It was a day like any other, with my camera bag packed and my spirits high. I had planned a trip up the M6 to the Lake District, a route I had taken many times before. But as fate would have it, the universe had a different plan in store for me.
As i started the car at 1.30am i tapped my destination into the old iPhone, 3.12 hours to my destination. - The Horror. The M6 was closed between Preston and Lancaster. This delay would me i didn't have enough time to get to my chosen location in time for the 4.45 sunrise But then, I remembered a quote by the great photographer Ansel Adams, “Sometimes I arrive just when God’s ready to have someone click the shutter.”
With that thought, I decided to check the weather in some different locations. I changed my destination and headed towards the Ogwen Valley instead. Known for its rugged beauty and serene landscapes, i knew there some waterfalls i had yet to discover. And what better time than now?
As I drove through the winding roads, the first glimpse of the Glyderau creapt into the view from my windscreen. The anticipation built up inside me. I was about to witness and capture the first light of day in a place as beautiful as the Ogwen Valley.
I arrived in time to find the perfect spot near a waterfall. The sound of rushing water filled the air, and the soft morning light created a magical aura. I set up my camera and waited for the perfect moment.
As the sun peeked over the horizon, it cast a Pinkish glow on the Mighty Tryfan. The scene was breathtaking. I could see why landscape photography is often likened to a spiritual experience. It was a moment of pure, unadulterated beauty, a moment that I was fortunate to capture through my lens.
I made my way further up the cascades pausing briefly to watch the mist rising from Llyn Ogwen and roll over Tryfan.
Looking at the image on the back of my camera, I felt a sense of accomplishment. The image was a testament to the beauty that lies in unexpected journeys and last-minute changes. It was a reminder that sometimes, the best plans are the ones we never made.
I found another waterfall but as i set up i realised the sun was not too high and the light too harsh on the mountains.
I decided to click the button amyway as a reminder that i can always return for another go. I could have done with some cloud to create sme better light and colour in the sky - Us Photographers are never happy.
As I packed up my gear, I took one last look at the mountains, now basking in the morning sun. I felt grateful for the closed M6 motorway. If it weren’t for that, I would have missed out on this incredible scene.
In the end, I realized that in photography, and in life, it’s not just about the destination; it’s about the journey. And sometimes, a change in plan can lead to the most beautiful destinations.
So here’s to more closed motorways and unexpected detours, to serendipitous sunrises and breathtaking waterfalls. Here’s to the beauty of the unexpected, the magic of the moment, and the joy of landscape photography.
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