Neowise Comet

Michael loves all celestial events. When the Neowise comet was first announced he was excited. For a few days we debated how best to see it. Eventually we decided we would drive out to Bruneau Dunes State Park and try our luck.

Saturday after dinner, and after CJ had been picked up, we loaded ourselves into the van and set out for a quick outing. Just over an hour later we pulled into the state park. After a quick potty break, we headed for the dunes. Alas, we forgot to bring cardboard boxes to slide down them. 

The climb up is always so much more difficult than it appears.

I managed to make it to the top, even though my knee has been making life difficult. I did hold onto Michael for support, and he was supportive by making fun of my granny knee. Once I got to the top, I stayed there. I wasn't sure I would make it again. The kids all enjoyed running up and down the dune. There was a competition to see how many giants leaping steps it took to get to the bottom of the other side. I just sat there watching them wondering when they are going to blow out their knees.

We made it in time for a pretty sunset. It wasn't spectacular due to a lack of clouds, but as we were after a comet, the lack of clouds was a benefit.

Ethan was with us, despite the photographic evidence. He climbed on the dunes until dusk came, at which point the the mosquitoes came out. Ethan has no patience for biting insects, so he sequestered himself in the van.

Ever notice how long it takes the sun to set when you are waiting for complete dark? It's a really long time. Definitely over an hour. At 10:00 we were able to start looking for the comet. By 10:30 (with some lingering light still on the horizon) we had given up. We had looked all over but still not seen the comet. As I gathered water bottles Michael glanced at the sky again, and saw a slight blur below the Big Dipper. We all paused as he used binoculars to focus on the blur. It became a bigger blur. A blur that was a comet!  It was easy to find when I wasn't looking for it, but the second I tried to focus my eyes on  it it would disappear. We spent another 20 minutes examining the blur and then decided it was time to head home.

We stopped for some ice cream, drove on home, and tried to leave the sand outside when we pulled in at 12:30am. We did not succeed. My laundry room now has its own dune ecosystem. The blur was almost worth it.