Wednesday, January 18, 2012

More New Year's Day Sunrise

I was running all over that mountain ridge, freezing in my PJ's at the break of dawn. It was eerie because of the many wolves I could hear howling.  I took a lot of pics, but will only burden you with these few...

So far, this is my favorite photo of the trip. Maybe one of my favorites ever. The little slice of reflection just below the far mountain range is the Salton Sea. It's over forty miles away. Many years ago the Colorado river burst it's banks, creating a 400 square mile lake. Because it has no outlet, it has become VERY salty over the years. It is the second largest salt water lake in the country, surpassed only by the Great Salt Lake in Utah. It is also one of the very lowest spots in the U.S. It is only 5 feet higher elevation than California's Death Valley.  Other than cropping, this photo has not been enhanced in any way.

This was the second photo I took on that day, and was less than a minute after the one I posted last week.

I got so excited running around because I was witnessing nature's "art" at it's best.

When I turned and looked to the west, I was happily surprised to see this amazing cloud formation lit up by the new day's sunlight.

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For reflections by other photographers go to Weekend Reflections by James.




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102 comments:

  1. Crazy about thee pictures and crazy about you too, Patrick! Thanks for your very kind comment on my blog.

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  2. oh I love them all, but especially the first three.

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  3. Love that first one. I braved the freezing cold the other day to try to get some sunset pictures in town. I do love that short bit of time when the light changes so dramatically. Those are some of my best pics.

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  4. Wow! Those are some seriously gorgeous photos! The first one, especially, just blew me away. You have a real eye for photographing nature. Usually, photographs don't capture the true beauty for me, but yours really convey it well. I'll bet it was even better being there!

    BTW, thank you for your kind comments on my last few poems. It's certainly appreciated!

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  5. Excellent photos, Pat! Amazing how quickly the sky can change during a sunrise.
    Anyone get a photo of you running around like a maniac in your pj's?

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  6. absolutely gorgeous! really beautiful! thanks, pat!

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  7. All of them are stunning! You couldn't have picked a better time of day to go running in your PJ's!

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  8. Enbiggen, indeed. It's almost a crime not to.

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  9. At least the pictures were worth all of the running and freezing. Seriously, they are beautiful!! Every single one of them. But I do believe the first one is my favorite.

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  10. It would be a rare occasion that I would see the sunrise, since I'm usually heading to bed about that time. These are wonderful!!!

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  11. wow, that first pic looks painted. How awesome!

    I think my fav is the 2nd pic.

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  12. These are all GORGEOUS, especially that last one, my favorite. Words cannot express how beautiful I find it! And my heart did a little skip when you mentioned Great Salt Lake. I still remember a day in the 1940s when I, a little girl, and my sister floated in it and I was terrified for a few moments thinking that the undertow was pulling us away from the shore. I have other memories, too, of going to Saltair in the days when it was an amusement park, though fading. My parents remembered it in the late thirties in its heyday. And the sunsets - there's nothing like a western sunset!

    Thanks for the photos and post that took me down memory lane!
    Ann Best, Author of In the Mirror & Other Memoirs

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  13. Wong - thanks so much!

    BB - Nooooo, THANK YOU! So nice to see you out and about.

    Budd - Thanks Budd! Me too...

    mshatch - Thanks, It's one of my all time favorites. I might even print it out (that would be a first). Can't wait to see those pics!

    Lola - Thanks so much my poetic friend. The first one got me as well. I knew the colors would turn out great, but I wasn't prepared for the different shades of the different mountain ranges in the frontof the photo.

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  14. Alex - Thanks Alex! You are so right. It changes every few seconds. I know for sure nobody got a photo, because we were the only ones up there. Most people think it's too windy and cold.

    TexWisGirl - Thanks so much! My pleasure and thanks right back at ya!

    Katherine - Hi Katherine! Thanks! I just didn't have time to get dressed.

    altadenahiker - Thanks for saying that! I giggle everytime I "embiggen" it.

    Baby Sister - Thanks! They sure were. I appreciate your kind words (as always). I agree about the first one.

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  15. SKIZO - Thank you very much!

    Ms. A - I fall into that category also. I haven't really seen too many sunrises. Thanks!

    Lynda - It is pretty colorful. Thanks! I like the second one also.

    SparkleFarkle - Yep! Early morning dreams. Thanks so much!

    Ann - Thanks so much Ann! I also floated in it, but it's a distant memory. We are lucky on the west coast that we get those ocean sunsets everyday.

    becca - Thanks Becca! I appreciate it!

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  16. I went to the Salton Sea many times. It is nice to see it again. I absolutely love the morning photo. Beautiful. I can see why it is your favorite.

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  17. I like all of them, but the last may be my fave. Can totally identify with running around crazy in Nature's artwork. Who needs more adrenaline than that?

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  18. The others are great, but for me that one with the camper is amazing. I think I could use little more sun in my rise.

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  19. Belle - Thanks Belle! It was you who lived in Niland, right? I'm going to post some photos from Niland also. It just ain't what it once was...

    tapirgal - Thanks! I'm with you. There is a bunch of it out there also...

    Tim - I loved them all, so I can't complain about that. Thanks Tim.

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  20. Pat,
    These are spectacular. I especially like the second one. Thanks for making the sacrifice and risking getting eaten by wolves. It was worth it (given you weren't eaten by wolves).
    xoRobyn

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  21. Those shots are all gorgeous..
    I would frame that first one and look at it every day !!

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  22. Its worth waking up early to capture the beautiful skies! Hehehe, but I'd put on my robe!

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  23. Awe-inspiring images ... thanks for posting. You sure have been getting around a lot lately. Thanks for stopping by and saying hello!

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  24. Oh, and thanks for downloading a copy of OPENING ... enjoy!

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  25. I love love love the first one.
    I am getting a real passion for sunrise and sunset pictures. I just wish I could capture them properly with my brush

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  26. I forgot to mention, not sure if I have told you yet but I have moved

    My New Blog – “Lizard Happy”

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  27. You are so lucky man travelling all the time !!!
    A few year ago I was lucky too...
    Now , after what is happening in Greece, this is so difficult....
    No money, no funny!

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  28. gorgeous shots, pat.

    thanks for brightening my day!

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  29. Magnificent.. comes to mind as I gaze at your photos Pat. A day to remember till the end of time.
    Thanks for sharing the beauty your saw through your lens.
    Be well n happy.
    :)

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  30. Your photos are reminders of the gift when we rise early ... which I seem never to be able to do! Outstanding! Love that first one!

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  31. What a fun and intersting post Pat-lovely photos too- I thoght one pic was taken from a train but I guess it is your RV.

    Chrissy at Manchester: a photo a day at Mancunian Wave

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  32. Absolutely beautiful photos. The color and the light are brilliant. Greetings.

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  33. Pat these are super pictures. I am in Ohio this week and I hope I can get some winter pics here. Take care!

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  34. What a Canvas Ma Nature is! Thanks for sharing your vie with us!

    J

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  35. Oh, wow, that New Year's sunrise is amazing, Pat. The last pic is pretty too, I like the tones.

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  36. Don't even THINK of using the word "burden" when you're talking about your beautiful pictures and posts.
    These are just lovely -- and isn't everything about that area of CA just amazing?

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  37. Really gorgeous photos, Pat.... especially that first one

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  38. pharmacy colleges in pa http://sundrugstore.net/products/coreg.htm how much does a pharmacy tech make

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  39. Each one of these photos is spectacular. Freezing in PJ's to capture them has to make them even more special :)
    Rosemary

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  40. Robyn - thanks so much Robyn! There was a nice fence between me and them, so I was okay!

    faye - thanks faye! I've never printed a single one of my photos. I just might do the first one of this post.

    Ebie - Once I was out there, I wished I'd put on a jacket first!

    Stephen - Thanks Stephen! Yep, it seems like we are rarely home these days. My pleasure to buy the book! I really liked the first one.

    Mynx - Thanks so much, that one is my favorite also. I live in a great spot for sunsets and hundreds of photos taken from my back yard.

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  41. bilsot - I am lucky and grateful for it. I'm sorry your country is still in turmoil.

    Betty M - Thanks so much Betty! It was my pleasure!

    Pam - thanks Pam! That's very nice of you. That morning has inspired me to get up earlier. take care...

    missing moments - You are right! It is a gift. thanks so much...

    Chrissy - That is so funnny! I thought the same thing when I first looked at it. thanks Chrissy!

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  42. Brian - Thanks so much Brian!

    Japy - Thanks Japy! It was a wonderful morning.

    Chuck - Thanks my friend! Brrr! I remember Ohio in the winter. It was damn cold! Have a good trip!

    John - You are right about that. I can't create, but I can capture. Thanks John.

    Laura - Thanks Laura! There were several others that I liked, but these were my favorites.

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  43. Sallie - I guess I think everyone else has the same VERY short attention span that I do. Yes, that part of California is amazing. We spent the day down in the Anza-Borrego desert today and hiked to an AMAZING oasis. And I mean oasis, in every sense of the word. Thanks Nat! I appreciate that.

    Nat - Thanks so much Nat! That one is my favorite also.

    Anonymous - How did you get in here? My fail...

    Rosemary - Thanks Rosemary! It was worth the cold toes!

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  44. Oh, what gorgeous captures, Pat! And such a magnificent place! I could almost hear the wolves howling!! What a glorious way to begin or end a day -- any day! Hope you have a lovely weekend! Enjoy!

    Sylvia

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  45. 'imbiggen'.

    I am besotted with that word.

    I shall attribute it to you whenever I use it.

    Which will be often.

    To the annoyance of many, I'm certain!

    Gorgeous sunrise. Glad you braved it in your PJ's. Hope they were the warm cowboy and indian flannel ones!

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  46. The first one is awesome but I think the bottom one is my favourite.

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  47. Those photos are amazing and beautiful. I really enjoyed looking at them. Can't imagine how stunning it must have been in person! Wow!

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  48. Awesome sky and reflection shots. And I like the beautiful colors.

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  49. An amazing sequence, that first one is definitely better blown up.

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  50. I wish I had a house with a view like any of these in my backyard :)

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  51. Beautiful.... nothing beats a good sunset....

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  52. nature does put on a great show! and you really captured it
    wonderful shots!!

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  53. These are gorgeous photos. We understand why the first is your favorite. And, yeah, the wolf thing would be eerie but the picture was worth it.

    Darryl and Ruth :)

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  54. Hi Patrick! That first one would be awesome framed and displayed on a wall. I love Anza and the drive thru the Badlands, then arriving at the Salton Sea. What a great loop. Eye candy all the way. Perfect timing to be able to capture those gorgeous clouds and colors. PS: if you make it to the Aquarium, go early because around lunchtime, it gets extremely crowded!

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  55. gorgeous. i need to get out more often at sunrise. ^_^

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  56. One picture more beautiful than other, this place is very special and your pictures are adorable postcard!
    Have a nice week ahead
    Léia

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  57. Definitely worth running around in your pj's for!

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  58. Beautiful!!! Worth freezing while running around in your PJ's!!!

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  59. Sylvia K - Thanks Sylvia! I'm not usually up at that time, but I sure was happy to be on that day.

    Tina - Thanks so much Tina!

    Jenny - So am I! Oh yeah! I'm sure it annoys many, but it just sounds right to me! Thanks Jenny!

    Gerald - Thanks Gerald! I REALLY liked the last one also. The light was purely golden!

    LynNerdKelley - It was really nice! I was up at dawn the next two days also and it was just as nice. Amazing!

    Laura - Thanks so much Laura!

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  60. Carola - Thanks so much Carola! Nature is amazing!

    Kim - Thanks Kim!

    Woody - I agree! I think I'm going to blow it way up (on paper).

    BragonDorn - We get really nice sunsets at our house, but no sunrises like this one!

    Anthony - Hey there! I agree (or in this case, a sunrise).

    Dianne - She sure does! I just had to push the button!

    D & R - Thanks so much! I don't know if I can get used to not hearing those wolves. By the time we go home, we'll be that mountain ridge for 5 weeks.

    Stickup Artist - I think I just might do that! I agree, it's an amazing place and much too hot in the summer. I used to camp in Anza-borrego with my grandparents.
    I'll be going to the aquarium soon. thanks for the heads up!

    James - Thanks, Just thanks James! I really do appreciate it.

    Ven - Thanks Ven! Usually, the only way I see the sunrise, is if I'm still up!

    Leia - Thanks Leia! It is special and is our home away from home. You have a nice week also.

    Johnny - I think so also! I probably should have put a jacket on though. It was VERY cold.

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  61. The Chieftess - Thanks so much! It was certainly worth it, but darn cold!

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  62. wow Pat, each one of these shots is smashing. I especially like the reflection in the camper window. the glow that you captured in the final shot is truly special. just goes to show - always turn around and check out the rear. happy week to you Pat.

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  63. I am running out of words to describe the photos...the sky is a fascinating piece of art for me, and I love the colours you captured.

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  64. Fabulous sunrise photos, Pat... Reminded me of the sunrises when we are at Mt. Nebo, Arkansas. We stay in a cabin on the mountain --and go to Sunrise Point to see the sunrise... Awesome!!!!

    Love your photos especially the first one.
    Betsy

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  65. Hi Pat I was in Salton Sea last Saturday, and what an experience with the dust storm.

    Although there was someone at the Salvation Mountain, nobody does it like Mr. Knight, the paints are cracked and faded. Will post photos later.

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  66. Ur such an artist Pat. I want to come with you on ur trips.

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  67. I just got some beautiful sunrise/sunset photos in Costa Rica. Boy, you don't let the grass grow under your feet for long. Although with all the desert travel it is usually sand!

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  68. Ms. Becky - thanks so much! I guess what they say is true. The light before sunrise and sunset is truly the "golden hour." You have a great week also!

    Rek - Thanks for the nice words Rek. I appreciate it!

    Betsy - thanks Betsy! That sounds like a great place to visit. Thanks again!

    Ebie - Maybe I saw you! Just kidding, but we are forty miles away from the Salton Sea, but can see it from our mountain top! I have a post to do on Salvation Mountain also. Glad that you are travling around...

    EG Wow - Thanks! It sure was!

    PTM - Hey There! Thanks so much! Any time you want!

    Sharon - Can't wait to see those photos! You are right about the grass growing. It seems like we're only home about a week before the itch hits us. If not for our four cats at home, we'd be gone even more!

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  69. Oh wow, I love all of these shots Pat. Nobody can do art like Mother Nature!

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  70. Oh the heavenly colors of nature at the start of a new day.
    Life doesn't get more beautiful than this, Pat.
    Be well n happy,
    Pam :)

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  71. wow! your images are stunning! I love the top image the most with the mountains.

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  72. º°❤
    º° ✿

    Super lindo!!!
    Série de clicks fenomenais!!!

    Bom dia!
    Beijinhos.
    Brasil
    º° ✿ ✿⊱╮
    °❤

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  73. These photos are amazing! Great post. :)

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  74. Magnificent photos and an argument for carrying a camera at all times. I once read an article by a National Geographic photographer where he said that he always has a cheapie little camera in his shirt pocket -- just in case. One of his 'cheapie pictures' was selected for the publication.

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  75. SQ - Hey! Thanks so much. You are correct, she's the most talented artist...

    Pam - I'm right there with you! I'm not going to get up that early every day though! Thanks Pam!

    Carly - Thanks Carly! That is my favorite also.

    Blue Wave - Thanks so much!

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  76. Entre Nous - Hey there! Thanks so much!

    magia - Thank you! I agree, but nature was the artist!

    Murugi - thank you very much!

    busana - Thans so much!

    Jerry - Hi Jerry! I ALWAYS have at least one camera with me. IMHO, it's not so much the camera, but the eye of the person taking the photo. I follow a site where every photo is taken with a phone camera. Many of them are amazing! I'll be over today!

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  77. Just popping back to say I LOVE your phrase "epistle envy!" That's just so good, Pat. THANK YOU!
    xoRobyn

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  78. Pat, these photo's belong in a gallery, they are absolutely wonderful - and you've certainly suffered for your art - ye Gods man, anyone exposing themselves to wolves clad in only pajama's, deserves every capture shot!

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  79. Exquisite photos! It must have been a wonderful trip!

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  80. Nice pictures, I like them all especially the first, beautiful shades of pink. Greetings.

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  81. I love the sky. Sunrises and sunsets are so inspiring.

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  82. Robyn - Thanks Robyn! It was a natural. It was a great post you did.

    Shrinky - Thanks so much Shrinky! I think I was safe from the wolves, but not the cold!

    EG Wow - thanks so much! It's not over yet. We are still in the same spot. We leave Wednesday after five weeks!

    Leovi - Thanks Leovi! I loved the first one also.

    M Pax - Thanks! I agree! I don't get to see enough sunrises though...

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  83. That first sunrise photo is gorgeous! Gorgeous!! All of your photos are but I'm loving that first one... *sigh* ;)

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  84. Pam Tucker - Thanks Pam! I LOVE that one also!

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  85. Blue Wave - Thanks so much! Nature's pallet.

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  86. Susan Campisi - thanks so much! It was a beautiful morning!

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  87. Wow..these are beautiful photo of the sunrise! It sure is worth waking up early!

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