Fall in Galena

I had pictured something different.

Galena Falls in the Mount Rose Wilderness. In my mind I had pictured a sunrise over the waterfall, golden light spilling across the landscape. I had it all planned out. But by the time I arrived, the sunrise had already passed. I miscalculated, and I missed it.

For a moment, I thought about turning back. What was the point if the perfect light was gone? But something told me to keep going. So I did, feeling the cool morning air and the weight of my disappointment.

When I got there, I paused. The waterfall was still stunning, even without the golden sunrise. And then I saw it—the fall colors blanketing the valley below. Golds, yellows, and deep russets stretched out as far as I could see, glowing softly in the early morning light. I did not expect the backdrop to the waterfall to be so...autumn. 

It wasn’t the shot I had planned, but it was something else. Something better. I set up my camera, capturing the waterfall and the vivid autumn colors. The sky above, dark and moody, added a dramatic touch.

Sometimes, things don’t go as planned. You miss the sunrise, and disappointment creeps in. But when you push through, you might find that what’s waiting for you is even more beautiful than what you imagined.