Light and Shadow

Light and Shadow
            There’s something magical about transitions between bright day and dark night. Morning light breaking across the dim grays of dawn. Shadows of encroaching dusk growing longer on a trail still warm from the sun.
            The play between dark and light makes for enticing effects in a photographer’s arsenal. Sharp visual contrast stirs up emotions.
            Why? I don’t know. 
            In life as well, sharp transitions bring strong emotional highs and lows. The birth of a child, the death of a friend.
            The poignancy we sense as the sun rises above the rooftops, or sinks below an ocean horizon, comes naturally.
            Like a heartbroken lover intentionally wallowing in sad songs, perhaps looking at images of contrasting shadow and light vents our emotional steam at a controlled level.
            This week’s Hike Notes brings visitors to the Owl Trail, one of the most stunning stretches of ocean views along the coast. Though it’s one of the most beautiful trails, fortunately, it is not one of the most crowded.
            Please feel free to share. If you’re not able to take one of these Northern California hikes, hopefully you can enjoy the photos! Check the Home page for the broader background story. Click Insights/Hike Update News for inspiring reflections. 
            The list of hikes is getting long! Please check the Quick View Hike List or scroll down the main Hikes page to see the current list of hike notes.
New this week:
Hike Notes 89: Owl Trail