"Sunset at Presque Isle"

by, Kimberly Baker

October 9, 2007

     As soon as I step out of my car at Ainsworth beach, I can smell the distinct algae-fresh-lake odor on the breeze from the water.  It is a pleasant, comforting smell that I have learned to associate with my favorite place - Presque Isle State Park.  Speckled rays of sunshine dapple the ground in front of me, and dance between the tall shadows cast by the trees.  With each swell of the gentle wind, there is a rustling of the leaves overhead that sounds like a million tiny gift wrappers being opened all at once.

     I remember to grab my camera from the glove box before heading to the shoreline.  I can feel the cool, damp sand beneath my bare feet.  The chilly water laps over smooth pebbles and tickles my toes.  I take a few snapshots of the breakwall in the water where the gulls are chasing each other, screeching and diving for fish.  Behind the birds, the great blazing sun is steadily making its way down to meet with the horizon.  Slowly, the clouds and different colors revealing themselves blur the distinction between land's end and sky's beginning.  The calm lake reflects sunlight on its surface, and looks exactly like liquid gold.

     Behind me, at open spaces along the tree line, visitors are slowly filtering in like pilgrims to a visual feast.  Some, like me, have cameras; some bring chairs, blankets, children and pets; most are barefoot, and all are smiling.  I work without hurry snapping photos of everything - the shimmering trees, long shadows, yachts and sailboats far away on the horizon, screaming gulls.

     All of a sudden, the world seems to get quiet.  Even the birds hush as the sun is about to make its last vibrant show of the day.  The colors are more intense now, and the sky reminds me of a back-lit navy blue canopy with holes punched in it.  The thin, high clouds turn various shades of magenta and violet, with softer hues of lavender and baby pink.  Brilliant flecks of gold are scattered throughout the sky.  The sun now resembles a crimson red ball of fire, and for just a moment, it hovers at the edge of the world.  Then, without warning, the sun is gone below the water's edge.  The light takes a few last breaths, becomes even more intense against the clouds, and finally melts into the deep blue-black of the night creeping in.

     A mosquito bites my ankle and gently reminds me that it is time to leave.  I cannot resist a few more snapshots, and I take my time shuffling back across the beach to my car, turning around every few feet to look at the skyline again.  I decide to drive home barefoot and sandy, just to keep that summer feeling a little bit longer.  My headlights are on, car windows are down, the radio is turned up, and I am smiling - life is good!  Tomorrow - and for months and years to come - I know there will be more spectacular sunsets to experience.  Once again, I remember how lucky I am to live in a town with such a natural treasure as Presque Isle.

Kimberly Baker, 26, is a student at the Adult Learning Center.  She was introducted to Presque Isle at a very young age; her family went on frequent outtings to the park to swim, fish and explore.  Kim now visits the park about three times a week for walking and various other activities.  She enjoys writing, photography and the outdoors.  Kim currently has plans to attend Penn State Behrend in the Spring of 2008 to pursue nursing.