The thrill of the chase

This may look like a peaceful sunrise, but going after it was just plain exhilarating!

I had intended to be up an hour or so before the sun, just to make sure I didn't miss anything. So when my husband asked if I was awake before he went to work, I said "Sure, hon. Thanks."
And went back to sleep.

Luckily, I had opened our bedroom curtains, and next time I opened my eyes, the whole sky was pink.

Well, two minutes later I was dressed, grabbed my camera, and was out the door. I had already scouted a spot I knew I wanted to try for, so I sped down our road to get away from all the trees.

We have a large hill in our area from which you can see in all directions. And this morning it was a glorious place to be. I parked on the side of the road, jumped out of the car and found myself laughing at the sheer joy of being in that place at that time.

Freezing cold. I had left my gloves on the kitchen table. Windy. I pulled up the hood on my favorite sweatshirt (thank you, outdoorguy!) One gentleman stopped to see if the crazy woman with her car off the road needed help. He laughed and shook his head when I told him I was just taking pictures.

It's been a long time since I've hiked through wilderness unprepared. I had forgotten how absurdly wonderful it can feel. and how stupid it is.

With my fingers barely working, I took a few pictures, waited for the sun to rise a little bit, took a few more...and didn't want it to end.

Thank you, blip, for making me feel so alive again.