Update    Stay tuned for a modification to the location for a better foreground composition.  We will be in the general area for dark skies.

Night Sky Photography Field trip. We have one of the darkest skies in the West just south of Wilcox and about a 2 and a half hour drive.  There are very interesting rock formations to take photos of during the day and night.  Needing no moon in the sky, March 18,19,or 20th is perfect timing for a panorama of the arching Milky Way from Northeast to Southeast in the early morning before sunrise.  We just need the clouds to cooperate.  So keep your calendar open those dates to get a spectacular sight and image that few people see.  It is best we have an overnight stay in a campground nearby or there are many motels in Wilcox about an hour away.  The availability of campsites is limited and could fill up fast.  For now, the plan is to drive over in the morning to photograph the area (sunset is at 6:30 PM) and scout around for the best compositions for the night shoot. There will be some previewing of sites before March as well. We will not be walking too far from the cars if we can help  it.  So after some little nap we can meet at the Faraway Ranch to begin, say around 2:30 to get set up.  The Milky Way Center is visible from 3 to 5 AM. If there is another suitable place up the road we can get in a different foreground there next. Golden hour is at 6 and sunrise is 6:30 AM.  So set your alarms accordingly!   We can schedule a practice shoot, nearby Saddlebrooke, maybe in February for those who need practice.  More on that later. I have documents showing the settings for your camera for those attending as well.  And a list of what equipment to bring.  Warm clothes for sure!