Sunday, June 21, 2009

Natural Power

Another shot of the many hundreds of windmills on the hills surrounding the Walla Walla Valley. They produce quite a bit of power, and I've been told by an engineer that even though they seem from a distance to be turning at a comfortable pace, the tips of the blades of these windmills are spinning at close to the speed of sound. This is a hazard for birds, as well as not being as efficient as they could be, so the newer windmills spin at a slower rate. Each blade on these windmills is, from my estimates, over 60 feet long. Anyone from this area know the exact length?

8 comments:

Small City Scenes said...

I think they are beautiful and may save our rivers and should make electricty cheaper. all propaganda I am sure. But I don't oppose them.. Of course Iam not a bird and I don't live close to them. My daughter works for PSE who own the ones at Vantage and possibly the ones you picture.

Lowell said...

I like the starkness of this photo! Very dramatic!

cieldequimper said...

This looks like home.

Daily Chicago Photo said...

This is a great photo. I like it a LOT!

Hilda said...

Wonderful image! Aside from it being a pretty scene, I love that you are able to use renewable sources of energy there. We all should be doing the same.

Louise said...

This is beautiful. So simple, but a masterpiece, really. (Your SWF photo was nice, too. I like the drama of the contrast between light and dark.)

Tara said...

Love this shot! Reminds me of the little picnic we had where we carted our soup and hot chocolate out to the windmills... remember?

Becky said...

Oh yes, Tara, I remember! Ruth won't let me forget, because we forgot the salt. :)