End of an Era - Farewell to Fairhope

Fairhope, AL is currently my favorite sunset spot in the continental United States. I'm grateful for tonight's sunset because it appears it will be the last that I see for some time due to an unexpected transition associated with my "day job" that will likely have far less travel to Alabama.

This evening, Fairhope proved that she'd saved the best for last. Spectacular.

Fishing Partner at Sunset - Fairhope, AL

Getting this close to a Great Blue Heron proved to be a unique experience for me this far. This guy seemed intent on stalking the dock and waiting on handouts from the fisherman at the end of the pier. He was fearless around humans, and that characteristic is pretty rare in these normally skittish predators. Bearing witness to this type of magnificent stateliness gives me hope that the direction of the universal momentum propels me along the path that's meant for me.

The sun settled, and although the sky started cloudy and dark earlier in the evening, the final coda was one of the best that I've ever seen.

End of an Era - Fairhope, AL

I'm going to miss Fairhope. It is difficult to imagine that the gift of presence in this magical area can be easily replaced, but I remain optimistic. The spectacular nature of my final evening hear fills me with the warmth of confidence that the universe knows what I need and is pulling me inexorably down the path it has chosen for me to follow.

I'm even less sure what tomorrow will hold, but the signs keep pointing toward a future filled with adventure and wonder. For that, I'm profoundly grateful.