Big Bend After Dark

You guys!!!! So I didn't realize this when I planned an overnight in Big Bend NP...but it's an International Dark Skies Park! AND...I didn't know it when I planned the trip but this was evidently the best place in the lower 48 states and the best time (new moon) to see the Milky Way. AND I was able to score a room at the lodge because it was supposed to be shut down for renovations so I stumbled on a window of availability when they opened it back up. I was meant to be there last night!

I made friends with an awesome couple from Minneapolis and Samantha was an amateur astromer/photographer... We had a lovely conversation, exchanged emails and book recommendations. Fingers crossed that she got some great shots and sends my way!

So the best viewing was at 2 am. With a long drive the next day, I decided that midnight was the better part of valor. I started off to go to a viewing spot about 30 minutes away (the super cool fossil pavilion) when I recalled that the way to the lodge was steep with many hairpin turns and no rails. This plan seemed a bit reckless so I pulled into a pull out, opened the moon roof and gazed at the stars for a while. I got to see a grey fox on the way back! And according to my new friend Samantha, the trail to the Window (awesome sunset view point) was the best spot to see the show anyway...so off I went with my trusty red light head lamp, my camera (phone) and an eager heart. No bears were seen on this expedition (there are bear crossing signs everywhere) but I did share the path with a beauty.

While I can't be completely certain, I'm fairly certain that I saw the Milky Way. Regardless... The show was spectacular! I headed to bed about 1 am with a full heart and recharged spirit.

My phone obviously couldn't capture the splendor of the universe ...But we gave it a valiant try. Such an amazing night!Read more