Spontaneous Stargazing
September 17, 2014
Solar flares creating a rare display of Aurora Borealis flooding the midnight sky…at least that’s what my friend and I expected to find when we trekked to Snoqualmie Pass Friday night. The Seattle media had been hyping the moment with fawn-worthy pictures like the one below. I would like to tell you that we were entranced by a show of Northern Lights that would make any scientist envious, but that’s not exactly how our night went down.
We found a very secluded, very dark spot (i.e. the perfect conditions for Northern Light gazing) and were ready to be enthralled. But apparently the solar flares were being a bit persnickety and taking their time. Meanwhile, every car that passed by decelerated to slowpoke speed, eyeing us. I mean, come on people, haven’t you ever seen friends chilling by the side of a very dark road before?;) I felt like I needed a sign saying, “I have not been abducted. I’m here of my own free will.”
So those solar flares didn’t exactly appear for us, but we did get a killer view of the stars.
After a good amount of stargazing, my friend looked at me and said, “I guess it’s not about the event. It’s the journey. Right?” Right! But honestly, we had a great adventure. Who knew that waiting on the Aurora Borealis could be so much fun?! I think sometimes when we’re forced to do nothing is when we get to do something important…finally take the time to get to know another person.
