The Moon Also Rises ( and Sets )

It's well known, isn't it, that Borrego Springs is famous as a " Dark Sky Area" ? That designation was bestowed upon us some time ago. And...I certainly agree that most nights here are inky black and open the starry heavens for all to view. However, some nights are glaring exceptions.

When the full moon rises in the east and starts its' nightly journey west it bathes Borrego in moonlight, often so bright that you can actually go outside and see the colors of things...umbrellas, furniture, trees, flowers...almost as well as you can see them in daylight! During these periods, the Park, ABDNHA and other organizations even offer " guided moonlight hikes " in various parts of the desert. We've never been on one, but have often walked to neighbor's houses or home from dinner at a near-by restaurant under the light of the moon.

But always a blessing it is not. I can't tell you how many times I have been awakened by something startling. The moon wakes me up when it shines directly on my face during the night. It is as if I have been placed in front of a strong spotlight...and it keeps me guessing as to when it will move on.

We had similar experiences like that at the beach, where we used to live but those were caused by the Police Helicopters who loved to shine their spotlight on the beach, sweeping it in giant arcs along the shore late at night...and those events were always accompanied by the beating of rotor blades and sometimes, even the loudspeaker telling anyone on the beach to get off. I can't count how many times we jumped out of bed and rushed onto the second floor deck to see what was wrong...once even silently observing a young beach fugitive hiding under the first story deck!

So, in retrospect, the silent luminous light of the full moon should be welcomed...accompanied by only the soft hoot of an owl or the distant howl of the coyote looking up at the bright light as he has done here through untold centuries!