Part of finding our way has been spending as much time as possible in nature–which is a big part of why we embarked on this journey. Last week, we devoted an evening to Shark Reef, a park on the southwest end of the island and one of our favorite places on Lopez. It’s the perfect venue to watch the sunset over the Strait of Juan de Fuca with the snow-capped Olympic Mountains as a backdrop.
It didn’t appear to be a promising evening for a dramatic sunset event—dense clouds hung heavy in the sky and we were sprinkled with raindrops as we started on the trail. But we had our dinner picnic, a bottle of wine, and our rain gear, and we had plans to meet Karen and Wayne, new friends we met at Spencer Spit, to share dessert and sunset. The worst that could happen is that we would have to turn back.
Dinner picnic: Roasted beets and shrimp cakes
Sharing Shark Reef with new friends Karen and Wayne
We are so happy that we forged on. (I think this may be a metaphor for our entire journey.) We were rewarded with one of the most spectacular Technicolor sunsets that we’ve ever seen. The sky turned from silver to gold to fiery orange to hot pink, brilliantly coloring the clouds and the sea. We also enjoyed a great view of baby harbor seals with their mother, a rhinoceros auklet that bobbed to the surface with a beak full of fish, and two bald eagles perched with a dramatic view of the Olympic Mountains in the background. Life is good.
Pink sky and sea
Glad these days are smoother for the two of you. Amazing sunset photos!
Thanks, Jack! That means a lot, coming from you as an awesome photographer!
Ah…yes moving onnnnnn. What a metaphor for trying to dislodge the foot from where you’ve nailed it to the floor…all the while slowing the spinning…it is remarkable to sit still a bit and take in the sunset. Thanks for posting the Pink, Pink, Pink..made my day!
You have a way of making everything poetic! The pink was actually that pink — no photoshopping.
Great photos Eric!, glad things are settling down for you all, and you’re settling into the groove you deserve. k
Thanks, Kyle! It’s a good groove, and just in the nick of time…
Are you kidding with that last sunset?!
It surprised us, too!
I’m just getting caught up on your posts after being away for a week.
I too love your honesty. No one wants to hear only the good bits. That’s why we read great novels or memoirs! Think “Glass Castles” or any honest travel memoir. That’s where the fun is.
You needed and wanted the challenge that this temporary nomadic life will bring you. And, as usual, you both will face it with grace and humor….even with a poopy old cat to cart around.
Love you! Love the photos and the wonderful stories!
Thanks, Janet. I can always trust that you will provide unwavering support! And I’m going to be in touch for a booklist of good reads from you.
It was indeed special to share that sunset with you. Karen and I will never forget it. We hope we can spend more time with you two on your adventures. Thanks for showing the way.
It was really fun spending the evening with you two; we also hope to see you again for more adventures in nature!
Laurel and Eric: I, too, am totally awed by the stunning photos of the sunset. I have never seen such a magnificent one, even here in southwest Florida over the Gulf of Mexico, and some of those are pretty spectacular. You have brought much joy to my life these months that I have had your blogs and photographs. Thanks again for sharing your journey with me.
Barbara, we are so happy to have you accompany us on our journey! And we would love to see you when we’re in Florida this winter.
Wow, nice photos! love that Rhinoceros Auklet.
It was fun to see that little guy fishing for his dinner.