Arising early from our campsite I set out to explore on my own along the river at the base of these cliffs. Photography requires an intense focus from me in order to see beyond my first impressions and look deeper, longer, searching for what I haven't noticed before. I prefer to be alone, free from worries about time or concerns about others. I can give myself more fully to the process, and this morning I was lost along the riverbank, hunting for an angle that would take advantage of reflections from the awakening sky directly above. As the scattered clouds began to distinguish themselves in the increasing light I realized from my position the dark cliffs would block any reflections for some time, so I left the river to scale the opposite bank. When I turned around the clouds began lighting up in stark contrast to the dark cliff face. I scrabmled along the bank until I reached a position that framed the cliffs in a decent outline, then watched, mesmurized by the simple beauty, until the intensity seemed to reach its peak. 

I thanked God for eyes that see and the reward that was mine for simply appreciating his gifts enough to seek for them. Then to return from what I consider to be sacred experiences like this with a tangible record, to help me remember and to share, is another of the countless blessings that God seems to love sharing with me!