Aug 1 - Ahhhh... Sunsets
Aug 01, 2020
We spent the better part of last week on the west coast of Michigan, at the small village of Empire. Took the RV and stayed at a nice park, Indigo Bluffs. Did some sight seeing up and down the coast. To the north, Glen Haven, Glen Arbor and ended up in Leeland. Took in the sights of Old Fish Town there. Found a spot to just sit and look out over the harbor. Very relaxing. To the south we went to the quaint small town of Frankfort. Right on the coast with a really nice beach. They have a great store to get smoked fish, Port City Smokehouse. It was our first time there, but I’m sure we will be back.
All these places are great for day trips, what with the hiking, kayaking, and great places to eat (Connie says don’t forget about the nice little shops to explore), but it’s back to Empire for the sunsets. The beach there is small, maybe a couple hundred yards long. It does have a small lighthouse. Nice clean sand and decent close by parking. The village is so small, at most I think I’ve not seen more than 50-60 people there. Almost like having your own beach.
And then the sun starts to go down. We usually got there about an hour before sundown. This time of the year that’s a little after 9:00. The day crowd (if you can call it that) is just leaving. Late enough you don’t have to pay for parking. We got front row each night so it was easy to get the equipment out and get set up on the beach.
I know, I know, get to the sunset part. OK. With an hour to go and the tripod set up, it’s time to relax and take it in. With water shimmering in front of you, just enjoy the warmth of the sun, not heat like you might experience during the day (even up here) but warmth of the evening. The reflection of the sun comes across the water like a pathway leading up to a yellow portal in the sky.
The sky will come in many flavors. It can be pure blue with not a cloud in it. That makes for a great backdrop and not take away from the star (pun intended) of the show. But many times you will be treated to a few clouds that just add to the flare of the event. One night we enjoyed seeing a rain cloud approach. This was truly unique as the sun shown above it and below it. Seeing the rays being highlighted was truly a …..well, highlight. God was putting on a show!
Other nights we thrilled to the transition from the brightness of the day to the beautiful orange glow as the big ball pierced the water and was finally extinguished. That’s not the end of the show however as the sky will continue to change color as the sunlight bends over the horizon. Be sure to spend an extra 20-30 minutes to take in the entire show. Each night last week, that’s how we ended the day. I’m not sure it comes any better than that.