Sunday, August 12, 2007

Our Perseid Adventure

It is 2:01 a.m. on Sunday, August 12, 2007. Expanding on a long-standing family tradition, the entire family and my sister went up to a mountain road, away from the city, so we could have a good view of the Perseids. For those of you who are unfamiliar with Perseids, it is a meteor shower that is visible at the same time every year. This year is supposed to be one of the best for viewing the Perseids because there is no moon.

Our original plan was to travel to Blythe or Laughlin, check into a motel, and watch the meteor shower from the desert. In the past, we've always set alarm clocks and sat outside to watch. We would usually see one or two falling stars, but never enough to be really impressed. This year we had plans, but when Ray couldn't take the time off work, we came up with an alternate plan. At 11:00 p.m. we drove up the Cajon Pass onto Highway 138 toward Silverwood. When we were well away from the city lights, we pulled over on a turnout, parked and settled in to watch the meteors. It was fun to sit out there in the middle of nowhere and scan the sky to see the occasional falling star. We talked, laughed and made a plan for next year to go camping in the mountains to watch.

Of course, we all realized that tomorrow night will offer the greatest opportunity to see the meteors, but Sunday would be impossible since we work on Monday. It was fun anyway and we are looking forward to next August. I may still go outside to see if I can see anymore meteors tomorrow night.

God bless our troops and their families. Also, God bless Ed, his late son Bryan and his entire family. May the Lord hold them close to His heart.

No comments: