Stargazing!

So, you say you wanna see the stars?

Well, I did, so earlier in the year, I threw out the idea to the family to take a family trip—while we still can— to go see a proper star-scape. There are various places around the country where you can experience an excellent stellar presentation, and we made reservations at Pickett Memorial state park, as they were on a list of top spots. 

Mind you, we made these plans before the COVID apocalypse so things suddenly got a bit iffier. But in the end, the very nature of our plan revolved around a secluded cabin in the woods, as you have to go to the middle of nowhere to get away from civilization and light pollution itself.  

The trip down was smooth and uneventful, except when we were attacked by some kind of giant wasp that flew into our car. Mass panic and terror ensued. “Don’t anger it!” was exclaimed. Was it a Murder hornet? Let’s say yes, because it was freakin’ huge. 

On the drive down, we *did* see plenty of people at gatherings and yard sales, only some of whom were masked, but we were driving by and good luck to them and all those they infect. Throughout the course of the 4 days, the very few people we interacted with were masked and properly distant. By and large precautions were being taken. We stayed VERY MUCH to ourselves.

Side note: one of the games we brought with was “Happy Little Accidents”, a drawing game endorsed (we hope) by the bob Ross estate. But a very fun game.

Being there for three nights for the star-gazing, we spent some of the two days seeing some of the sights and climbing along some trails. The girls did a lot more extra trail and photo work than us boys did. I can run and sprint and jog all I want but an hour or so climbing up and all over rocks and trails in 90 degree heat had me exhausted, then later sleeping like a baby. 

Side note two: another game we brought with was “Throw, Throw Burrito”, which is kinda self explanatory except cards are also involved. Great game!

We really couldn’t get decent photos of the stars with our phones during the evenings, so I’ll have to resort to showing one they have on the Pickett website, as I recognize the nebula! I love me a good nebula. Usually never see them up by us. We hoped we’d get at least one clear night of the three and we got all three, and each night was more clear than the last.

On the way back, we stopped at one of the many distilleries they have in Kentucky, Jeptha Creed. Top marks on this lovely enterprise, where you can peruse their many products and variations on moonshine and vodka. They even have a free tasting every hour in their really beautiful headquarters. After trying some of their wares, yes, you’ll be grabbing at least a bottle or too. I ended up getting some apple pie moonshine, coffee vodka and spicy pepper vodka. Really good stuff. 

Friendly folks and even there, very conscientious about social distancing and masking up. Great design, set up and impressive on every level. Highly recommended if you’re ever in southern Kentucky on 64 South.

As the kids are now adults, any time we actually manage to do a vacation with just the four of, is getting to be a very rare thing indeed, so this one was pretty good. 

We really could have used Neil deGrasse Tyson to sit with us and spin tales of the stars but no vacation is *perfect*. But if Neil ever sees this (he won’t), hey Neil, next time, we’re going to shoot for the Northern lights. Any suggestions?

Because the thing IS.