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I don’t have a bucket list, but if I did, ‘go somewhere very dark and watch a meteor shower’ would be on it.
Driving out to the desert, the signs weren’t good. A severe storm darkened the skies. The nice thing about the rain was that the temperature dropped (from 111°F/44°C to 96°F/36°C), but there’d be no stars if the night sky was cloudy.
I rendezvoused up with my Meetup peeps at the Starbucks in Yucca Valley, and we caravanned out to Hidden Valley in Joshua Tree National Park, where we set up camp then went for a walk in the remaining light.
Over a shared meal in the gathering dark, we marvelled at the comfortable temperature and the mostly-cloudless sky. Pads and pillows were dragged from tents, and soon we were all stretched out on the rocks, watching the show.
The Perseids did not disappoint. What can I tell you? It was magic. After an hour, and about 50 meteors, I declared, “OK, now I can die happy.”
I fell asleep long before the parade of light was done. But that was fine; I was sated.
This morning I rose with the sun and struck camp; I had to be back home by 10.
There was time for a little wander, and a few sunrise shots, before hitting the road.
I’m going to say it again: I want to return to Joshua Tree soon and often. Even if there are no meteors: just to see the stars.
And I’m going to save up for a lens with which to shoot them.
My life? I love it.
Gumboots
/ August 12, 2012Oh so jealous!!!! I kept looking, but it seems I was in the wrong hemisphere!!
imagesbyerin
/ August 13, 2012So jealous!! Amazing photos too.
nutsfortreasure
/ August 13, 2012We were in the mountains all day and it pored we stayed till the rains stopped with hopes of sky clearing in the dark heavens above, but we had a long ride home and we were so tired so we headed down the highways with hope but no rain again. Once we were home and it was just before midnight I tried again not much action but the sky was filled to the brim with stars life is good, so I crawled up to bed lol I have a skylight above my head but I do not remember a thing upon laying down my head lol I am glad you saw them and shared your adventure. Thanks! My wish will be for a camera who can handle the night sky as well
Brianne
/ August 18, 2012Wow, what great photos of yoru adventure! I love it!
12thsonoflama
/ October 23, 2012Great shots and amazing that you were able to see the meteor shower. That must have been very cool. It was my first time in Joshua Tree. I’ll definitely be back!
Bella Remy Photography
/ November 2, 2012Such a fabulous adventure!