Cotton Candy Pink

These gorgeous pink fluff-balls draw thousands of visitors from around the world every spring--and how blessed I feel to drive a short 15 minutes to enjoy them! That, of course, is if I leave home in the dark, catch the express lane and wait for the sun to rise along with scores of other photographers anticipating a glorious daybreak at DC's Tidal Basin. The very few years I've missed this wonderful national treasure have left me with a bit of sadness and sense of lost opportunity.

Tuesday morning's sunrise was less than spectacular, but the changing light in the early hours still brought much beauty to the blossoms and the sky. It was pretty chilly but as always, I was so glad I rose early and made the trip downtown. This year did not disappoint!