Sunsets
Pro: Sunsets are the grand finale we're treated to at the end of the day. When we've been good Mother Nature graces us with reds and oranges. It's especially glorious if we've braved inclement weather and the sun breaks through the clouds.
Pro: It's super peaceful to watch the sun slip below the horizon and the light fade across the sky.
Pro: One compound word: Alpenglow.
Con: Walking <ouch> down <ouch> the <ouch> trail <ouch> to <ouch> the <ouch> trailhead <OUCH!> in <OUCH!> the <OUCH!> dark <OUCH!>.
Sunrises
Pro: Sunrise symbolizes the light's victory over the darkness. Think of it as a metaphor for life or the latest in the Star Wars saga. Either way, there's something magical about starting a climb in the dark and being greeted by the sun on the summit.
Con: Climbing in the dark.
Con: At 5am.
Con: Missing the sunrise on the summit by a few minutes because it's an awfully long way up.
Pro: You've got the whole day ahead of you to...
Con: zzzzzzzzzz
Pro: People think you're super epic when you're descending after they got their "early" start.
Con: All your friends decline your offer to adventure with phrases like, "Uh... no," and "WHEN?"
(Oh, yeah. These photos came from an evening hike up to East Rampart. There are no trails there except the one the bear made and then befouled repeatedly. Great berries though.)