This past weekend, I trekked out to Hard Labor Creek State Park, stopping at my aunt's house along the way. My university's Astronomy club arranged a camp out by their observatory located in the park.
Hard Labor Creek is one of the darkest places in the state--perfect for looking at the stars. That's exactly what we did. Everyone was able to witness the ISS fly over. I saw some globular clusters and nebulae through the telescopes. There were even some shooting stars!
For our stay, we trekked out into the middle of the woods. It was an unmarked site, so it was technically trespassing. It was the first time I've ever been "roughin' it." We set up out tents and built a campfire where we told stories. Throughout the night, nocturnal creatures lurked. There were some owls and even coyotes...perhaps even ghosts! Ghost Hunters once investigated Camp Rutledge, a nearby site, for their episode titled, "Camp Fear." I'd like to go back to the campsite one day, perhaps for an investigation.
Summer is approaching, and I'm looking forward to warm nights spent by a fire, camping, or gazing longingly up at the stars.
On a less related note, some days can be very difficult. I often find myself wondering how I make it through or why I'm even here. Then, there are those rare and cherished times where I'm glad to take the next breath. I found an inspirational quote I quite fancy. I'll share it in the hopes that it will resonate with any of you who may be reading this:
Hard Labor Creek is one of the darkest places in the state--perfect for looking at the stars. That's exactly what we did. Everyone was able to witness the ISS fly over. I saw some globular clusters and nebulae through the telescopes. There were even some shooting stars!
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For our stay, we trekked out into the middle of the woods. It was an unmarked site, so it was technically trespassing. It was the first time I've ever been "roughin' it." We set up out tents and built a campfire where we told stories. Throughout the night, nocturnal creatures lurked. There were some owls and even coyotes...perhaps even ghosts! Ghost Hunters once investigated Camp Rutledge, a nearby site, for their episode titled, "Camp Fear." I'd like to go back to the campsite one day, perhaps for an investigation.
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| Camp Rutledge |
While at my aunt's house, here are the pictures she took of my crush, Ryan, and me. She did some crafty photo editing on the second one (which was supposed to be a silly zombie-like pose).
Summer is approaching, and I'm looking forward to warm nights spent by a fire, camping, or gazing longingly up at the stars.
On a less related note, some days can be very difficult. I often find myself wondering how I make it through or why I'm even here. Then, there are those rare and cherished times where I'm glad to take the next breath. I found an inspirational quote I quite fancy. I'll share it in the hopes that it will resonate with any of you who may be reading this:
"Everyone who terrifies you is sixty-five percent water.
And everyone you love is made of stardust, and I know sometimes
you cannot even breathe deeply, and
the night sky is no home, and
you have cried yourself to sleep enough times
that you are down to your last two percent, but
nothing is infinite,
not even loss.
You are made of the sea and the stars, and one day
you are going to find yourself again. "
The campsite looks like a gorgeous place! I love to look at the stars but even in the mountains where I live, they are often blocked by the lights of houses and businesses. My dad tells me the stars are amazing in South America. I hope you have a wonderful summer, and feel better. I've been feeling a little the same, what with my first year of college coming up, I've had to make some big decisions and oftentimes it all seems pointless. Something that has helped for me is trying new things. I've taken up the violin again even though I haven't played since I was very young. Never be afraid to be a beginner again!
ReplyDeleteI'm very much hoping to go to South America one day. I've been thinking about doing the Peace Corps in Peru before I go back for grad school. trying new things helps my depression as well. I'm wanting to pick up better survival skills through camping. I hope the violin goes well! I took piano a long time ago, and I miss it.
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