Rainy Day at Lands End

Lands End is one of my favorite spots in San Francisco. Ocean views, coffee and pie at Louis’ Diner, the ruins of Sutro Baths, and the Coastal Trail make it an easy repeat visit choice. With a free half day, I was itching to get out of the house even though there was intermittent rain, so I decided to hit Louis’ and re-evaluate then.

Fueled by coffee and warm peach pie, I was ready to chance the conditions. I followed my usual route down to Sutro Baths and checked out the tunnel and the viewing area as rain clouds moved in. Amazingly strong winds threatened to snatch the camera from my hands and I took my time moving around the area. I wasn’t afraid of being blown off the cliff, per se, but some of those gusts made me nervous.

Trees on the Coastal Trail deflected the wind handily. I stopped at several points to take pictures of the Golden Gate Bridge, moving on to wander farther down the path than I’d been before. The trail is very well-maintained and affords great views of the bridge and of Marin to the north. I stopped to watch a ship pass Mile Rock until the rain picked up again and I headed back toward Lands End.

This excursion reminded me not to dismiss rainy days out-of-hand when it comes to photography. I’m not sure where that mental training comes from – the conditioning that says rain means you shouldn’t go out, that it ruins an otherwise nice day. I suppose it could be rooted in basic comforts, like staying warm and dry, or in wanting to protect your equipment. I think a little discomfort can get you images nobody else has, as long as you’re careful.