Point Reyes - Chimney Rock

I had been trying to get this shot for months, and I was on my third time trying to get it. I checked the sunset forecast in the morning, and it said there wasn't going to be anything. So I ended up doing a bunch of work stuff, got called into an unexpected meeting that went until 3:00, not expecting to do anything exciting that day. Then I checked the forecast again after my meeting, and now it said there was expected to be a vibrant sunset just around this little section of Point Reyes. I was thrilled, but would I make it in time?

For some reason, I had it in my head that it was around a 1.5 hour drive. I wouldn't be able to get on the road till after 4:00, so I thought, "even if there is some traffic, it should only add a half hour tops, so I should still have plenty of time. When I put it in my maps, it said the drive was 2:40, making my ETA 6:55. "Oh no, if the sunset is at 7:00, there is no way I can make the drive and the hike in time." So with the hopes that I could get there faster than my maps said I would, I packed up my car and headed out to see if I could make it.

I'm driving as fast as I can without getting pulled over, driving in the carpool lane when I shouldn't be, driving on windy country roads almost sliding, not drinking any water to make sure I wouldn't need to stop and go to the bathroom, and constantly looking down at my phone seeing if I am shaving off any time on my ETA. I managed to get there at 6:35, saving 20 minutes. I get out of the car and gather my stuff as fast as I can, and I run up the trail. I managed to make it there 10 minutes before sunset. With a little sigh of relief, and taking a little time to catch my breath, I stake out my spot, set up the tripod, and get ready for the sunset. When it finally came, it felt like a dream. I couldn't believe I was finally seeing it like I envisioned it. After months of preparation, checking forecasts, the two previous failed attempts, and the irresponsible driving to make it here in time, it felt surreal. I packed up my gear in relief and excitement, making the long drive home in the night grinning the whole way that I finally captured my dream shot.