Sunset | Russ Bishop Photography | Nature Photo Blog

June 19, 2023June 19, 2023

Welcome Summer Solstice!

Welcome Summer Solstice! June 21st is the longest day of the year, and the official start of summer in the northern hemisphere.

Historically Midsummer’s Eve has been a celebration of the solstice dating back to ancient times. It was believed that mid-summer flowering plants had amazing healing powers when picked on this night, and huge bonfires were lit to protect against evil spirits thought to roam the earth when the sun turned southward again.

The word solstice comes from the Latin solstitium from sol (sun) and stitium (to stop), because it appears as if the sun stops its course at this point. The sun doesn’t rise precisely in the east during the event, but rises to the north of east and sets to the north of west creating a longer arc in the sky. The solstice occurs when the sun’s zenith is at its furthest point from the equator. During the event it reaches its northernmost point and the Earth’s North Pole tilts directly towards the sun, at about 23.5 degrees. It’s a good thing too, because without this small offset we would have no seasons!

This year the solstice occurs at 7:57 AM (PDT – Pacific Daylight Time), and with nearly 15 hours of light it’s the perfect time to explore the great outdoors, have ample time for photography, and maybe even wrap up the day with a barbecue or a bit of stargazing.

June 7, 2023June 19, 2023

World Oceans Day

June 8th is World Oceans Day – a chance to celebrate the bodies of water that make up 70% of our planet and provide food, recreation and place to rejuvenate the spirit. As home to an estimated 230,000 marine species, our oceans are a vast wilderness with ecosystems critically linked with our own. Unfortunately many of the earth’s inhabitants never see or experience our oceans, yet our impact through pollution and over-fishing has taken its toll.

Organizations such as the The Ocean Project provide a great opportunity to get directly involved in protecting the future of our oceans through personal and community involvement. Working with zoos, aquariums, and conservation groups, they sponsor beach cleanups, educational programs, art contests, film festivals, sustainable seafood events, and other activities that help to raise consciousness of how our lives depend on the oceans and what we can do to keep them healthy long into the future.

July 26, 2021July 26, 2021

Kona Hawaii City of Refuge

Sunset over Pu'uhonua O Honaunau National Historic Park (City of Refuge), Kona Coast, Hawaii — Sunset over Pu’uhonua O Honaunau National Historic Park, Kona Coast, Hawaii

Pu’uhonua o Honaunau National Historic Park (known as the The City of Refuge) is one of my favorite destinations on the Big Island of Hawaii. This tranquil park is tucked away on the Kona coast not far from Kealakekua Bay – the spot where Captain James Cook first visited the Islands in 1778 and soon after met his fate.

In ancient Hawaii this sacred location was both a favorite residence of the high chiefs, and a safe haven for defeated warriors and those who had broken the kapu (ancient laws). Several thatched buildings including a heiau (or temple) and interpretive displays provide a glimpse of what life was like here centuries ago.

Today this quiet palm lined beach and lagoon are perfect for snorkeling or photography, and contemplating the rich island history this park preserves. It is also a sanctuary for the endangered green sea turtles that feed in the shallow cove and frequent the sandy beach to lay their eggs and rest.

Whether you come for the view or to experience a bit of natural history and island culture, this magical spot is well worth a side trip when exploring the Big Island of Hawaii.