Night Light of the North Coast: Houda Beach Cave

Post by David Wilson

Milky Way Framed by illuminated cave interior: The Milky Way rises from the horizon near the glow of the setting crescent moon outside of this hidden Houda Beach cave. Camel Rock’s silhouette is large on the horizon beside the glow of the setting crescent moon. Humboldt County, California. September 13, 2018

It was a low tide, a low moon, the cave, and the Milky Way… long had I waited for this combination to come together, and when it did, somehow I was there. All summer I’d watched the tides, waiting for a tide low enough for me to get to the cave safely sometime before midnight (hey, I get tired.) But the idea had slipped from the forefront for a time, and I hadn’t been watching the tides when the bug to go out hit me and I called my brother Seth for company on a photographic outing.

Checking the tide, I saw that it would be fairly low right after the crescent moon set.  I decided on Houda Beach, anticipating that some interesting rocks would be exposed. I hadn’t realized that the tide would be low enough to reach the cave until we arrived, but it was. Not only that, the Milky Way was lined up outside of it, framed in the entrance, along with the silhouette of Camel Rock near the setting moon. I’d wanted this photo for months, but only when I forgot to plan it did it come about. It’s interesting how that works. And I realized then that even if low tides had allowed me nighttime access to the cave during the summer months, the Milky Way would have been out of view to the left. It had to be this night. And I was there. I’m grateful for these opportunities.

Leaving the cave we were alerted by sirens behind us, and turning found a large fire burning farther north up Scenic Drive, illuminating the entire area and throwing a great smoke plume across the waters. According to reports I read later it was a vegetation fire. We watched the lights of first responders approaching it, and it seemed to us by the diminished glow that they quickly had it under control.

To see previous entries of “Night Light of the North Coast,” click on my name above the article. If you’d like to keep abreast of my most current photography or peer into its past, you can follow me on Instagram at @david_wilson_mfx . I update my website mindscapefx.com less frequently, but you can contact me there.

At one point while photographing, my brother and I played with our light beams beneath the cosmos, careful not to cross the streams. We tried one take on this, and by luck, our beams formed a little house over the setting moon and Camel Rock.

Silhouettes watching the moon set: My brother and I watched the crescent moon set before taking the Milky Way photos. In gathering enough light to illuminate the interior and see the stars this well, the moon’s crescent shape became blown out in the highlights.

MARS peeking over rock at left, Milky Way between that rock and taller rock on right: Near the cave’s entrance, Mars peeks over the edge as two rocks frame the Milky Way.

While photographing the Milky Way through the Houda Beach cave, my brother and I saw this large fire burning along Scenic Drive to the north of us. Trinidad comprises the lights to the left. 

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13 Comments
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Mariahgirl
Guest
5 years ago

Beautiful pictures!

ESFOAD
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ESFOAD
5 years ago

A little bit of a photographer myself David. Very impressed with your photography.

Jac
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Jac
5 years ago

Thank you for these, I needed this this morning. Gorgeous.

Swami
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Swami
5 years ago

Looking good bro!

Lady guest
Guest
Lady guest
5 years ago

Absolutely stunning!

wildman
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wildman
5 years ago

Outstanding David. Houda Cave shot is my newest background. Very nice. But arent you and Seth a little old for playing with light sabers. ;>)

KIDDZZ
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KIDDZZ
5 years ago
Reply to  wildman

How old was Obi-Wan?

Gypsy Rose
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Gypsy Rose
5 years ago

I really love your photo’s

Charlie
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Charlie
5 years ago
Reply to  Gypsy Rose

Likewise! They are beautiful.

Imelda Marcos
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Imelda Marcos
5 years ago

Thank you for your patience! These pictures are beautiful!

Rob
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Rob
5 years ago

Amazing pictures. Makes a person feel rather small looking up at the milky way and all those stars. Thanks for sharing. Really really great pictures.

Denise M Jennings
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Denise M Jennings
5 years ago

You are a stupendous artist, also up close and personal, hats off for you. A rare breed.

David Wilson
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David Wilson
5 years ago

Thank you very much, Denise! That means a lot to me.