Sunset Watching at Point Lobos

Should we have stayed at home and thought of here?
Where should we be today?
Is it right to be watching strangers in a play
in this strangest of theatres?
What childishness is it that while there's a breath of life
in our bodies, we are determined to rush
to see the sun the other way around?

--from Elizabeth Bishop's "Questions of Travel"

I had a brunch meeting with my boss. After our technical discussion, my boss politely asked me what's my plan for the day and if I would go out taking photos. I told her I hadn't thought about it yet (in fact, I was thinking: I hope you are not suggesting I should be working today, boss). After we parted, I decided to go with the flow and drove to Point Lobos. I had my D800E with me, but didn't feel like in the mood for any serious shooting so I just left it in the trunk and started hiking. On the trail, I suddenly realized I hadn't been watching the sun set for a long long time. Yes, I took photos at the magic moment, but I had always been busy, setting up camera, adjusting filter, checking exposure, etc. When was the last time I just sat and enjoyed the sun set? I couldn't even recall! 

So I stopped at this spot, sat in the chair, waited, and enjoyed the sunset for the first time in a very long time. (I was surprised the sun took much longer to set than I remembered.) Ironically I still had my cell phone with me so I couldn't help but to take a few snaps (as if I need proof for my moment of happiness). On my way home, Bishop's poem popped up in my head and I thought "not a bad way to end a day".