It Took A Sunset To Unite Nations

Photo by Mary Vee, Gates Pass, Tucson

The last two nights, hubby and I drove to Gates Pass in Tucson, AZ to see the sunset.

We aren't from the area and had no clue this mountain pass drew hundreds of people and their cameras at this hour.

Photo by Mary Vee
Hut where we stood on left, Boulder we used
to climb to the hut. Gates Pass, Tucson

Young and old climbed the massive rock structures searching for the best seat for the night's event. It reminded me of the ancient amphitheaters filling with crowds waiting to view an evening entertainment.

To get to Gates Pass, drive west of the city and make sure your front window is spotless. The reason isn't so much the spectacular view, which will be seen once the car is parked. When driving with a coating of desert sand on the window heading into the west, the sun's powerful rays bounce off the coating like a spotlight in your eyes.

Photo by Mary Vee
The peak at Gates Pass, Tucson

Follow the curving road to the top and turn into the scenic view parking lot. Although there are many parking spots, most will be taken. Climb the rocks to the vantage you prefer and wait for the sunset.

Here is the best part:

Photo by Mary Vee
Stone hut where we viewed the sunset

Winds picking up an incredible speed across the valley far below soar up the mountain. Holding on to a nearby rock is wise.

Like us, tourists shifted from one rock to another as the sunset shifted swirling colors across the sky. As the colors blended, so did the people.

We climbed to this stone hut and watched from the doorway. Other people sat on boulders to the left, some leaned on the open windows to the right. This and the peak across the road were dotted with men and women from many nations, all with cameras.

A young man from an Arab country joined us. He said it was his first time at this place. We chatted about the colors in comparison to last night's sunset. Although he took a photo, he said he preferred the memory picture and the experience. I really enjoyed meeting him.

A family of native children raced up the rocks and chased each other, giggling and playing.

Hispanic teen girls climbed high, finding a narrow place to take their photos.

A European father called his children when it was time to leave. One child said their sibling couldn't come because they sat on a cactus. Since there weren't major tears, I assume the sibling was fine.

Men, women, and children from many nations interacted while viewing the sunset at West Gate Pass, a winding mountain road connecting valley and city.

This ranks high on my list of impressive sunsets.

My next newsletter will release soon. In the newsletter, readers join me on my journeys to amazing places and look for the hidden amongst the obvious. Sign up for my newsletter in the right column by February 14th to receive this issue.

This post has been brought to you by the one word: SunsetsUnite

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