A Marlborough Sounds Sunrise

By Connor Bottoms

I neared the end of my sea kayaking expedition in Marlborough Sounds, New Zealand, hoping to see one last magical morning. One can see for themselves how beautiful a sunrise can be. The water is calm and the clouds are continually changing their colors between a soft purple, pink, orange and faded yellow. This is the sight of my perfection out here in the Marlborough Sounds.

There isn't a soul around to see, with most people in camp still sleeping. I think back to my family and friends at home beginning their new days. I sit here twenty-one hours ahead of California, thinking about how much people could appreciate what I am experiencing right now. I think about home, but I never take this place for granted and the peace that it brings me. From being in a busy area with millions of people to having a peace of mind like never before out here is a feeling I will cherish for the rest of my life. These feelings I felt during this moment are why I took this leap to go on this expedition. The feeling of fulfillment is so great, and it motivates me to create a life where I will have moments like this forever.

There are so many thoughts that could go through a human being sitting here as the waves gently wash over the rocks. I closed my eyes to listen to the waves and the birds waking up for the day and every time I would open my eyes, the clouds drastically changed. This is my peace, and it may mean something differently to everyone that reads this story about this photo. I encourage everyone to wake up for that sunrise, no matter how early it is. You can always go back to bed but not every morning looks this perfect.