Do you recall experiencing a moment that just felt right? The dinner you made was delicious, you finished a tough project on schedule and on budget, watched a family member succeed at a big goal or accomplishment, or some other amazing moment? Making it to the coast in time for sunset is one of those moments for me and Julie made it happen for us at Ruby Beach last September in Washington State. This trip was an appendage to a work trip in Seattle that was pretty tough for me and I’d been feeling inadequate. My soul was was ready for some highs and was craving such an experience.

As we hopped out of the car and walked down the cliff-side trail I was full of excitement and anticipation. I snapped this photo as an omen of the moments I was about to experience with my family.

Life is full of ups and downs and the pathway to growth is fraught with difficulty. It is nice to have a really big win once in a while. This appendage to my work trip and especially this moment recharged my brain for months to come. Because the tide was out, we needed to cross a big area of log debris near the treeline and enjoyed a huge flat area perfect for frolicking and scampering around. This area was covered with a thin layer of water which only made for improved frolicking and scampering and of course, insane photographic conditions. Check out some of the photos below and you’ll know what I mean.

It was a little treacherous but a lot of fun to walk over the the downed tree logs. The beach was almost completely obscured! Significant tricky skills were needed to get back to the trail in the dark after sunset was over. We had a hard time even finding the trail!

Check out this shot of the family after they ran out in front of me. Honestly, this happens all the time after I’ve stopped to take a photo. It is an area that I need to work on to achieve a better balance. This photo helps evoke the feeling that was smacking me in the face. I can feel it now as I write these words.

As the sun continued to fall the sky darkened and the colors became more and more vibrant. I debated this a lot with myself and Julie as well. We both enjoy this photo with the horizon in the middle of the frame despite the typical rule of thirds. This frame was way better in the middle.

Julie made some photos as well (after wresting the camera from me) and they are spectacular. Check them out below.

Whenever Julie gets her hands on the camera she is kind enough to get a few shots of me. I appreciate it so much and I think these photos are so dang good. Thanks Julie!

Hope you enjoyed this little photographic reminiscence.