Page 30 - Sandy Jackman Pantai Hotel

Transitions with Carol LeBeau

Green Flash

I’m ashamed to faded and I finally stopped trying.
admit it, but I was a Well, guess what happened when I least expected it? Like a gift from
“green flash” denier God, the green flash revealed itself…and today, I’m a believer! It
for years. Oh, I’d happened a couple of months ago when my friend, Vicki and I decided
heard tales of the to take her sweet terrier mix for a walk. Vicki suggested a stroll along
optical phenom- Sunset Cliffs. It was late afternoon…cool and clear…a classic San
enon…the brilliant Diego early summer day.
flash of green
that occurs as the Vicki, Buddy and I hiked nearly two hours along the coastal cliffs south
sun sets over the of Ocean Beach. Named for its exquisite sunset vistas, Sunset Cliffs
ocean… since mov- encompasses nearly 70 acres of bluffs and walking paths high above
ing to San Diego in the Pacific Ocean. As luck would have it, we completed our walk just
1981. as the sun was disappearing in the west.

Many confirmed The sky was clear… horizon unobstructed…conditions perfect for an
reports and trusted appearance by the elusive flash of green. As we gazed at the sinking
friends have testified sun, Vicki (a believer from several personal sightings!) said quietly,
to the existence “Keep watching.” And just as the sun slipped below the horizon, I
of the green flash. saw it… an unmistakable ray of green shot up from the sunset point…
Even Wikipedia then disappeared. For a moment I didn’t move - didn’t breathe.
believes…calling the
atmospheric event When I could finally inhale again, I turned to Vicki and did something
“a green spot visible akin to a “happy dance.” Then (and equally troubling to onlookers)
for no more than a came a pathetic fist pump and high-five with Vicki. As we headed
second or two just back to the car, she pretended not to know me, but I didn’t care. We’d
above the sun as it sets.” It’s just that I’d never seen the green for just seen something extraordinary.
myself.
Overwhelmed by a deep sense of amazement I thanked God for
30 It’s not for lack of trying. From Ocean Beach, La Jolla Shores and magical moments and the beauty of a sunset. We live in paradise,
Coronado, I’ve stared…afraid to blink…waiting for the sun to sink
folks.
in the west so I could get a peek at the rumored flash of green. I’ve
even watched from the patio of the Pacific Beach restaurant named And the green flash? It’s for real!
for the famous phenomenon… hopes dashed once again when the
green flash was a no-show. Over the years, my faith in the flash

Notes to Our Sons & Daughters- My Sister’s Voice

A photographic exhibit with over 450 guests in attendance was held for the benefit of the Center for Community Solutions
(CCS). The stories of these women were of their strength and courage. The stunning black and white photographs were cap-
tured by local photographer Pablo Mason and under the creative eye of visionary Alexis Dixon. For more information visit http://
notessd.com/. For more information on the Center for Community Solutions visit their site at http://www.ccssd.org/

Pablo Mason - Local Photographer & Alexis Dixon -
Project Creator and Visionary Director

Photos courtesy of Alexis Dixon/Photography by Lauren Radack