The Northern Lights were deep in the South! Or, well, the rumor of Northern Lights. We heard they had actually been seen in our southern skies, so naturally, we embarked on a quest the next night, driving north(!) and into the darkness. We (or at least I, with the family in tow) were on a mission: find a truly dark spot. The challenge: taking photos in the darkest place you can you drive to in about and hour!

Our destination was near Mark and Michele’s place, conveniently located by our favorite apple-picking haven, B.J. Reece Orchards (and, perhaps not coincidentally, their favorite winery, Chateau Meichtry). Their mountain top pavilion promised perfect darkness – no lights to spoil the celestial show.

And indeed, the pavilion was dark. The sky? Well, it put on its usual stellar performance with plenty of stars (and a few photobombing clouds). But alas, the aurora itself decided to be fashionably absent for our viewing party. If only we’d ventured out the night before! But, you know, life happens – in this case, it was Brian’s graduation, and we were thoroughly, happily exhausted. So, no dazzling green and purple hues for us this time, but a memorable nighttime drive (wow do those people drive fast, at night, on winding dirt roads) and a good story nonetheless!”