Backyard Sleep Out

This summer has seen a virtually continuous display of spectacular sunrises and sunsets in the Grand Valley. One of the best spots from which to see them is on the south 'rim' of the valley - either the Colorado National Monument, Black Ridge or from points along Little Park Road. All are easy to reach and so one evening after work, Chad and I set out with plans to spend the night and see both sunset and sunrise.

Hiking up provided expansive views of the valley, here looking north towards Fruita and Utah:

Looking south east where the Wingate Sandstone drops off into the Grand Valley:

Having found a cozy alcove in the red sandstone walls we rolled out our sleeping bags, perched ourselves with a great vantage point, cracked open a bottle of wine (or two), laid out some rather delicious cheese and waited.

Chad looking like he's doing yoga but in fact peering down a canyon wall.

Dark clouds moved in shortly before sunset. Above Black Ridge and its radio towers - where most of the Grand Valley pings its communications:

Dusk above the Grand Valley. I believe the streak in the sky is the International Space Station. It moves quickly and is bright. This was a six second exposure.

As the moon rose the clouds rolled in. This picture is rather ominous but is authentic.

Sunrise was again another sultry, cloud filled sky:

Having forgotten fuel for our stove and therefore the lifeblood of early mornings - coffee - was not available to us, we beat a groggy retreat back down to the valley floor. Just in time to avoid the rain which the "dark sky in the morning, shepherds warning" adage correctly predicted. All in all a spectacular sleep out in our backyard.