Lake Forest Sunset: Photo of the Week by Melissa Wright

LAKE FOREST, CA — The Hidden Lakes at sunset is one of the most photographed areas of Lake Forest. Resident Melissa Wright had her camera at just the right moment to capture the stunning reds and purples of the southern California sunset, her favorite time of day.

"We are surrounded by so much nature that when I'm home I feel like I'm a million miles away from all the hustle and bustle of Orange County," Wright said.

Hidden Lakes enjoys the natural beauty of songbirds and butterflies, sparkling Koi ponds, trees that turn colors in autumn, baby ducks and geese in the spring, and a gorgeous new sandy-beached swimming lagoon at our clubhouse, according to Wright.

She intended to photograph holiday lights to text to across-the-lake neighbors, but as she started taking pictures the sunset's glow took over.

"As I started to take pictures this amazing sunset developed," she said. "There's no shortage of great sunsets on the lake but this was by far the most spectacular."

Wright has lived on the lake for two years with her husband and daughter, but loves her Lake Forest neighborhood.

"We love living in Lake Forest. It is filled with friendly people, great restaurants and shops, and is conveniently located near everything," she said. "I brag to my friends that we have a homey, small-town, Midwest vibe going on here. We're never leaving - we found our forever-home."

Do you love your neighborhood?

Show us why at Patch.com - submit your Photo of the Week entry to Ashley.Ludwig@Patch.com

Photo, courtesy Melissa Wright