Penning Photography Daily

Sometimes, it takes waiting for the right light, the right moment.

Karen & I took an afternoon walk in Port Royal plantation, the part of Hilton Head Island where we are staying. The island is covered with maintained paths for bicyclists and folks out for a stroll or hike. It’s part of the strict land use rules that keep the island so idyllic.

Our path took us past this creek, which we’ve past without seeing as we have driven into or out of our condo. I never knew it was there before today’s walk brought us close up. From the view from inside of an automobile, it passes so quickly and is hidden from all but the highest of truck cabs.

I was struck by the range of light from bright sunshine to deep shadows, and the reflection off the sky on the waters of the creek. There were turtles, peeking up for a breath of fresh air as we watched. The clouds were thick overhead at our first passing of this location. We waited for a few minutes, thinking that the sky would clear up and the sun would brighten up the scene. I finally decided to push on and hope for better light on the way back. We still had to stop and wait about five minutes, but were rewarded with this tableau. Best viewed large.

It was worth the wait.

Wandering off the beaten path, taking the road less traveled has yielded great rewards for me. I’m usually full of delight at the wonders waiting to be discovered and relished.