In golden light…

Following the road over and through the Marin Headlands to get to my chosen sunset shoot location, I was easily swayed into following the road to the bottom to see what was there.

Rodeo Beach was teeming with people already, wandering along, picnicking, gathering along the shore to watch the sun dip into the North Pacific Ocean. I knew if I put one foot out of the car that would be it. I would end up there for sunset too, and with a tight two days in the area it wasn’t part of the plan - this time.

So off back up the winding road and around Headlands I drove, over to where I had planned to be. There was no way I was missing this.

It became obvious pretty quickly I had picked one of the most popular spots so found myself recording the long walk down the hill on my watch; both so I felt virtuous about having another a recorded activity but also because I find it kinda cool to be able to look back at where in the world I’ve wandered.

Joining the mix of tourists and locals, I walked along the track to Battery Spencer Overlook to watch and capture the sunset from a higher vantage point, it being nearly 500 meters the bay, one of the most recognised views of the Golden Gate Bridge.

The wire fence separating the crowd from being able to get closer to the northern main tower was covered with love locks engraved and attached to the fence by couples declaring their everlasting love for each other, was bathed in a warm, golden light.

You couldn’t escape the hum of excitement permeating the atmosphere with people laughing and chattering amongst their groups as they waited to take their turns for selfies and group photos with the stunning backdrop of the bridge and the bay, with the city lights shimmering in the background as the sun steadily sank below the horizon.

Once the sun dropped and the light began to fade, groups of people began to leave, replaced by more, coming to gaze at the bridge… lit up in all its glory…. a shining, glowing icon beaming its light across the deepening night sky.

Leaving well after dark, with just a smattering of people remaining, and with my heart bursting happily with the experience and a card full of photographs, I made my way back to the car, unable to help myself from stopping again to capture a slightly different perspective.

Reluctantly I drove slowly down the hill and across that stupendous bridge back to my hotel to prepare to visit a different location the next morning.

My first night’s bridge shoot was done.