When I was camping last week, I wasn’t on the right side of the lake for watching the sun set. But the sky still offered some beautiful scenes during that time of day.

It makes me think a person should pay closer attention to the sky at dusk, even if you can’t see the sun brilliantly setting.

Some trees always seem to be reaching higher. Over the years they continue to strive for heights not yet attained. They wait patiently through cold winters, and resume their hard work again in spring — always keeping their focus on that goal of growing bigger.

The next time I think giving up would be easy but not the best choice, I’m going to remember this tree.

I believe this is the first time I’ve ever taken pictures of a sunset during the winter. I guess the lesson is, you’re not going to get good photos if you don’t get out there.

Funny how a casual glance up on the way home, can turn into the best sight of the afternoon.

I grabbed my camera and tripod, and this was the best shot I got. I can’t help but think how much better it would have been with a longer lens. Hmmm… I wonder what my tax refund will be this year?

On the morning of my last full day at Monterey, I got up early to watch the sunrise.

The morning sun lit up the entrance to Old Fisherman’s Wharf nicely.

Early Wednesday evening, it looked like I’d be in store for another nice sunset. Instead, right before the sun went down, some ominous-looking clouds blew in.

Sure enough, about a hour and a half later, a mild thunderstorm moved over the campground.