progressive change of clouds from hour to hour