Sunday, January 12, 2014

Some Enchanted Isla Sunsets

A number of readers have commented on how pretty the sunrises are here on the Isla de Piedra, and indeed they are.  But, the main attraction, the thing that has drawn so many of us to navigate all the way down to Mazatlan and drive our RVs down a long dusty, bumpy road to get here…are the sunsets.

Last winter, when I was unable to leave cold and snowy Chicago due to caring for my terminally ill mother, one thing that made those days just a little more tolerable were the near-nightly posts of gorgeous sunsets from Contessa’s blog.  I resolved that when my mom’s final chapter was done, I’d make it a priority to start enjoying my life and those kinds of sunsets RIGHT NOW and not before old age or failing health could push them forever out of reach.

So here I am a year later…actually living that dream!  Honestly, it still feels a bit surreal, but I don’t let that worry me too much!  This is a winter I hope each and every one of you gets to experience some day for yourselves.

Not only am I now experiencing those gorgeous sunsets, I’m discovering that great travel experiences really don’t require jam-packed itineraries to check off how many new places one can see every day.  The better, more meaningful experiences can happen just sitting still for awhile—to fully absorb a new culture, new natural surroundings, new music, foods, and people.

I’m learning that if you happen to finally discover paradise….for gosh sakes, don’t be in any great hurry to leave it!

Weather on the Isla continues to be absolutely perfect (the continued forecast is sunny days with highs in the low 80’s and lows in the upper 50’s), the community here is wonderful, and there is still much, much more of this little piece of paradise to appreciate.  So I’ve decided to stay here another month to see what new sunsets come my way!

The view never changes….just the twin peaks at the end of the Mazatlan harbor entrance of Las Chivas on the left side, and El Faro on the right.

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And yet…the view seems to be different almost every night!  Some nights there are motorcycles..

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   or the local caballero on his horse..

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or a beach walker…

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or a sailboat…

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or just a long line of pelicans on their way home to their island for the night…

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Some nights the sky is so clear you can see Venus shining above almost as bright as the moon…

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Other nights bring moody storm clouds with only the lighthouse at the top of El Faro to show the way…

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The colors of the sky are ever-changing.  From deep blue with gentle wisps of golden clouds..

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to broad sweeps of pink and orange…

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to a sky full of pink polka-dotted clouds..

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and even some nights of vivid purple!

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When the sky has no clouds to offer, the palm trees and party lights can fill in…

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But when the clouds look ready to put on a show, such as two nights ago, I bring out my big Canon, set it down low on a tripod, and begin snapping away at the ever-changing colors. (photo by Contessa)

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The bright blues and yellows of the setting sun…

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to the vivid reds of the sun’s last light…

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this is some enchanted Isla indeed!

26 comments:

  1. Your words brought tears to my eyes. Having lost my mother just six months ago I understand your thought process and I am so glad that you have come to the Isla to find your own personal paradise. Sometimes we do gain more just by sitting quietly and observing the energies of life swirling around us. LOVE your sunset photos.

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    1. Thank you for inspiring me (and your many other blog readers) to come experience the Isla!

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  2. Brilliant, Lynne ... needed this, this morning. ;) remembering my own Mother's death and my staying with her and going east in 2007... and now almost 7 years later ... I needed to be reminded.

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    1. Yes, I think the older we get, the more we understand how important it is to "do what you love and love what you do"!

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  3. Wow, absolutely gorgeous sunset photos, every one of them! Thanks for sharing.

    I'll bet your mom is looking down at you with such pleasure, enjoying those sunsets right along with you. :)

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    1. What a wonderful thought! Thank you! Hope you are getting some nice sunsets in Q this winter too!

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  4. Some great sunset pics! If sunsets are what brought you to Mazatlan in the winter, then we'll be seeing you in Saskatchewan this summer! Land of the living skies, so they say.

    www.travelwithkevinandruth.com

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    1. Ha ha! Well, who knows! I've been enjoying all my Canadian neighbors here, so I just might be road-tripping through Canada one of these summers soon to re-visit them! Saskatchewan will be on the list!

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  5. Fabulous photos Lynn. Glad this trip is fulfilling all your desires.

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    1. Thanks Colleen. It's been a great place to rest and recharge!

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  6. Incredible photos. I agree with your estimation of 'now versus later'. Like you, my life seems surreal. It wasn't planned but ...... here we are.

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    1. Yep, isn't it great how life does that when you really need it to?!! I enjoyed your posts on Stephen Foster State Park. Always seem to miss that place when going to Florida and you reminded me to not miss it the next time!

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  7. Beautiful sunsets Lynn, thank you for sharing!

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  8. Stunning, every one of them! And the best part? I KNOW they are not photoshopped, because now I have seen them with my own eyes. ;-)

    Don't miss a single one, for the rest of us back in the work doldrums!

    Suzanne
    www.taketothehighway.com

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    1. We've had a string of no-cloud days here recently, so I think you were lucky to see as many good ones as you did last month!

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  9. Zowee, I'm so glad you commented over at Babsblog today. DO contact me when you get to San MIguel. I'd
    love to meet you and hear about your travels etc. I haven't made it to Mazatlan as yet but now you've really got me thinking about a road trip.........one way or the other!
    I'm adding you to the blogroll today!

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    1. Thanks Babs! I went to your blog to try and contact you, but can't seem to find a way to do so. If you read this reply, please click the Contact Us link on the sidebar here to send me an email. I'd love to meet up with you when I get to San Miguel-- would love to chat with you about the ex-pat Mexico life (among other things!).

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  10. So enjoying your posts. Sunsets have always been magical for me. We are heading to Mazatlan either in September or October next year. You and Contessa have been my inspiration. Thank you!! Margie www.babyboomersonthego.com

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    1. Can't wait for your pictures and impressions. I think you'll have a great time here!

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  11. I love your view! my husband and i are in the market for a smaller MH we are looking at the View or a leisure van. what you thoughts on the View Profile?

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