Date achieved:
Friday 28th August 2018
Where?
Somewhere between Cairns and Airlie Beach, sailing through the Whitsundays
Why is this experience on the Challenge List?
There are many times when I have seen a sunrise or a sunset but this does not usually happen on the same day. The reason I have chosen to do this particular challenge is so I can witness both the magic of a sunrise and sunset on the same day.
Description:
Actually, seeing a sunrise and sunset on the same day took a bit more planning than I initially believed it would have. This is why I took advantage of being on the Young Endeavour whilst sailing somewhere through the Whitsundays that I finally got my moment and I was able to capture both.
It all started when the Red Watch was on watch duty between 2-6 am, towards the end of the shift the sun was beginning to rise. This is when I captured this beautiful sunrise happening right before our eyes. It was quite a spectacular sight after the sky had only been lit by the moon and stars for some majority of the watch.
As I had already captured the sunrise, I decided today was the day that I was going to witness the sun setting as well. I had the entire day to get ready for this moment. Well, that wasn’t quite what happened when the sun finally decided to set that afternoon.
I had just told some friends that I had better go get some dinner as we were about to start our watch soon and the sun wouldn’t be set for a little while, so I’d be back shortly. I went below deck, served half my dinner when I heard a shout from above that the sun was setting and I had better hurry up. I finished serving up dinner and then by the time I finished I went up to find the sunset look like this… Spectacular does come to mind! I had almost missed it, as it had set so quickly.
Would I do it again?
Yes!! I thoroughly enjoyed being able to witness the sunrise and sunset within the space of the same 24 hours, there’s just something about it when you are present to witness both.
Highlight:
Getting to watch the beauty of the sorrounding area change and evolve around the sun as it rises for the day and then sets for the night.
Cost:
This experience was free and the best part is that you can do it from anywhere you can witness the sunrise and sunset, the options are endless.
Further information:
Plan ahead, don’t exactly do what I did as the sun does seem to sneakily retreat and you don’t want to miss the best part.
Also, I would recommend a place where you can see the sun reflecting on the water as it illuminated the beauty of the moment. I was fortunate that when I did this challenge I was surrounded by water so I could capture it.