Walking with Nature as Your Educator 

Track the Sun Along the Mountains,
It's Natural Cycle

Determine the Time of Sunrise:

Find out the time of sunrise for your specific location
Check online, refer to a weather app, or consult an almanac for accurate sunrise information - lots of resources via your search engine

Observe the Early Morning: 

Wake up early and head outside before sunrise
Note the sky's appearance and the light levels
Notice how it gradually brightens as the sun gets closer to rising
__ Early walking of the dog is helpful ))smiles 

Watch the Sunrise: 

Find a spot with a clear view of the eastern horizon
Observe the changes in the sky and the landscape
Pay attention to the colors, the position of the sun, and the way the sunlight spreads across the surroundings -- I so enjoy how it weaves into the landscape

Track the Sun's Path: 

Observe the sun's movement across the sky
Note the angle at which it rises and the direction it takes as it reaches its highest point (known as solar noon)
_The sun's path will vary depending on your location and the time of year
__Some days in the spring and fall, have to close the blind so the sunlight does not hit the painting

Monitor Shadows:

Observe how shadows change during the day as the sun moves
Pay attention to the length and direction of shadows cast by objects
_Shadows will be shortest at solar noon when the sun is directly overhead, and they will become longer in the morning and afternoon
__I see Shadow Man walking with me

Note Sunset Time:

Determine the time of sunset for your location
_Again, you can check online sources or consult an almanac

Watch the Sunset:

Find a spot with a clear view of the western horizon
Observe the sun as it sets and notice how the sky's colors change during this process
Note the afterglow that lingers after the sun goes below the horizon
_Especially setting on the horizon of a body of water