Where 'Al Fresco' begins with dining outside.

Narragansett Al Fresco

Narragansett Al FrescoAs evening falls, the scene as we sit down to eat at a clam shack by the old pier in Narragansett, Rhode Island. The view to the east northeast is of Rhode Island Sound and viewing up toward Newport and the entry of Narragansett Bay.

A Narragansett evening in the fresh air often starts with a family meal. Find a good clam shack with fresh seafood and have dinner and some laughs on a Friday night. Let some of the week's tension wash away under antique style lamps with the sound of the waves on the shore. Feel the breeze. Look at the ocean view as it merges into Narragansett Bay in the distance.

Point Judith Harbor of Refuge and Dunes

Point Judith Harbor of Refuge and DunesWalking across the sand dunes at sunset overlooking Point Judith Harbor of Refuge. The sun gives an early evening pastel glow from beyond the clouds in the western sky

After dinner, take a drive south on Ocean Road. One never knows what one will encounter. There is sure to be a stop along the way, but where we do not know where. It could be some of the rocks along Newton Avenue. We could stop at Black Point or adjoining Scarborough Beach. But seeing a glint of orange in the distance, we choose to cross Point Judith Road. This will take us down to Point Judith Lighthouse.

There is a turn that takes us down by Point Judith Light. Looking at the turn around, we tried to see if Rose Nulman Park was able to open. Alas, no. So, we turned around and headed toward Camp Cronin instead. There, we will find a place to park near the Fishermen's Memorial. 

Point Judith Harbor of Refuge and Hummocks

Point Judith Harbor of Refuge and HummocksWalking across the sand dunes at sunset overlooking Point Judith Harbor of Refuge. The sun gives an early evening pastel glow from beyond the clouds in the western sky

Point Judith Harbor of Refuge and Growing Rosa

Point Judith Harbor of Refuge and Growing RosaWalking across the sand dunes at sunset overlooking Point Judith Harbor of Refuge. The sun gives an early evening pastel glow from beyond the clouds in the western sky

We walked to the dunes near Point Judith Harbor Refuge. This place is a hidden gem that offers stunning views of the harbor of refuge and the ocean, the sky, and the breakwater that protects the harbor from the waves.

The dunes are on the eastern shore of the harbor of refuge and lead to Point Judith Pond. The pond is used by fishing vessels, pleasure craft, and Block Island ferries. The entrance to the pond is marked by two rock jetties.

The best time to visit these dunes is in the evening. Tonight, the sun is setting behind the clouds that are full of rain. The sun creates an orange glow that reflects on the water and contrasts with the dark silhouettes of the breakwater. The dunes are covered with beach roses of in spring growth. The sound of the breeze blowing through the grass creates a relaxing atmosphere that makes you feel at peace.

I love taking photos of this place, because every sunset is different and unique. Sometimes the clouds are more dramatic, sometimes the colors are more vibrant, and sometimes there are birds flying in the sky. 

Footprints at Point Judith Harbor of Refuge

Footprints at Point Judith Harbor of RefugeFootprints in the beach sand at sunset overlooking Point Judith Harbor of Refuge. The sun gives an early evening pastel glow from beyond the clouds in the western sky

Footsteps at Point Judith Harbor of Refuge

Footsteps at Point Judith Harbor of RefugeFootprints in the beach sand at sunset overlooking Point Judith Harbor of Refuge. The sun gives an early evening pastel glow from beyond the clouds in the western sky

Tracks at Point Judith Harbor of Refuge

Tracks at Point Judith Harbor of RefugeFootprints in the beach sand at sunset overlooking Point Judith Harbor of Refuge. The sun gives an early evening pastel glow from beyond the clouds in the western sky

I decided to move beyond the dunes and down to the beach. I was walking along the shore, feeling the sand between under my sandals and the breeze on my face. The sun was setting behind the horizon, painting the sky with orange as the clouds disgorged rain. It was a beautiful sight, but what caught my eye was something else.

As I looked down, I saw a set of footprints on the beach. They were fresh and clear, as if someone had just walked by. They were heading towards the water, where gentle waves were rolling up on the shore. I wondered who they belonged to, and where they were going.

I felt a surge of curiosity and followed the footprints. I wanted to see if I could find the person who made them, or at least catch a glimpse of them. Maybe they were locals, or fellow explorers. Maybe they were looking for something or escaping from something. Maybe they were just enjoying the beauty of nature, like me.

As I walked, I noticed that the footprints were getting closer and closer to the water. The waves were washing over them, erasing them slowly. I realized that I had to hurry if I wanted to see them before they disappeared. I quickened my pace, hoping to catch up with them.

But then, something unexpected happened. The footprints stopped abruptly at the edge of the water. There was no sign of anyone in sight. No one swimming, no one sitting on the rocks, no one hiding behind a palm tree. Just the footprints, ending in the sea.

I was puzzled and intrigued. What happened to the person who made them? Did they jump into the water and swim away? Did they vanish into thin air? Did they turn into mermaids? Or did they never exist at all?

I stood there for a while, staring at the mystery in front of me. The sun continued its journey over the horizon, and the sky was darkening. The waves were still rolling up on the shore, washing away the last traces of the footprints.

I decided to leave the thoughts to the waves. I didn't have any answers, but I had a story to tell. A story about finding a set of footprints on the beach at sunset and losing them in the sea.

Waves on the Shore at Point Judith Harbor of Refuge

Waves on the Shore at Point Judith Harbor of RefugeWaves washing up on the beach sand at sunset overlooking Point Judith Harbor of Refuge. The sun gives an early evening pastel glow from beyond the clouds in the western sky

Ripples on the Shore at Point Judith Harbor of Refuge

Ripples on the Shore at Point Judith Harbor of RefugeWaves washing up on the beach sand at sunset overlooking Point Judith Harbor of Refuge. The sun gives an early evening pastel glow from beyond the clouds in the western sky

Smoothly Washing Up on the Shore

Smoothly Washing Up on the ShoreWaves washing up on the beach sand at sunset overlooking Point Judith Harbor of Refuge. The sun gives an early evening pastel glow from beyond the clouds in the western sky

Shore to Breakwater at Point Judith Harbor of Refuge

Shore to Breakwater at Point Judith Harbor of RefugeWaves washing up on the beach sand at sunset overlooking Point Judith Harbor of Refuge. The sun gives an early evening pastel glow from beyond the clouds in the western sky

Shoreline to Breakwater at Point Judith Harbor of Refuge

Shoreline to Breakwater at Point Judith Harbor of RefugeWaves washing up on the beach sand at sunset overlooking Point Judith Harbor of Refuge. The sun gives an early evening pastel glow from beyond the clouds in the western sky

Shoreside to Breakwater at Point Judith Harbor of Refuge

Shoreside to Breakwater at Point Judith Harbor of RefugeWaves washing up on the beach sand at sunset overlooking Point Judith Harbor of Refuge. The sun gives an early evening pastel glow from beyond the clouds in the western sky

As I continued to walk along the sand, I could the soothing sound of the waves. The water was calm and clear, reflecting the orange and hues of the sky. The waves were rolling up on the shore at a steady pace, not too fast or too slow, just perfect for relaxing.

I was mesmerized by the rhythm of the waves, how they would rise and fall, curl and crash, then retreat and repeat. They seemed to have a life of their own, a graceful dance that never stopped. I felt a connection with them, as if they were speaking to me in a language I could understand. They were telling me to let go of my worries. Enjoy the moment. We appreciate the beauty and simplicity of nature, to be grateful for what I have and what I can see.

I stayed there until the sun almost disappeared behind the horizon, leaving behind a trail of orange and purple. The waves were still rolling up on the shore, but now they looked different. They were darker and quieter, as if they were getting ready for the night. I felt a sense of calmness and peace. I thanked the waves for their company and their wisdom, then got up and headed back to our car. 

As I turned back for the car, I stared at the lighthouse with my camera. I was hoping to catch the lighthouse. I was not disappointed! The sky was clear and colorful, and the lighthouse stood out against the horizon. I found a nice spot where I could see the lighthouse through the grass on the dunes, creating a natural frame for my photo. I lowered myself along the dune grass waiting for the right moment.

Point Judith Lighthouse. This historic landmark finds its location at the southern tip of Point Judith Neck. It has been guiding ships since 1816. It's also a great spot for photography, especially in the spring when the grass on the dunes is green and lush.

I snapped a couple of shots. And I picked up what I wanted in my wide lens. Here it is.

Relaxing Evening in the Dunes

Relaxing Evening in the DunesA quiet, relaxing view of Point Judith Lighthouse from the dunes at Camp Cronin in the early evening

Isn't it gorgeous? I love how the grass adds some texture and depth to the image, and how the lighthouse stands out as a focal point. 

Order the image above as prints or bespoke items by clicking here: Photo Products - Bespoke & Custom - Made From RI

Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter

If you enjoy this post, please consider buying us a coffee to continue the work...

© Keith R Wahl, Made From RI/Made From RI Gallery, 2023. Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this site’s author and/or owner is strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to Keith R Wahl and Made From RI/Made From RI Gallery with appropriate and specific direction to the original. 

Find out more about us by clicking the links below: