Sunset at the Tidal Pools | California Photography

We had spent the whole day lounging around on the beach at Half Moon Bay, just down the cliff from the elegant Ritz Carlton. It wasn’t until Jesse asked the concierge for suggestions on what to do next that the tide pools listed on the pamphlet caught my eye. It was already 4:30, and the park would close at five o’clock. So we drove northward along the Pacific Coast Highway, coming to a stop at the end of a neighborhood.

I stepped quickly, purposefully, across the rocks and out toward the ocean. The tide was on its way out, and I wanted to witness it for myself. As the water departs, the rocks are left exposed, and with it, all manner of aquatic life– sea anemone, various shelled life, and at times, even starfish. I didn’t see so many creatures, nor did we stay until the base of the low tide an hour after sundown, but I was absolutely giddy with delight at experiencing the ocean anew and witnessing another beautiful sunset over the Pacific.

Our afternoon on the beach in Half Moon Beach:

Running out toward the tidal pools at sundown:

There was a moment when the water rushed back in, and I was surrounded on my small island, but it was delightful (and I knew the tide was still going out, so there was no need to panic).

Oh, California. Oh, ocean. How I love you.

Anna Wu is a wedding and portrait photographer based in the San Francisco Bay Area. Find her on facebook for more daily adventures, and view more of her professional work at annawu.com.