An evening on Chincoteague Bay

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What a beginning to a splendid evening this image captured. This day ended with the sun setting behind the clouds being neither dramatic nor awe inspiring. There was nothing else that was truly special to see and record with a camera as the light faded away. That had already happened when the clouds started coming in and I took this picture.

This image will always be a trigger to my fond memories of everything later that evening. We had gone up to the third story rooftop deck to enjoy the awe inspiring perspective this brings to the sunset on Chincoteague Bay. The view from that vantage point of Chincoteague Bay and the Wildcat Marsh part of the federal Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge is truly breathtaking. As we got up there the clouds started coming in too. As they thickened, the photographer in me was starting to feel disappointment. The prospect of scenic sunset opportunities were fading away. And then the clouds thinned just enough for the sun to shine through. The glow it was giving off was in such an unusual and stunning hue. I am not sure if I have ever seen that shade displayed like that before. And then, just like that the sun disappeared behind the clouds for the evening. The photographer in me instinctively knew that I may have captured something interesting and longed for more opportunities that evening. Sometimes we can capture special “magical moments” in a image, but this was definitely not one of those times. My heart and soul accepted the call to just sit back and enjoy the experience by being a true participant and not continue as a chronicler. So, I put the camera down with the passing of the sun. It was such a joy watching the world around us settle down as night fell. This was the case where nothing special actually became very special. The couple in the kayak turned around and paddled back to where they came from. V-shaped flocks of Ibises, plus Herons and Egrets flew by on the way to their overnight spots. The last of the boats drifted lazily by on the way back to their docks. The noise and laughter of children and folks enjoying themselves became quiet as they were gathering inside for the evening. The lights on the opposite side of the bay turning on like stars off in the distance. And then it was our turn to go in and settle down for the night. Looking back on this experience, I am so glad that the rest of the evening ended up being neither dramatic nor awe inspiring. We only witnessed and experienced what happens most evenings on Chincoteague Bay, in some form or another. I guess Jimmy Buffett got it right when he sang, "Changes in latitudes, changes in attitudes". I could not have wished for a more perfect way to finish that day.