The moon rising over Chalk Peak is a special treat. Once a year the top of the hill is it by the large circle of moonlight that seems to roll off the summit, then leap into the sky.
The color changes from silver to white, sometimes with a hint of gold just before making the leap.
The whole forest is lit up by the full moon, and shadows are cast as though it were dawn. Mysterious shapes appear and blend into one another as the moon continues to rise.
The forest seems to be motionless, yet the constant change in the display of light gives a feeling of motion to the scene. The sounds of night birds add to the feeling of wildness.
Owls and turkeys sound off. Perhaps there is a cry from a night hawk.
You may hear coyotes or wild cats calling out in their mating rituals. All of natures is feeding on the darkness, and either resting, seeking, or hunting.
At times like this the stars are less visible than when the moon is smaller, yet there are still great numbers of them and the many constellations can be picked out as the night progresses. The Milky Way crosses the entire sky.
Because of the way the bowl of the canyon is shaped, each month the moon moves quite a distance to the observer. The progression from North to south is so great that half of the canyon is encompassed by this movement.
On a moonless night, tiny stars which are never seen in more urban environments become visible.
they are so numberous that sections of the sky are lit by groups of stars and nebulae, adding a depth of field to the sight and filling the observor with a sense of awe and wonder. Think of the distance those beams of light have come to be seen!
Planets stand out clearly in the display with their bright light and you can observe their colors. With a telescope, the moons of Jupiter and even the rings of Saturn can be seen.
Throughout the year, meteor showers have their special times to light up the sky with colorful surprises. During a really busy shower, lights appear every few seconds coming from all directions, in all colors. The occasional huge metor crosses the sky and at times you can even hear these missiles hissing as they pass close by, evaporating in spectacular bursts of beauty.
Cosmic rocks landing here in the canyon, after their long journeys from space, create a fast-paced and deep level of interaction with the energy of the night sky. From one moment to the next, the unexpected appears.
Come and visit!
Stop by on Youtube:
http://youtu.be/XmcVpeYVL3E/
Three ways to visit me:
www.retreatcampchecklist.com, a checklist about camping retreats, to let you know what is here, and let me know what you would like to have, and to do, in Big Sur! Fun, quick, instant feedback!
www.bettyofbigsur.com My web site, where you will find information and updates about events and my work,
www.etsy.com/shop/bettyofbigsur, a shop to showcase and sell examples of my art and fashion designs,
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