Winter Evening, Big Sur Coastline. Soberanes, Big Sur, California. January 2. 2010. © Copyright G Dan Mitchell – all rights reserved.
Last light of a winter evening shines on a shoreline bluff along the Big Sur coastline.
As the very end of 2010 approaches, here is a photograph from the very beginning of 2010, made back on January 2. It very similar to a photograph of this scene I posted back then, but it is not the same photograph, and I know like this one at least as much as the earlier selection. (And I feel justified in using two photos from the shoot after the case of poison oak rash I picked up making them!)
As I recall, this was another of those evenings that first looked very promising, then turned gray as the sun dropped behind clouds over the ocean, but held out hope for a last moment of color as the setting sun dropped to the horizon and beneath the clouds. And, as sometimes happens, it actually worked! I had seen this spot before but not stopped to photograph it quite this way. As I passed by while heading south earlier in the afternoon I had made a mental note about the possibilities for the scene, and when I turned back to the north to start my drive home I had decided to stop here. The scene is impressive, with the coast curving inward and then back out the left where a creek comes down to the sea, and with bluffs, sea stacks, and higher hills beyond. And on this evening the sky was full of pastel colors. So I stopped, unloaded the camera gear, and headed out (through the poison oak!) onto the bluff above the cove where I waited for light. And just at sunset a band of beautiful, warm, diffused light touched the bluff across the cove.
This photograph is not in the public domain and may not be used on websites, blogs, or in other media without advance permission from G Dan Mitchell.
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OK, I am going to have to get back down there soon. Thanks!
OK, back a couple minutes later after consulting a topo map…
I’m virtually certain that this spot is roughly midway between Soberanes Point and Soberanes Creek. From the perspective of the camera in this photograph, Soberanes point would be almost directly to my left and perhaps a bit behind me – and out of view over an intervening hill. This is north of Garrapata Creek, but it is possible that it is part of Garrapata State Park.
Dan
Cynthia, I need to go back there and nail down the location in a way that I can describe. I know the spot exactly, but I’m afraid that I can’t place it precisely within the context of the larger area. It might even be both Garrapata State Park and near Soberanes Creek!
Dan
Isn’t this by Garrapata State Park? http://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=579 Or is this different location?
EIther way Dan, this shot is gorgeous. I love it!
Ticks! Yikes! Fortunately, during the winter season I’m likely to be (certain to be, actually) wearing long pants and layers – it is generally pretty chilly out on the coast, especially standing around in the wind behind a tripod!
I’m trying to recall how to describe this exact location. I know it when I see it! My recollection is that if you are driving south it is just past the parking area for the Sobranes Creek trail. There is a big cluster of large trees along the inland side of the road in this curve and an old building, then the road curves around to the right past this spot before topping another rise and then, if memory serves, approaching Rocky Creek.
Mike, I’m envious of you getting such close access to the desert! But I have to admit that being an hour to two from this coastline is pretty special, too.
Dan
Poision oak…what, no ticks? That coastal chapparel is a tick heaven.
Love this, Dan. Can’t figure out exactly where it was made, but it’s a beauty spot.
Gorgeous Dan! I spent an afternoon/evening at Soberanes Point recently and it is such a magical place – endless photographic opportunities.
Absolutely beautiful…it’s what I miss living in Arizona. Although it’s beautiful here, I would love to shoot the coast and practice my craft at that.