Sunset - August 26

The sun comes up.

The sun goes down.

Yep, you want to come to this blog for the very latest news!

In the rush and hustle of the day to day, we might miss them altogether.

Lately, when it's clear and I can see the sun it seems to be coming directly into my eyes as I drive east on my way to work.  Before long, the sun will be rising after I pass down those roads.

Then it will be in my eyes again for a few days when we set the clocks back.  Eventually, those morning trips to work will be in near darkness.

For a short time, so will the drive home during the short days of December and early January.  It will even be dark when I'm leaving work, which seems unfair for a measly 8 hour day.

Ah, but the sunset is a time all its own.

My blog today is about the sunset several weeks ago, August 25.

Just perfect weather blessed us with a beautiful boar ride on Lake Mendota.  We departed the dock at 7:15, giving us 28 minutes before sunset.

In my limited experience trying to get a good shot of the setting sun, I've noticed a few ingredients are key to a good shot.

Mostly clear skies help, but if there aren't any clouds in the sky there is a lack of depth and texture in the photo.

Joggers, trees, boars, or even water towers will do for some additional framing and helping break up the horizon.

As we came out of the Tenney Lock where the Yahara River and Lake Mendota get on the level, the sun was hanging only feet (it seemed) over land.

The darkening water, land in shadows, and tangerine sky surround the light.

The boat skips a few waves, we take some photos of the city, turn back, the sun is kissing the land.

As our boat moves across the lake the bright circle falls like a coin in a bank.

There is no doubt what everyone on or near the lake is doing right now.  They are watching the sun set in the west.

The clouds frame the sun and the sky is glowing with the dying embers of light.

Until its gone.  Those last fleeting beams fade while leaving a final picture of August 26, 2016.