Leo Carrillo at Night, Part II
As planned after the first trip a couple weeks prior, I went back down to Leo Carrillo beach on the night of the last full moon. I was able to convince Mary to come as well, so we took off after work and got there just before sunset. The sun went down, the moon came up, and we climbed out onto a rocky outcropping. It was clear from the start that we should be concerned about the incoming waves. Mary certainly told me as much. But…the rock was dry. At first, I was all worried, and would be ready to run or cover the camera every time a wave came in. But they kept coming, and nothing ever made it up onto the rock for at least 20 minutes. I got comfortable; unconcerned. Then the big one came, doused both of us, doused the camera on the tripod, and practically filled the camera bag containing lenses and other assorted gear with salt water. We dried the gear off as best we could right there on the rock, in the dark. Then we went back to the car to continue with paper towels. Then we finally got home and I cleaned everything as best I could with Kim wipes, cotton swaps, and IPA. It’s been over a week now, and so far no signs of problems. It’s not as much of an adventure if you come home dry, I suppose.
It was not a complete failure, though most shots did not come out as great as I’d hoped.
Moonrise:
Mary, shortly before the ocean sent us scurrying away:
