On Tatoosh Island, just off the Olympic Peninsula, at the most northwestern corner of the contiguous United States, sits Cape Flattery lighthouse. Abandoned and alone, the beacon of light that once guided ocean vessels safely into the Strait of Juan de Fuca towards the port of Seattle it is now, and evermore, dark. And yet, for those stalwart travelers that make the hike to Cape Flattery Point, the ruby red roof and stark white walls of the lighthouse guide the onlookers gaze across the turbulent blue waters of the Pacifics end to the islands cliff-bound shore.

As the property of the indigenous people of the Makah tribe, who use it as a fishing camp, the island is an ecological sanctuary for many birds and mammals. During our visit, we saw whales breach, sea otters frolic and dozens of bird species fly over and wade amongst the waves. As starkly different from the high desert of Southern Arizona as can be imagined, this land of rainforest, towering volcanic mountains, and mighty rivers is as high a testament to the power of God's diversity of design as I have ever witnessed. I am blessed to be its scribe and look forward to my next visit.
Shoot Date: February 12, 2016
Canon EOS 5D Mark III
Aperture priority ¹⁄₁₂₅ sec at f/11 ‒ 1 EV
Lens: EF28-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS USM @ 75 mm
ISO: 100