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Chasing Sunsets — Description
Some time back I lost an LP-E6N battery in some cascades. Without going into much detail, I eventually fished it out and put it into a bag of rice I keep in my bag. I left it for 8 days. Began charging cycles. It still dies after about 2-4 minutes of use. I bring it along anyway just in case.

I went down to the Rapids of the Drowned the following week; the sky was full of feathery cirrus and I knew the colors would pop just after sundown. I hiked down, started my camera on a quickly composed 4 minute test exposure and began to prep what I call my 'picnic blanket.' I turned to check my highlights and after two seconds of image review, the battery died. It didn't take me long to realize I'd forgotten the good battery charging in the kitchen at home.

I felt very stupid, and a little upset. The sky began to take on some color as the sun reached the end of its slow motion dive into the horizon. I considered just sitting and watching the sunset, but knew the colors would torment me in this case. There was no time to hike up, stop at home and trek back down. Not with my but slowly improving cardio. I realized this was probably a complete failure.

I put my tunes on full blast and noted to myself that I was still rocketing up the long banks as if I *could* make it. Damn, I'm stubborn.

I get home and the sky was only starting to pick up some faint peach color. I couldn't make it back to the rapids in time, not even from the closest parking area. I'd just be teasing myself. There was another possibility...There is a Boat Launch just northwest of the rapids one can drive all the way down from the top to the waters edge. That was my shot. I took it.

I ran down the beach, scanning for composition as deep oranges faded to pinks and purples. I got several good photos...and more importantly, a Story.