The Best Sunset

(Continuing the recap of my late April trip to Bandon and the Southern Oregon coast....) 

My three days in Bandon had been full ones.  After spending a spectacular morning at Shore Acres State Park, I was pooped.  Back at my yurt, the weekend crowd had cleared out. Finally enjoying some peace and quiet, I was sorely tempted to skip tonight's beach trip.
 

Wild iris in evening light

But I'd come here to photograph the coast!  And I wasn't about to give my camera the night off.  So when evening rolled around, I gathered my gear and headed once more to Coquille Point, my favorite Bandon beach.

Bandon homes near the jetty

Instead of going directly to the Wizard's Hat and other well-know sea stacks, this time I decided to explore the opposite direction.  I strolled across a high cliff until I came to a fantastic viewpoint.  The Coquille River and it's jetty stretched out into the sea.  A long string of colorful beach homes lined the shore.  Warm light bathed everything. 

Blue waves

Today had been a hot one (unusual for April on the Oregon coast), but with the coming nightfall, temps were much more pleasant.  I lingered on the clifftop, enjoying the cool breezes and great views.

Footprints

Then I meandered down to beach level.  The setting sun cast a pleasant glow on the sand.

Birds looking for food

I watched shorebirds skitter along the waterline, looking for their dinner.

The vast beach

The sand seemed to stretch out forever.  I loved the vastness of it all.

Rope swing on driftwood

I came upon a piece of driftwood that had gotten embedded in on of the larger shoreline rocks.  Someone had tied a rope around one end, and rigged a crude swing.

Foggy pink light

Eventually I ended up back at my favorite sunset beach.  Spying the seastack group where I'd photographed for the last two nights, I began to walk that way.

The show begins...

But I'd misjudged the time - sunset was happening now!

Orange-hued beach

Positioning myself beside a lone seastack, I grabbed my camera and began to shoot.  The setting sun illuminated the beach a soft tangerine color.

Sun reflection on the water

I thought the night's clear skies would give an uninteresting sunset.  I couldn't have been more wrong!

Slowly sinking

The sun produced such a intense shade of orange, the sky practically glowed.  It reflected in the water like a bright blaze.

Going....

A little shorebird stationed himself right in front of my viewfinder.  At first I was annoyed the bird wouldn't move.  But then I realized he added something to the scene.

Gone!

I stayed put, clicking away, as the sun slowly dropped into the horizon.

Warm afterglow

The sun's final rays gave off a vibrant peach color in the sky, that reflected onto the ocean waves.

The sky remained orange for a long time after

As I packed up and began walking back to my car, the sky continued to exhibit a soft orange glow.  It silhouetted the offshore rocks beautifully.  Arriving at the parking lot, this vibrant color was still lingering on the horizon.  People had stopped in their tracks and were gazing in awe.  I stood by my car for another five minutes enjoying the show.  Such a lovely sunset, even Mother Nature didn't want it to end.

Bandon saved the best for last!

Yes, Bandon had saved the best for last.  A fitting end to a wonderful weekend on the Southern Oregon coast.

Sharing with:  Scenic Weekends and Skywatch Friday