Two weeks ago, a powerful nor’easter battered the Atlantic Coast, but before arriving in New York City, a striking sunset ended the day. A strange orange light radiated through my window blinds as I rested at home. From my National Park Service apartment at Miller Field, Staten Island, I quickly grabbed my camera and rushed outside. Never before had I seen such a fiery sky!
Disclaimer:Â Any opinions expressed are solely my own and do not represent the National Park Service. The purpose of this post is to document my life as a seasonal employee in the service and to educate others.
Onlookers flocking outdoors
On Friday, September 25, it had been a long, slow day at work. It had rained sporadically since the morning, and hardly any visitors showed up during my opening shift inside the visitor center. By late afternoon, the rain had stopped for the time being, as a nor’easter moved closer to New York City. I could not wait to get home before the brunt of the storm came. Shortly after getting back to my apartment, I changed out of my uniform and flopped down on my couch, ready for a relaxing evening, only to be excited very quickly. An orange glow peeked through the living room blinds and enticed me. It was photo taking time!
Outdoors at Miller Field, several onlookers stood silently and looked up — awestruck. The sky was a soft bubblegum pink and looked like an endless sea of cotton candy, broken up by wispy clouds. A great spectacle was unfolding.
Fire in the sky above Miller Field
An inferno of intense orange and yellow burned brightly as the sun set. Never before had I seen such a breathtaking fire in the sky. I tried to capture the moment with my camera, which does little justice. It marked the pinnacle of an otherwise dreary weekend in New York City. Thankfully, the nor’easter brought no flooding to Miller Field.
More on my adventures in the National Park Service!
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