I almost kind of really did just miss the point when the setting sun was striking the tree. I saw it as I was walking with a friend, just at the point where we parted. Then I dashed across the road, staring at the tree and composing as I got to the vantage point.
See this post The Golden Moment for an earlier experience of that special moment.
Of course, I can adjust the image to pull out the light.
Photograph Works 