A pretty but unspectacular start to the sunset at Fakahatchee Strand
Florida is known for great sunsets. Key West is especially famous for them. However, I never made it to a beach while I was in Florida. I was too busy exploring swamps and having river and hiking adventures. I did stumble upon a beautiful sunset though after hiking and exploring Fakahatchee Strand State Preserve.
Fakahatchee Strand Florida closes at sunset. Since I enjoyed the preserve so much I was kind of cutting it close. As I drove out towards highway 29, I noticed the sun going down on my right. I was torn between hightailing it out, not wanting to get in trouble with the rangers, or staying and watching the sunset.
The sun emerged from the cloud bank before disappearing over the trees
As the sun began to descend over a distant stand of cypress trees, I knew I had to stay and watch Mother Nature’s magic for another twenty minutes. I figured the park personal would understand.
The sunset started out in very unspectacular fashion, but it got better and better as most sunsets do. There was batch of low lying clouds blocking the sun on the horizon. Wisps of light stuck out, but the clouds prevented a good view. Then, the sun emerged for only a few short minutes before dropping behind a group of trees. I took a few pictures of this and returned to the car.
Fakahatchee Sunset in full stride
No surprise in Florida when a couple of herons fly over to join the magic at Fakahatchee Strand
Often times the sunset is best when the sun actually disappears. The sun continues to reflect on the overhead clouds and the sky turns from bright orange to pink. While in the bright orange phase, I noticed one palm tree sticking out from the rest. I thought this would be great to frame this in the brilliant orange sky. I drove further until I had this exact set up and took a few more pictures of the lone palm and the sunset.
Close up of the orange ball as it sinks into the horizon
Here is the aforementioned lone palm tree
A little bit closer now
Fakahatchee Strand Sunset in all its glory
Speaking of sunsets, are you disappointed with your 2014 calendar or do you not have one yet? It is not too late to get a Stay Adventurous 2014 Sunset Sunday calendar. Click here for details.
TT
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That final shot is absolutely glorious. I take it you made it out before getting into trouble.
Leigh recently posted..A Stay at La Anita Rainforest Lodge in Costa Rica
They did not have any gate at the front of the park. I got out at the entrance to check to see if they had any literature and there was a park ranger there, but she was busy and not looking to enforce park hours.
Love these images… Florida, all of Florida offers such wonderful sunsets. Thanks for sharing on Sunday too…
stay adventurous, Craig
Craig Zabransky recently posted..Sunset Sunday – Chillaxing at the Rhu Bar Four Seasons Langkawi, Malaysia
No problem,
Doing my best to spread #sunsetsunday – The new way of life.
Wow, Tedward. These shots are gorgeous! Love that vibrant orange.
Francesca (@WorkMomTravels) recently posted..More to Lake Placid than its Olympic heritage
Thanks FF,
The colors sure were amazing.
I’ve taken hundreds of sunset photos in Florida, but never away from the beach. This is beautiful. Florida really is a great state. Too bad so many coastal views are obscured by tall condo buildings now.
Trips By Lance recently posted..Five Experiences: American D-Day Beaches
Only thing obstructing this view was a palm tree and I think it fit in rather nice.
I love sunsets and I looove these pictures! That lone tree with the sunset backdrop is so cool!
Gina @ One Day in a City recently posted..One Day in Munich
Thanks Gina,
It was great to experience this when it was not even planned.
The lone palm tree photos are pure brilliance, Ted. Kudos.
Raul (@ilivetotravel) recently posted..The Foshay Tower: A View from Above in Minneapolis
Thanks Raul,
I owe it all to Stayadventurous. I hope to #staybrilliant 🙂
That sky! I never knew Florida could be that beautiful. Great captures.
Leah recently posted..48 Hours in Houston: Favorites from a Local
Thanks Leah, Florida is a gorgeous state with so much more than Disney and beaches.
really LOVE the one of the lone palm tree in the distance. BEAUTIFUL
lola recently posted..One Day Stay: Montreal, Canada
Thanks Lola!
This looks like an African sunset! So clearly, I’m in love. Great shots, as always, Ted! #stayshootingsunsets 😉 xx
Erin at The World Wanderer recently posted..The Beauty of Solo Travel.
Thanks Erin. Glad you enjoyed my Stay Adventurous imitation. #staytryingtobestayadventurous
If there’s one thing we know here in Florida it’s amazing sunsets. Although, I’m a bit embarrassed to say that I hadn’t heard of Fakahatchee Strand until now…
D.J. – The World of Deej recently posted..The Sterling Brunch at Bally’s Las Vegas
I would not be too embarrassed Deej. Fakahatchee Strand is not very well known by a lot of people, inside and outside Florida, although it is a very important natural resource. It lies just north of the Everglades, so it provides important protection to the Florida panther.
Brilliant! I especially love the last one…looks like a Disney movie (in the best sense) –nicely done!
Charu recently posted..Scottsdale, Arizona through Instagram
Thanks Charu, I am glad I took the time to wait for sunset before bailing out of the park.