Friday Morning After the Rain

I was inspired by the clearing skies on Friday morning following Thursday's big rain to get off the couch and out of the house before sunrise, hoping to find interesting skies and seas, and I was glad I did. My mission also included testing the new G7. So, off I went, loaded for bear with two EOS Rs, the 70-200, the 15-35, and the G7 (mostly to check out its video capabilities). My first stop was the Edgartown Reading Room, where I found an inner harbor still full of boats, and a view northeast towards the yacht club, the light house, and the rising sun; then onward to South Beach, where I found a flooded parking lot, a congregation of seagulls, a lone fisherman, roaring surf, and a misty sunrise.

He is Risen, Alleluia!

It's been my tradition the past few years, whenever the weather is favorable, that is, to greet the rising sun on Easter morning down at Edgartown Lighthouse beach. 

The forecast for today was favorable, so starting yesterday I began checking my photographer's ephemeris to ascertain the best location, and yesterday being also sunny and pleasant, I walked over to the lighthouse to scout out the best angle. I spent last night packing my gear and setting everything up so that when I got up at 5am all I had to do was grab a quick cup of coffee, throw on some clothes, and head out. My plan was to pack my bike cart into the back of my van and use it to wheel the cameras, lenses, tripods, and accessories down to the beach, as it's a good five-minute walk from North Water Street down to the lighthouse. 

My planning paid off and I spent a delightful couple of hours down there, taking in the sunrise, the bird sounds, a gentle wind, and an occasional fellow sun-rise seeker. Last year I was completely alone, which really surprised me to tell you the truth because last year really was crystalline and perfect. This year there were maybe 8-10 other folks wandering around. 

I was worried that it would be freezing cold, but it really wasn't bad. Even with a favorable forecast you never know what you're going to get around here. From my house (a mile away) the sky looked crystal clear, but when I arrived at the lighthouse there was a layer of cloud on the horizon. I had my doubts but everything turned out great. I got there in time, I did not freeze, all of my equipment worked - no small feat - the clouds dissipated, and I got what I wanted. 

It wasn't the same as last year - no two years are the same due in part to the fact that Easter is a moveable date, so the sun never rises in the same spot, and yes, Vineyard weather is very fickle. Happy Easter!

 

My Little Town, Early Morning

On Monday morning I finally managed to get out early enough to be the first one into (and out of) Stop&Shop for Geezer Hour, and this is what I saw when I returned home, around 6:30am.