High Voltage Transmission Pylon, Near Tracy, CA, 2010.

@[email protected] In high school, we watched Koyaanisqatsi. And I knew I'd have a fundamental disconnect with some aspect of the environmentalist movement because in, specifically, the scene where they show the undisturbed desert punctuated by high-voltage power lines, I couldn't help but think "Oh, those are really cool to see in this backdrop! I wonder where they go? Who built them? Someone checks on them. I wonder who?"

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Space invaders ship

This was captured with a DSLR and a 45mm shifting lens.

This "portal" type transmission pylon, looking like part of an army of somewhat menacing giant robots, is part of the Pacific AC Intertie, one of the two major power transmission trunks running up and down the western US. It can carry about 5 gigawatts of electric power.

Do not touch.

@[email protected] I dated Tracy back when I was at UCLA, but she did not look quite that spindly and her legs were not that long.

By-the-way, the town of Tracy is still there although it can be hard to find among the increasing number of giant distribution warehouses and trucking companies.

@[email protected] Tron Recognizers

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Those don't look like Altamonte pass towers. I drive 580 occasionally, but haven't paid attention besides the hilly parts.

@[email protected] you must construct additional pylons