Dangerous Circumstances Beneath an All Natural Sunset
This picture, like all my pictures here, was run through Lightroom. It was cropped from the bottom and sides, but otherwise untouched. No saturation correction, no clarity, no contrast. Zilch. This is the sunset as I saw it, the same sunset I thought for a minute might cause me some major damage.
Like a moth I fluttered beyond the sands to the rocks in the picture, to try to get the soft smooth flows of the Pacific over stone. As the light dwindled, I clambered over the surface and picked up my camera whenever the waves shot up to my shins, until I realized with a shock that the waves weren’t going away. When I looked at the beach, I saw a gulf between me and the sand. I had a flashlight, thankfully, but when I shined it on the stream between rock and beach I saw a river snapping and hissing with muscular intent. The light was red and dull now, and I couldn’t make out the depth or form of anything beneath my feet; in water up to my knees, I tried to find some sort of passage back to shore, a hump of sand, a bridge of small rocks, but being barefoot meant the stepping was rough. What would I do when I got to the edge? My camera would be toast, at the very least.
I found what I thought was the edge of the bluff, and prepared to lower myself into the swirling rush. I would sink to all fours and use my hands and feet to claw myself along the sand and rock for the fifty yards to where I knew the water would be shallow enough for me to stand in. No way to swim through without being carried into the waves south.
But then I stopped to think for one last second. Why not let nature tell you what to do?
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I just got off the phone with a scientist who is making headlines by saying the north polar ice cap will be completely gone by the year 2013. That’s in five years. Open water, every summer, over the North Pole. Your children might still be in high school, your dog still chasing butterflies. I asked the scientist the only question of importance I ask scientists: How does it feel to see the subject of your studies disappear in the middle of your studying? They hate this question. Their shoulders droop, tones fall. The oceanographer says to me, only minutes ago: When the ice is gone, I will feel as if I have lost a member of my family.
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And on that edge of rock in the red sunset, foaming current growling at my feet, I had the only question I ask of Nature: “What the f--- should I do?”
Well, I can walk around like a chimpanzee on a combat patrol, ready to be the snarling male for the benefit of friend and foe, or I can be the baby Nature made me, and fall into her lap with a whine: “Mama, save me!”
In the story My Secret Nicaragua.
32 responses
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Audrey Kanekoa-Madrid gave props (16 April 2008):
Gorgeous photo, wonderful description!
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brian krisch said (16 April 2008):
oh my gosh
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Frederic Frognier gave props (16 April 2008):
Fantastic colors
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Kiwi ana gave props (17 April 2008):
Seanie, I love your words, this story is phenomenal as are your photographs.
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Vicenç !!! said (17 April 2008):
Wellcome back Seanie.I'm happy enjoy your pictures again!!!!
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Gary Fudge gave props (17 April 2008):
Great story. I don't know which I like more, that or the wonderful image. Both! they compliment each other so well.
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Rachel Mckinnie gave props (18 April 2008):
"The powers you have never cease to amaze me. " Well put Peggy Sue.
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Joseph Rotindo said (18 April 2008):
you know, seanie, the first time I saw the pacific was on the western coast of Panama...and the contrast between the relatively peaceful Atlantic with its 5 to 7 foot swell and the Pacific with its roaring 10-20 footers...was simply something to behold. within a day, we had gone from rolling to rocking and rolling...
this is an amazing photo... -
Kathi Moore gave props (19 April 2008):
I am always in awe of your work and talent! The colors are absolutely amazing. I am glad that you are posting photos again! Even though you have your own site, I am glad that you are willing to come back here as I truly believe that your work, like others adds something amazing to this site!! Plus, I love reading the stories behind the shots.
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Laura Boston-thek gave props (19 April 2008):
Another cup of coffee cold....as I sit here and absorb once again those telling words. WONDERFUL!! The whole dang package! Thanks for jump starting another day for me...
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Yasmina Baggili gave props (19 April 2008):
Absolutely amazing shot! Great work.
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Reese M. gave props (20 April 2008):
like usual, awesome work!
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Nakoami Stallard gave props (21 April 2008):
Gorgeous! This shot is so striking!
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Michele Randell gave props (22 April 2008):
Wonderful story as usual. Amazing shot!
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Konrad Ragnarsson gave props (24 April 2008):
Wow,great pic,and thank you for your comment on my finger nails
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Melissa Olsen gave props (25 April 2008):
More beautiful words and stunning image Seanie.
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Anne Mcginn gave props (26 April 2008):
Heartbreaking and beautiful - we are living on a planet with a chronic disease, but hopefully not a fatal one. Works like this are heroic, Seanie. I salute you and admire how you put your talents to a good cause.
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Rain Arnau gave props (26 April 2008):
i read the story and it captivates me. your wordings are very true. and i love the scientist part :D and the very last part :D and oh, this picture is breath taking. love it.
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Rain Arnau gave props (26 April 2008):
no wonder this photo is hot! :D
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judy fouse gave props (27 April 2008):
Your stories always compel me to think beyond what I know, and they always leave me with a smile no matter the content--just to appreciate the talent of the author. Welcome back to our world. Judy
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Jason Watt gave props (28 April 2008):
Another fine serman from my favourite preacher. Oh and the picture's a floozy too!
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Michel Vaque gave props (4 May 2008):
beautiful!love the light.
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John Linton gave props (10 May 2008):
What da ya know, Seanie Blue is in the pink.
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-adniloj- gave props (12 May 2008):
Amazing; yes, the whole package! well done seanie
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Farras Abdelnour gave props (16 May 2008):
So beautiful, so gorgeous!
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Andrew Lorimer gave props (18 May 2008):
Beautiful
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Tesha Farlow gave props (26 June 2008):
stunning love it
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Tiphaera Chiara gave props (29 June 2008):
love the colour!! great shot...
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Marianne Greig gave props (22 November 2008):
phenomenal capture and caption
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David Baker gave props (25 December 2008):
WHOA!!!!!!Crip shot............WOW!!! I'm blown away! just a mindblowing sunset and no post work! INSANE SHOT!!!!!! Fav for sure. You should be a photo journalist..........or are you? Glad you made it. Shaka.......
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Manon Boily gave props (29 December 2008):
I'm very touched by the colorful picture and the description. you're an artist with a lot of talent. I can see myself in your eyes...
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Amber Gregory gave props (7 May 2009):
most awesome title EVER!
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