There are moments when the elixir of life rises to such over−brimming splendor that the soul spills over.
Henry Miller
I used to sleep in on our vacations to the beach, a luxury for a working mother of two. But that was before I discovered what really happens on beaches before dawn.
Nowadays, I need no prompting to hop up early. I throw on anything that goes with flip-flops and head out with coffee in hand, camera slung over my shoulder. And I wait as the drama begins.
First, that beautiful glow from below the horizon that washes houses and sand dunes in soft pinks and pale oranges.

Then — quick before I almost miss it — the first peek of wash-over orange lights up the sky.

And suddenly, full-on light bathes the world in crimson with a tiny, brilliant yellow focal point barely, just barely, peeking out to start the day.

But quick before I might miss the ta-dah moment, the sun’s up. Just like that. And on the move.
It’s my last chance to capture the main event as full-on light floods the camera, blinding me with the elixir of dawn at the beach.

And almost with the let-down you feel when a concert has ended, I turn the other way, check out who’s out there with me, and head back inside. Smiling, of course.

That’s the way morning plays out at Kiawah Island, South Carolina.
Rusha
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Jane Lurie
Aah, my old home. Beautiful photos of a favorite time on the beach. 🙂
Oh, the Places We See
Is there any other time? We love the beach!!!
Jane Lurie
From what I remember, you live on the other side of Charleston and you were visiting Kiawah?
Oh, the Places We See
We live in Knoxville TN, vacation in Pawleys Island and sometimes take side trips to Charleston, Kiawah, or Isle of Palms to “stretch out” our vacation.
Jane Lurie
Now I remember. I knew you were in Knoxville from Instagram…momentary brain blip. 🙂
Sylvia Bacon
Such beautiful pictures of a morning sunset on Kiawah!! It is a special Island.
Should you have a chance to return between now and the end of summer, female Loggerhead turtles are nesting on the beach now and the babies will hatch in a couple of months!
Oh, the Places We See
I would love to wake up one morning and see tracks to and from the ocean as I’ve only seen once. We’ve also watched the team who moves nests in dangerous spots over to new places. Just a wonderful experience. Thanks for commenting. You are in a special place indeed!
anotherday2paradise
Gorgeous sunrise shots. Much better than sleeping in for sure😍
Oh, the Places We See
I totally agree!!
Curt Mekemson
Sunrise and sunset, always the perfect time to visit a beach, especially when clouds and glorious colors are involved. Always love the way the sun is reflected off of the sand, Rusha. You captured it well. –Curt
Oh, the Places We See
Thanks so much. I’ve found that in blogging and posting in social media that people are drawn to sunrises and sunsets no matter how many they’ve seen. Must be a universal love of beaches, sun, beauty, etc. I’m drawn to them as well. Hope you’re staying safe.
Amy
Glorious, indeed!
Oh, the Places We See
Thanks, Amy. You always have interesting posts, so this means a lot coming from you.
tappjeanne
Those are beautiful photos of the sunrise, Rusha. They are like great art (the art of our Maker!). You should have some of them printed and framed!
Oh, the Places We See
I may frame one of them. I did love that morning!!!!
Wind Kisses
I have to say. Great minds think alike. I love this. It feels like a deep breath.
Oh, the Places We See
Thanks so much for taking a look. I guess all mornings with sunrises are special, but when you only get a few of these per year, they become very special! Thanks for rising and shining with me!
Wind Kisses
I enjoyed it.
Sue
Well done! Stunning.
Oh, the Places We See
Thanks so much. God does a pretty good job with sunrises! No complaints. Now about those tornadoes . . .
pam@ichoosethis
gorgeous!! I am not a morning person, but you make me want to be!
Oh, the Places We See
My husband is the same, but I can usually get him up one morning during beach week to go out with me. He loves it, but the next morning he sleeps in again!!! Oh, well.
thegenxtravels
I love a good sunrise and this one is a beauty!
Oh, the Places We See
Thanks. I haven’t seen many bad sunrises at the beach. Even the ones behind clouds have color and charm. Thanks for your comment! Here’s to a little sunshine coming your way!
thegenxtravels
I agree!!!
kzmcb
Glorious colours and great build-up. I’ve always been a dawn person, so perhaps in my retirement (when it comes) I will learn how to sleep in.
The photos won’t be half as good, though.
Oh, the Places We See
Any photos we take are fine. The pictures remind of good times and pretty scenery. And beach places don’t get much better than what we remember.
kzmcb
I completely agree. My best memories are from beaches and it’s my go-to place. I’m very luck to live 15mins from one. I hope you are close to one, too, for when you need the real thing.
Oh, the Places We See
We are at least 8 hours from a beach, so that’s why we rarely get to stay there. Would love to live closer, but I appreciate every morning I can see a sight like this!