I’ve seen many sunsets in many places around this country – and this evening’s show stopper here in Huntington Beach, Calif. is right up there with the best.  Fiery pinks, steely blues and liquid-like purples flared and swirled against the Pacific horizon with an ethereal, volcanic intensity.

In the cool wind, several nearby coyotes howled in unison, baying as if to direct all eyes to what looked like a melting ball of orange sherbert on the horizon. I was alone for this entire spectacle until finally, one other photographer rushed to set up a tripod and start furiously snapping away.

Just when you thought it was done – the entire natural painting would morph into something even more sublime and spectacular  – then again – and again – vibrant layer upon layer until finally, almost mercifully, exhausting itself. 

As the last slivers of radiant, pink-tangerine light faded away, the coyotes fell silent. 

In the dark, the wind blew the aromatic scent of coastal sage. What a perfect way to start the night.