Etiwanda’s Sunset

Most hiking trails on mountains are from sunrise to sunset. This is to avoid any dangers for hikers who are unprepared when the sunset and darkness envelopes the trails within minutes.

I know this trail pretty well but I still don't risk my car being closed in the gates if the park rangers actually stick to the schedule. But today I decided I’d risk it, just by 20 minutes.

I began my hike just as the sun got close to the horizon. With the camera on the tripod, I’d quickly prop it up and take some photos of me. The Canon has an app to control it form the iPhone which makes it easier to compose and take the photos. It’s still buggy as hell but it’s a lot better than using a control or a self timer.

The view was amazing going up the trail. Most people I’d see were rushing down already. I wonder what they thought as they’d see me setting up the camera and taking some photos.

Since I knew I couldn’t make it all the way to the waterfall, I decided to take a detour. I headed to the left and found the picnic area. By the time I got there the light was perfect. Everything was covered by the beautiful golden blanket.

Things popped and shinned if they were hit by the light. The blue skies looked even more saturated as well. Such a wonderful experience.

Even as I rushed down in some darkness, there was still beauty all around me as the blue hues made rocks and leaves take a new look and feel.

And thanks to the park ranger who didn’t get there to lock the gate even though I was 20 minutes after the closing time.