Pre-Sunrise Pinks at ShenandoahShenandoah National Park

On my way to this spot, when it was still pitch black, I met a pretty decent size black bear. I was glad I was still in the car driving on Skyline Drive. Then, as I pitched my tripod and camera and waited for the sunrise, I was turning after each sound whether caused by a squirrel, chipmunk, or a bird. But the morning, including this prelude, was absolutely excellent!

The photograph above was a stage one. The darkness was replaced with this wild pink dance. Lasting only a few minutes, it reminded me why getting up for sunrises is a wonderful thing despite heaving to head out early and many times into very uncertain conditions.

The Valley is Waking UpLights under Clouds of Pink

That uncertainty certainly was the case this morning. It rained all night and it still drizzled as I got in the car under the cover of darkness and faint light from street lamps. The forecast was very iffy too, calling for overcast skies. However, there was a chance of a partly cloudy period just around the sunrise time. And in my opinion, it could not have worked out any better. One needs clouds so that the rising (or setting) sun has a canvas to paint on. But there can't be too many to cover the horizon and get in the way. And I was rewarded plentifully. I don't want to jump too much ahead though and give out what happened later. Let's just say the morning stayed true to this prelude of pink and I stayed fascinated for couple more hours.

I will leave you with one more photo as the valley below started waking up under the veil of pink.

Have fun!

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