Sunrise Sunset
Sometimes The Sky Thrills Us But We Often Take Its Beauty For Granted
Have you watched the artistry of the sun or moon lately
On the island of Ibiza, Spain, there is a very popular, fun phenomenon during tourist season. It is ‘sunset watching.’ One travel blogger, Laura, puts it:
I’ve seen some even more impressive sunsets in my adventures across the world, but there’s nothing quite like the buzz of an Ibizan sunset.
Discover Ibiza describes it thus:
There are many enticing elements that draw travellers to the White Isle…The most awe-inspiring part of Ibiza, however, are the gorgeous sunsets. As the sun settles on the horizon, onlookers are treated to a heavenly blend of colours that connects with a sense of wonder.
Naturally, promotional articles and polite bloggers speak with glorious(!) terms, but if ever there, you will see something a little different. Careful, though, as it may not be to your taste. Remember, it comes with bikinis, alcohol, club music, and crowds. Did I mention bikinis?
Even with contemporary transportation, we still live some 17 hours 45 minutes + and over $2,806 from an Ibiza sunset.
Spain sounds beautiful, but we have incredible skies right here. As you can see in the above photo, the sunset, even over an urban mall, is breathtaking.
Our vantage points are from an eastward picture window for mornings and a balcony from which to see the sunsets. Our corner apartment is on the highest hill and is on the top floor, so the sky seems all around us.
Except for foggy days and the inevitable snowy scenes, we are awed every time we look out and up.
Then there is the full moon, something exotic about the orange ball as it emerges from the water.
Being at the right spot at the right time is tricky. Once, we thought we were in an ideal location next to a Perkins restaurant on the Lake. We watched and watched until we discovered we were looking in the exact direction, but behind a large parking lot sign.
Another time, we drove north on the Lake highway and found a great spot. We were again foiled by a haze preventing a clear, crisp photo. Even so, the search was worth it.
Living at 46.80 N, we often experience the Northern Lights or Aurora Borealis. These dancing, colorful displays are mesmerizing.
Wikipedia encapsulates them like this:
An aurora, also commonly known as the polar lights, is a natural light display in Earth’s sky, predominantly seen in high-latitude regions. Auroras display dynamic patterns of brilliant lights that appear as curtains, rays, spirals, or dynamic flickers covering the entire sky.
The Native Americans of our area were not always pleased with them.
The Fox Indians, who lived in Wisconsin, regarded the light as an omen of war and pestilence. To them the lights were the ghosts of their slain enemies who, restless for revenge, tried to rise up again.
They often come as a surprise. Driving across the top of Wisconsin on a clear night, we kept seeing what we thought were flashing lights from the Lake. Finally, when crossing a bridge, we realized the horizon to the north was filled with dancing Aurora. It took our breath away.
It may be time to reimagine our wonderful planet during a heightening climate crisis.
The Washington Post, in a Sunday, December 4, 2022 article, makes a new commitment to address these critical facts.
Today, we are pleased to introduce (our) expansion of Climate coverage, a major investment that is commensurate with the story of climate change and its profound impact on humanity and the planet.
That 8 billion humans are on this planet makes it almost impossible to slow the crumbling of our environment. But how much sense does it make to do nothing? Or add to the disaster?
The newspaper goes beyond its commitment to reveal the problem. The Post also works to find what to do about it. An ongoing project, Climate Solutions, offers myriad ways to address the crisis.
We all see the same moon, feel the same solar warmth, and know the joy of a sunrise.
The sky is for everyone, everywhere. Trying our best to preserve this planet benefits all humanity.
Thanks for reading this somewhat troubling essay. Maybe, now, you need a little humor:
