The Awe You Can’t Help But Describe: Setting Sun on Injuns

Evening comes and the mountains are lit with one of the most beautiful views that one wishes could be visible for an eternity- sunset. The evening sky comes alive in a riot of colors as the setting sun sinks gently behind the craggy ridges— blazing reds, dusky purple, even delicate blush. Glorious landscapes are created during this period as soft shades stand in for what is usually the harsher nature at this time of the day.

Nowhere is this element better depicted than iridescence in these clouds. They both scatter and refract the weaker light creating an iridescent effect on the clouds themselves. Very delicate haar clouds are capable of bringing out electric shoals of last light which appears like gold that has just been melted with a hard flame. Comprising cirrus clouds and thick cumulus these contrasts hone the basic thrust of every picture. This means for example that if the weather changes, one’s experience of viewing the sunset will also change.

One by one, the mountains set in the twilight and the shadows in the hills grow longer – beseeching for consideration. The air is fresh, winding without a vigorous blow but lightly chilling, though the breeze comes with the smell of very fresh pine and dampness. Not only does this outlook signify the end of the day but it is also an opportunity to appreciate the day that has passed and the impermanence of all things within it.

As one sits calmly in the hills, gazing at the sunset is surpassed, however, not by its breathtaking beauty but as a testament of Mother Nature’s handiwork and the serenity that comes with it.