Morning Commutes Worth Appreciating

Jay Bell

Appreciating some morning commutes

On the days when I can work remotely and am by the shore, I'm willing to drag myself out of bed before dawn. I'll scout for a scenic spot and watch the sky slowly explode with color.

Once the sun is above the horizon, it quickly transitions from colorful to bright. But those minutes when the sun hasn't yet broken through or hangs low on the horizon can be magical. The world is generally still quiet, but nature's beauty is on full display for those willing to witness it.

Recently, I was at the Chatham Fish Pier, which may be more lively at dawn than any other point of the day. Unlike the empty beaches, working harbors such as this can be bustling with activity. Fishermen are working hard to prep for a day of hard work on the sea, workers on the docks are helping to supply them, and seals hover alongside boats for any stray bait that might get tossed their way.

As I drive back to get a local coffee and start my day, I sometimes wonder: while these are demanding jobs, are they able to briefly pause as they leave the harbor to enjoy a sunrise on the ocean? Such moments of beauty are fleeting, but can sometimes fuel the rest of the day.