That first stretch and deep breath in the morning…
but you’re the sun
the ground fog lifts,
the light reaches out
morning unfolds
– Ellen Sears, longtime park visitor

Imagine meadows and fields covered in spiderwebs beaded with dew. Each drop, a lens on the world. The view softened with golden light and ground fog. Tall, slender grasses bedazzled and bejeweled and magical.

A decade ago, a personal loss left me feeling untethered and ultimately disconnected from the sense of wonder I once knew. A friend invited me for an early morning walk at Beckley Creek Park. Earlier than I would have expected, we met at 6:30 on an August morning. That morning, those dew-covered webs, offered an immense invitation to rediscover awe and beauty.

As my story goes, “and so began my journey of documenting sunrises for the last 10 years.”

What I see, and what I look for, has evolved over the years. I’d like to share some of the things I have learned through my journey, why I do it, what I look for, and what I’ve discovered. Not all occur at sunrise, but some present themselves more confidently before the world awakens.

An early morning walk starts the day with no excuses. I get up and go. There is no time to talk myself out of it or barter for ‘another 5 minutes.’ Traffic is light and in summer the day is cooler. Even though it’s early, there are dozens of regulars walking or running at the same time. There are sightings across fields, greetings in passing, and a pause under what we call “the eagle tree.” A feeling of camaraderie exists among kindred spirits.

The dawn chorus precedes sunrise with birds singing loudly. Certain animals may be more active. Sunlight reflects off of an eagle’s tail, beavers and otters may glide through the water, and a mink darts the path. Early twilight is the optimal time to spot several species of mammals, birds, and reptiles.

By visiting the same place at the same time, I’ve developed an intimate relationship with the landscape. Standing on the boardwalk I know the sun reaches over the tree line 20 minutes after sunrise, 20 minutes later and the sunlight stretches to the meadow, another 20 and it hits the Fork. The low angle light illuminates clouds from underneath, skims the landscape to reveal textures, and stretches the view into layers of light and shadow.

I look for beauty every day. It’s easy when I find spring ephemerals, dew-covered webs, and blooming swamp roses. Occasionally it can be a challenge. The spiraled tendril of a vine, decayed wingstem, the remains of a milkweed pod. Finding beauty is a wonderful daily exercise. It’s changed how I pay attention and has allowed me to sharpen my observation skills.

Searching for beauty often fosters appreciation for ordinary moments rather than waiting for extraordinary ones. Looking for the way light catches a leaf or how clouds evolve anchors you in the present. If it’s not something to see, maybe it’s the biophony or geophony. The early morning hours offer a chance to focus on these things without added distractions.

I’ve learned quite a bit about plants, animals, growth patterns, seasons of change, and a living landscape. When conditions are right, weather triggers several phenomena such as frost flowers, ghost rainbows, and sun pillars. All brief but spectacular.

Probably the strongest catalyst for visiting at dawn is the anticipation of a colorful sunrise. If everything is just right and clouds dot the sky, first light is spectacular. Hues of indigo, amber, pink and red may fill the sky. I’ve stood under a sky that glows pink and witnessed reds and oranges burning the edges of clouds. Standing beneath a sky on fire, I’m humbled by my place in the world. The experience is the very definition of breathtaking.

But the progression of sunrise colors can be swift and ever changing. They are certainly joy filled and fleeting.

I tend to start my day on the boardwalk and I have my favorite spots to visit, but each day is different in its own way. Surrounded by beauty, my walks by the water have been both medicinal and therapeutic. I’ve observed almost 4,000 days of shapeshifting, ever-changing, awe-filled wonder. Nearly 4,000 mornings in a landscape of perpetual motion, each one a quiet surprise.

A final note from The Parklands:

We want to express our deep appreciation to Ellen Sears for sharing her story of her mornings at the parks. Ellen’s words and accompanying photos have helped us see the Beckley Creek Park landscapes in a new multihued light, and we hope they leave you feeling inspired as well.

If you haven’t yet experienced the parks in the morning, we invite you to discover the appeal of these early hours for yourself.

Summer is an ideal season to make morning visits part of your routine, allowing you to enjoy the outdoors before the midday and late afternoon heat arrives. You may also notice a few other benefits, such as feeling more energized throughout the day. The benefits can even extend into the evening. Spending time out in nature and getting sunlight with protection can help regulate your body’s circadian rhythm, which impacts how well you sleep.*

All parks are open from dawn to dusk, 365 days a year, for free. Before you head out, check our website alerts page for any area closures. Then, set out prepared to see beauty at every turn, but don’t be surprised if you witness something magically unexpected.

*Source: UCLA Health, “7 Health Benefits of Spending Time in Nature,” uclahealth.org, May 14, 2025; Cleveland Clinic, “The Health Benefits of Sunshine (and How Much You Need Per Day),” health.clevelandclinic.org, February 20, 2025