16 October ~ 2019

The dogs and I backpacked to a high ridge in the Sawatch Range when the aspens were turning. The stars were incredibly bright at 11000 feet, because of the wind and dry weather. The milky way was visible right after dark.

I am thrilled I can still carry a heavy backpack up there. The only problem I had was that I could not find water near where I set up camp, so had to hike down to the valley bottom for it. I was totally worn out in the afternoon, with fatigued muscles. Eating dinner and taking some Ibuprofen restored my energy, and I was up to stay up to see the best night sky I have witnessed in years.