What am I doing at 6 o’clock in the morning walking around in freezing temperatures, let alone the harsh wind chill factor along the cliffs in Mendocino Town, about three hours drive north from San Francisco.
Tossing in bed all night, I couldn’t get to sleep and caught a glimpse of the purple and red skies starting to break. Automatically I grabbed the camera, my coat and a scarf and ran immediately to the cliffs. Knowing that winter skies are some of the purest skies to photograph in the morning, I knew I was in for something special. Opportunity only comes to those that sacrifice that warm bed especially on a very cold morning. And boy did I feel it immediately, with the wind whipping freezing artic blasts of air into any exposed skin not protected from the immediate rush of chill, I though again about heading back to my warm bed.
The sun is coming and casting golden light to the village on the edge of these magnificent cliffs.
Despite all the crazy thoughts, I trudged on and blocked out all thoughts of the brutal cold. Giddy with the morning scene unfolding before me and only a few like souls, I spent the entire morning explore all the various nooks and vistas along the rugged coastline.
There are a few trails leading all the way down to little coves filled with roughed up timber. I decide to just follow the coastal path along the cliffs affording wonderful vistas of the town and the surrounding areas by the water
I explore many of the trails and try to take many pictures but the cold and harsh winds just burn my fingers, fighting for refuge in my thin rain coat, which I accidentally grabbed on the way out the door.
A beautiful throne chair lit up and inviting me to just sit and admire the new day rising to great everyone brave enough to walk in this trail.
Finally morning has appeared and my stomach is grumbling, time to have a hearty breakfast. At least an inspiring morning walk deserves a big country breakfast. Don’t you think?
This was a pleasant hike and one I would not repeat again with an early morning trek so I’m glad I did this on a whim since these are the only pictures I took along the shoreline that day.
To view other water Wednesdays go visit http://waterywednesday.blogspot.com/
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11 comments:
Those are beautiful shots. I love that stretch of coast. And there's something kind of interesting about the watermark saying Hawaii when they're such great images of the California coast.
Love it! I actually ooohed and aaahed at the sunrise this morning too - what a gorgeous sky it was. Glad it was similarly amazing sixty miles or so south of here!
Well, Blond as I am, the photos didn't load for me, until I REALIZED they were links...
Breathtaking photos...So, so beautiful.
My Wednesday post link In Search of the Elusive WHOLE Sand Dollar
http://hootin--anni.blogspot.com/2011/01/beachcombingits-obsession.html
Hi there! I am having trouble seeing your photos, dunno why. I will keep coming to check it out.
Beautiful in Hawaii! WoW! =)
these are some absolutely splendid photos. what a beautiful morning you had. the light is fantastic.
Beautiful scenes, Noel. I am a morning person who has always loved morning light (I actually have memories of sitting in my crib and watching the sun rise through the adjacent window when I was a toddler), and I think winter light is extra special. And being able to see this wonderful golden light from the warmth and comfort of my house is even better! Thanks for the hike. -Jean
Hawaii is a beautiful place, and your photos are super.
The last time I hiked those cliffs and enjoyed the town and ocean views was 1971. Thanks for the reminder of what a gorgeous place it is.
The morning light on the coastal homes is amazing! Northern CA is one of my favorite places in the world to hike, even worth some brisk sea breezes.
Absolutely lovely photos.
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