Was the trip worth it? I stood on the pier, focused on the sky in front of me. Behind me the Galactic Center of the Milky Way shone brightly, a visual spectacle I turned to admire often. Across the lake, a pair of Loons serenaded the night with their hauntingly beautiful song.

Was the trip worth it? And then the sky briefly exploded in a blinding light as shooting star streaked across the heavens. Did I capture it? I was not sure. The air, crisp, clean and perfumed in the scent of forest and lake invigorated me.

Was the trip worth it? I stayed awake until the dawning hours, through the passing rain storm and blankets of clouds. After a brief nap in the cabin, I headed home driving through yet another torrential downpour. I was exhausted.

Was the trip worth it? I got home and looked at this image of the shooting star and noticed the faintest glimmer of the Aurora Borealis visible as a faint purple hue over the mountains. All the negatives disappeared immediately.

Was the trip worth it? A wish made and realized at the same time. A life experience like no other.

You tell me; was the trip worth it?

While I had been hoping for a spectacular light show, I was happy to have captured this moment. If you look closely, I believe you can even make out the trailing edge of the Milky Way coming in from the upper right. My love Cynthia sent me on this journey. I can never thank her enough.

I hope you enjoy.
Shoot Date: July 16, 2017
Canon EOS 5D Mark III
Manual 20.0 sec at f/4.0 0 EV
Lens: EF16-35mm f/4L IS USM @ 16 mm
ISO: 3200