Thursday, September 18, 2008

Cape Flattery

Pacific sunset from Cape Flattery

At the end of the road, the end of the earth.

Cape Flattery, the furthest point at the northwestern tip of the continental United States, and last to see the sun set over the Pacific Ocean, is within the Makah Indian Reservation on the coast of Washington.
Weaving our way over narrow, unmarked roads, racing the sun, past scattered trailers and tribal gathering places, we found the deserted lot, displayed our just-purchased Recreation Permit, and hastily hiked out to the point.

From a high, narrow lookout, the ocean faintly seen, pounding the rocks and caves below.
The fog, thick and cool.
The sky, white.

Thinning bit by bit, Tatoosh Island and its lighthouse emerged,
rosy skies to either side.
And glimpses of Vancouver Island to the north.
Then a clearing,
and the sun slipped past the horizon.


appearing through the fog
Tatoosh Island


looking toward the north to Vancouver Island


looking south over Pacific Ocean


See more Skywatch here.

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51 comments:

Juliana RW said...

gorgeous sky series

Please drop at my SWF post also: in HERE. Thanks

Pearl Maple said...

Simply beautiful, thanks for sharing your wonderful photos with sky watch friday and the story about what we are seeing. Looks like a very scenic part of the globe.

Anonymous said...

What a beautiful photo-serie!

Anne-Berit said...

Wow,stunning pictures.Beautiful blue colour!

Anonymous said...

What a stunning series!

Anonymous said...

WOW! Your photos are jaw dropping!~ I love that first one. I can see why it made as your first:) Love it!~Mine is here. See you there!~ Happy SWF!~

Anonymous said...

Fantastic set! Very soft gentle imagery! Bravo!
Cheers, Klaus

Guy D said...

Outstanding photos, thanks for sharing

Cheers

http://reginainpictures.blogspot.com/

Lisa at Greenbow said...

So this is what it looks like at the end of the world. I am glad you didn't fall off the edge. It would have been tempting to follow the sun into this beautiful area.

Carletta said...

That first one is so calm and peaceful looking. I loved your commentary.
Beautiful series!

Pernille said...

OMG! They are all so beautiful! I have no words!:)

Photo Cache said...

Beautiful has been used a lot with the commenters. But that's what your photos are.

Michele said...

Stunning ... absolutely stunning! You are gifted!

Have a nice weekend!
~Michele J~
Mountain Retreat

Ivar Østtun said...

wow. A M A Z I N G
Love the mist.
Lovely SWF :-)

bobbie said...

What a wonderful place to be! All delightful photos.

Petunia said...

I saw the first shot and thought WoW! And then I scrolled up the next and the next...
You really did it this week!
Great post:)

Tom said...

Hi Nina
You capture the most beautiful views...and so glad you share them.. :o)

Mine's Here

Unknown said...

Love the blues. maybe you should post these on Blur Monday over at Smiling Sally's blog.

Kathie Brown said...

Nina, what lovely shots. It must have been quite an experience. I have been to the easternmost point in Easport, Maine. Now you have shown me the west. Beautiful! I love that bit of lavender hue lying along the horizan.

Laura ~Peach~ said...

brilliant colors I love them! great SWF pics

Anonymous said...

Beautiful pictures and captivating narrative. Thanks for a great SWF post!

Rose said...

These are wonderful!

Brad Myers said...

A great series of photos, it looks like someplace I need to visit.

Pat - Arkansas said...

Thanks for letting me see "the end" of that part of the world through your eyes, Nina. It's a beautiful place.

Lovely Sky Watch.

Fish Whisperer said...

I grew up in the NW and loved going out to the cape. Wonderful photos. You have brought back some great memories. Thanks and have a wonderful weekend.
Cheers

Anonymous said...

Beautiful pictures Nina! I especially love these shots from my favorite state to live in :0)

SandyCarlson said...

These are gorgeous. Thanks for the narrative, too!

sonia a. mascaro said...

You’ve captured such beautiful sky colours!

Thanks for your nice visiting.

This Is My Blog - fishing guy said...

Nina: A beautiful view from the NW coast of the USA. Very nice photos.

Anonymous said...

nice post and wonderful photos! i lvoe the colors of the sky over the horizon.

Anonymous said...

I love the shot of the fog and the sky together :) A mysterious feel to it.
Happy Skywatch!

Norm said...

beautiful set of photos and a very informative post, very interesting..thanks for sharing..

Anonymous said...

Excellent! Thank you for taking us along with you to photograph the sunset.

 gmirage said...

_Wow! Those are beautiful images...I like the fog's effect too! Happy skywatching and thanks!

The Birdlady said...

Just breath-taking. Thank you.

The Birdlady said...

Just breath-taking. Thank you.

Dewdrop said...

That first shot... wow! It almost makes me feel scared... seems like the end. Amazing. All your shots are truly incredible!

Marina said...

Gorgeous photos!!!
When I first saw your profile picture I thought that you were greek! You have the colors of greek people...

Quiet Paths said...

You speak my language. We were just here in June (spend time here each year) but stayed on Rialto Beach and Mora. These photos are so lovely - capturing the wild coast in all its beauty. Wonderful; you don't know how much I enjoyed seeing these.

Reader Wil said...

Thank you for sharing your peaceful images with us!
Thanks for your visit too, and have a great weekend.

Anonymous said...

Nina, these photos are stunning. I wish I took them! Each one so serene and lovely. Thank you for posting such a superior series for SWF. And thanks for visiting my blog!

Louise said...

FABULOUS pictures and commentary. I would be surprised if every single person who saw and read this doesn't want to go get their own recreation permit for that beautiful hike to see such an incredible sunset.

Louise said...

FABULOUS pictures and commentary. I would be surprised if every single person who saw and read this doesn't want to go get their own recreation permit for that beautiful hike to see such an incredible sunset.

Lavender and Vanilla Friends of the Gardens said...

It is great to see the big white world vicariously through SWF. Your beautiful pictures add a generous touch of interest and beauty. I had a quick snoop through your other nature pictures; they are worthwhile to come back in leisure to enjoy.
Have a lovely weekend.

Unknown said...

Great set of shots!

Unknown said...

Beautiful atmospheric piccies

syel said...

beautiful. stunning! can't think of anything else to describe the photos!

Rambling Woods said...

What scenery..the air looks crisp and clean...

Mary said...

Just lovely!!!

A Colorful World said...

Absolutely gorgeous photographs and wonderful narrative!
Marie

PS We had a hummingbird nest on the eave of our porch once long ago and I've never posted my pictures because they are just AWFUL shots! Your pics are astounding, and sure brought back memories!

Anonymous said...

Lovely location, and you've captured it well. I want to visit!