Kings Beach Sunset

This was an unexpected shot.  I’ve been wanting to capture a Lake Tahoe pier at sunrise or sunset for a while, but conditions haven’t been cooperating.  While enjoying a vacation with my family we had potential storm clouds and actual storms.  On one of the evenings, we were done with dinner early enough to think about making it to the beach in time for sunset.  When we arrived, there was a lot of potential, but you just never know.  

The sky changed quite a bit as the sun got lower to the horizon.  Initially it appeared I might get lots of gold clouds against a crisp navy-blue sky.  Well, it kept getting better.  Ultimately, the color showed up, and I was treated to one of the most interesting cloud formations I’ve ever seen.  I had the good fortune of the interesting cloud lining up directly with the pier.  The lake was down a little bit, and I love how the sand bar creates an area of calm water which shows off the color in the sky!  

All of this is wonderful, but the pier finishes it off for me.  The distressed rail tops remind me of the power of nature. The dents and bent fence show how popular this location is.  Countless people have stood on this pier taking in the view, maybe you have been one of these people.  While the view will always be of Lake Tahoe, no two moments are ever the same.  I feel very fortunate to have experienced this one!