Spring Moments near Quileute, Washington

The headlands are usually the last to relinquish their fog from the warming sun. It's best to try to get out early when the weather is good, as it may be gone in just an hour. I saw that it was already dissipating as I walked to one of my favorite and oft visited areas over many years. It's a place of solitude and beauty.

In spring this area is truly a wild place, where few visitors are seen. The weather is capricious and one has to be careful with the wave and surge action, especially when completely alone.

The sun was blazing but the fog held. Tide was approaching, so I had my back to the waves, which always makes me a little more than nervous. It was amazing. The sun through the trees was splitting the light into many fragments. I took a few photographs of the rays. Then  I moved back (closer to those waves) so a light curtain of beams covered the shore. It was magic and unusual.

Beautiful Light Beams

Another day I was kayaking with a friend on the Quillayute River near La Push on another beautiful sunny day. After taking photographs of at least 20 eagles, we took a break and were presented with these radiating cirrus clouds right over Little James Island. Flowers were blooming. It was Spring in full measure.

Waves forming a V and Radiating Clouds

 Link to more photographs on my website>

Waves and Weather at La Push II

The next day brought clearing weather and less wind. It was completely different there. Sun, then rain and wind. Often in spring we have rain cells with their strong vertical motion. It's a rarity to have lightning, but hail can be a factor.

 Later, towards evening, it seemed all the "best" clouds were to the south, and sometimes felt it might have been better to have gone to Second Beach. While mulling over a seemingly missed opportunity, a small sparrow landed not six feet away, and sang a most beautiful, complex song. He looked squarely at me, and flew away. It was very calming. I stood up and walked a few paces, and a bald eagle took to flight not ten feet away. We were both startled and he was enormous.

Clouds parted for a very calm and beautiful sunset.

 Contrast was lower now as the last of the light on the sea stacks so I stayed for this light, then headed back along the river and climbed the driftwood for a dark and quiet walk back on the beach.

Waves and Weather at La Push

The beauty of spring storms, where the Pacific Ocean meets the coast, are a photographer's dream. It's the times before a storm and after a front passes that are most intriguing and hold potential. Planning revolves around rain, wind and tides. Studies of weather patterns, clouds and other signs, date back to my high school and college days. Competitive sailing brought focus and enjoyment studying the complexities of wind and weather.  The internet has brought powerful tools to bare to track storms, know the wave heights and rain patterns, but there are always surprises

The Quillayute River, a convergence of four rivers, empties into the Pacific here. It was an integral source of life for the Quileute peoples for millennia. James Island, or A-Ka-Lat, stands at it's mouth, with it's rich, ancient history. It's always a privilege to be here.

Storm approaching

A strong offshore wind was creating some very beautiful and ephemeral back spray with the incoming waves. Breaks in the clouds brought brief light to areas in the scene

 While walking out to the point, sea lions in the river are in search of their next salmon treat.

There is a peace here that is comforting and welcome.