Before leaving the PNW for a week, it hit me that this may be the last time I am able to see the sunrise with all the fall color. I had to see it now because with my luck I would come home to rain, clouds, and all the fall color gone. I asked my roommate to join me and the next morning, we headed out at 630 am.

We arrived at Jonsrud View Point about 40 minutes before sunrise with color was already in the sky. There were about 10 other people watching already. An older couple, some photographers, and a man with speakers blasting the Jurassic Park theme song. It was surprisingly appropriate.

As the sun peaked over the ridge, I felt like I wanted to cry. I held it together since there were others around! I haven't gotten out of the city in a while and it felt so good to see an amazing sight like this.

One of my goals for this outing was to fly my drone for my first time. After the sunrise we drove down to the Sandy River and the streets were lined with the most beautiful fall colors. In awe, we stopped in the middle of the road to take some photos. Not the safest idea but I am pleased with the shots we got!

Dodge Park was the best place to practice my drone skills. It was early so no one was there which helped my nerves a bit. We found a flat beach area and prepped the drone. As the sun rose, it highlighted the rising steam coming off the river. The fall colors peaked through the forest as the evergreens towered over the river.

We started up the drone, and with the propellers moving full force it was time to take off. My heart was beating fast as it uplifted from the ground. We watched it gain elevation and then, thankfully, we remembered to take photos! Not knowing how well the drone can capture light or details, we just took a but of different angles to experiment. After a short 5 minute flight, we landed the drone successfully and high-fived at the lack of accidents. It was definitely not as hard as I pictured it being in my head. My confidence using this new tool is up and I am ready to take it out again!