There is something magical about winter light. Often, a soft illumination warms the landscape when the sun hangs low behind a light layer of high clouds.
Regularly, I drive the winding Highway 101 of Washington state to Astoria, Oregon. It’s hard to keep my eyes on the road with all the passing beauty of the Willapa Bay estuary. I’ve come to expect beautiful light when I drive to appointments with no time to spare.
But the day after Christmas, I made time, hoping to escape into nature’s wonder. I had several grocery stops and a massage appointment in Astoria, an hour’s drive south. As I drove the highway, the early light caressed the surface of Willapa Bay. The arms of the estuary along 101’s scenic byway were glowing from the warm morning light.
After finishing my grocery shopping, I had 45 minutes before my appointment. Since I was close to Warrenton, I ducked into the Lewis & Clark National Historical Park. I had wandered the forest near the visitor’s center a week before. While exploring, I noted a tucked-away estuary vista I wanted to photograph.
I parked my Jeep near the pocket where the forest meets the marsh. Even though it was close to the county road, I felt nature welcoming me into her sanctuary. Dried cattail reeds and evergreen trees lined the water’s edge. Indirect rays of hazy light caressed the glassy surface. The thick Pacific Northwest forest swallowed any remaining ambient light.
While assembling my camera gear, I visualized the water and woodland filling my frame. The conditions were near perfect. Nature delivered ideal lighting and atmosphere to match my vision.
Time flew by, and it was time to leave. As I returned to my Jeep, I soaked in the last view overlooking the estuary’s peaceful expanse. I filled my lungs with crisp forest air, the setting overflowing with meaning.
While packing up my camera gear, I felt grounded and present after this brief creative respite surrounded by natural splendor. I jumped back into my Jeep and took the back roads to Astoria for my appointment.
Nothing changed, yet now, this space resonated with vitality and wisdom. I realized places like this small estuary infuse my days with magic. They serve as tether points. Grounding me when daily stresses threaten to overwhelm my routine. Even brief moments of wonder have the power to realign perspective.
The renewed energy and presence from such respites carry me farther. Both literal highways traversed, and the inner landscapes of mind travel each day. Inspiration washes over the mundane when we wade into nature’s restorative currents. Moments of wonder illuminate what matters most—guiding how I wish to walk through each hour of everyday normalcy.
I’ve learned to sip from nature’s restorative beauty. Whenever I can, I steal a few moments, allowing the stresses of daily life to fade into the background. These whispered trips refill my spirit to take on the days ahead.
Further Readings:
Behind the Scenes: Photographic Explorations of Altoona-Pillar Rock Road, Washington: Part 1
