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Health & Fitness

Tales and Tribulations of a Sunset Chaser

I have a problem. I am obsessed with sunsets. But that’s not all. I am obsessed with weather, too. Oh, and also photography. But at least I can use them together. I would say 99% of my photos are probably sunset and weather related. Did I mention writing? Oh yes, add that to the list. 

It might not be such a big problem if I didn’t imagine a parallel life as a tornado-chasing, hurricane-seeking photojournalist.  However, I’m not so sure my family would be too excited about my thrill-seeking ambitions. So for now, I will keep it toned down. I will settle for incredible sunsets, interesting weather flukes, and more sunset and weather related photo blogs coming your way. 

The Labor Day sunset in Santa Cruz last week just about blew me away. I happened to be near Twin Lakes State Beach just outside of the Santa Cruz Harbor as the sun was setting. Conditions were ripe for a fantastic sight due to some unstable clouds and moisture blowing through. Right there before my eyes, it began to unfold like a weather-chaser’s dream.

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I was sure I couldn’t get out of my car fast enough. Suddenly, I was in slow motion as the sun was racing to set. I was convinced that by the time I was able to grab my camera bag out of the backseat and fumble with the zipper, that there would be nothing left but a faded memory of something I almost saw. Some people might think that is just crazy talk, because no one would ever be foolish enough to miss the real thing because they were messing with their camera.  Of course not.  Um, yeah…

I was not alone on my quest. There was a whole flock of like-minded, sunset-chasing, kindred photographer souls out there clamoring across the sand to find their own holy grail. All of us were looking for the perfect vantage point, totally unaware if we had stepped into a flaming bonfire or walked on hot coals. I don’t think I did, but I really can’t tell you for sure.

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I think my sunset craving was actually satisfied… well it was for at least one day. Two days later, I found myself driving to Twin Lakes again. The sailboats and kayaks were gliding in and out of the harbor riding on the evening tide against a backdrop of the lighthouse and yellow-orange skies. It was another very sweet surprise and nothing short of breathtaking, too.  

Sometimes, even the most prolific of writers can't express (or even find) the right words. Sometimes, we just have to let go and watch the setting sun in silence, with the faith that a new day is always around the corner. 

I am fine with that, as long as I have my camera.

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