North Sea Sunset

The hills, sea, and sky are powerless to the blush of a setting sun. So am I, compelled as I am to stand and stare as it changes the way things look. We crawl through the midnight water to mountains in the northern sea: Shetland. The ferry is a gypsy ship overflowing with musicians on their way, like me, to the Shetland Folk Festival. Lively sessions spring up in the bars on deck six throughout the night.

The sunset is like a goodbye kiss that would hold even more power if we didn’t know better. How many woeful pleadings for the sun to return have been forgotten in the passing eons? Later, I stagger out on to the aft deck at 4am as the sky slowly drains of black. This brightening is like the knowledge of the impending arrival of a longed-for other. The sun rise itself, her appearance in the flesh, in front of you.

Warm.

Article Comments

  1. Ken April 29, 2011 at 10:52 am

    Gorgeous! But, 4 a.m.?

    1. Keith Savage April 30, 2011 at 2:58 am

      Just to be clear, this photo was shot at sunset. I later woke up at 4am and went on deck.

  2. Erica April 29, 2011 at 9:42 pm

    4am?! Wow! I really love these colors. Warm would be the best possible way to describe them.

    1. Keith Savage April 30, 2011 at 3:01 am

      Hey Erica, see above. This was shot around 8pm.

  3. islandmomma April 30, 2011 at 5:07 pm

    Mind you dawn does come pretty early in the summer! This is such a stunning photo, and of course you were lucky to have such clear skies! Just beautiful.

  4. Anthony May 1, 2011 at 1:01 pm

    I remind myself every time I see this how lucky I am to live by the North sea, Totally gorgeous!

    1. Keith Savage May 1, 2011 at 7:07 pm

      You are indeed lucky if you see sunsets like this often.

  5. Nomadic Chick May 1, 2011 at 11:52 pm

    Haha.. I was thinking the same. 4 a.m. Was Keith up all night drinking whiskey?

    I am continually pulled to the ocean, feeling most alive and vibrant when I’m near one.

    Jus a lovely shot and rapturous description. I will continue to wait for you to announce your book deal. No pressure. 🙂

    1. Keith Savage May 2, 2011 at 3:06 am

      Do you want to be my patron? 🙂

  6. Serena May 2, 2011 at 3:34 am

    when i see sunshine i just feel loved. i don’t know how to explain better…

  7. Roy | cruisesurfingz May 3, 2011 at 12:56 am

    Stunning shot! Great reminder that I need to catch more sunsets.

Leave Me A Comment

Scotland's Calling!

Subscribe and confirm your subscription to receive my posts via e-mail.
  • This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.