I worked as a visiting researcher in Berkeley, California, in fall 2010. One day I rented a car and drove North to Point Reyes National Park. I had read that McClures Beach is especially beautiful by sunset. Well, you can judge for yourself from the pictures below!

McClures Beach at sunset. Photographer: Samuli Siltanen 2010.

The trip to the national park was already quite pictorial. 

Ship in Point Reyes, California. Photographer: Samuli Siltanen 2010.

I met some curious cows on my way! This was a really nice experience for a city slicker such as myself.

Cows in Point Reyes, California. Photographer: Samuli Siltanen 2010.

Finally I made it to the destination: McClures beach!

Samuli Siltanen at McClures Beach. Photographer: Samuli Siltanen 2010.

I walked towards the sunset for better views. I saw some promising splashes behind the rocks!

McClures Beach, California. Photographer: Samuli Siltanen 2010.

This is what I found around the corner: a paradise beach at sunset.

McClures Beach, California. Photographer: Samuli Siltanen 2010.

On my way back I just had to watch the waves break at this natural cauldron. At times I doubted myself a bit, thinking that it may not be the wisest spot to sit at. But what wouldn't a photographer do for the right angle...

Wave splashing at McClures Beach, California. Photographer: Samuli Siltanen 2010.

On my way back to the car I realized that the water was much higher. Apparently it's even possible to become stranded for the night! Well, I was lucky enough to get out with dry feet. This is the last picture right at sunset:

McClures Beach, California. Photographer: Samuli Siltanen 2010.