QUESTIONS, QUESTIONS, QUESTIONS

365 Days of Thanksliving — Day 247

Dumb questions — is there such a thing? Hmm. IDK. My dear-old dad used to say if you ask a dumb question, expect a dumb answer. And you wonder where I get my snark. Hehehe!

Me, personally? I think the only dumb question is the one not asked. That’s my thought on the subject. Well, anyway, my post topic tonight revolves around questions asked and questions answered; and, while a question I dropped in a forum might’ve sounded moronic, I went ahead and asked it anyway.

Just to keep ya in suspense, I’ll save that inquiry for later. For now, you just gots to endure more of my blah, blah, blah, blathering.

I’m sure you’re keenly aware I’m getting ready to travel west on a little photography adventure — that is, unless you’ve totally not been paying attention. It’s like all I’ve been talking about lately. Oh snap, I’m really on a sarcasm roll tonight!

Honestly, I was thinking about maybe going next week. Why not take a few days of intentional down-time from the j.o.b. mid-week? But the ten-day forecast isn’t looking promising for the South Dakota Badlands: temps near triple digits, cloudy skies, and chances of rain. Blecth! All those things are a big no-go for trying to capture God’s glorious cosmos. Personally, I’m not making any hotel reservations just yet.

So, while August 11–13 might be off the table — because moonless nights (or nights with very little moonlight) are prime astro nights — September isn’t far off. With either option on the table, I posted a question to the NightScaper (astrophotography) Group on Facebook. Here was my query: “Have any of you traveled to the South Dakota Badlands to capture the Milky Way? If so, can you please share your experiences and some tips?”

Now, is that a “dumb” question? IDK. I suppose it’s in the eye of the beholder. Me? Ehh…. Perhaps, perhaps not. I mean seriously, these days one can Google just about anything and find all kinds of info videos on YouTube. Certainly, I’ve visually digested more Badlands content than I care to admit. I’ve checked out all the camping and hotel options on VRBO, Booking.com, and scoured YouTube ad nauseam. One can only do so much pre-planning before one goes NVTZ nuts!

Admittedly, I’ve gotten some great replies, and one that seemed kinda all Homer Simpson. Captain Obvious replied, “Make sure to check the weather for clear skies.” I guess his answer wasn’t technically dumb; but to me, it stated the obvious. Any landscape astrophotographer worth his/her salt knows that clear skies are pretty much a must.

One gent suggested I invest in a pair of snake gaiters. I had no idea what those were until I looked them up. I guess the rattlesnakes lurk in some of the brush. Oh joy! I hate snakes. Back to my point though, had I not asked that, I wouldn’t have thought of such a thing. So… dumb question???

What’s more fun though? So far, my question revealed three others who said they’re planning that exact trip next month, and these folks are from all over the country. I think I’m the closest. So… who knows, a meet-up? That might be a hoot.

That all said, I’m thankful I asked the question I did, even if it seemed a bit silly. I like to think of myself as intelligent enough to know some of the more obvious things, but it’s the less obvious that I know I’d miss. Moreover, I also know myself… I’d miss something important.

All in all, the community has stepped up and given their insights, and they’re all good – even Captain Obvious’s reply. Some have shared a few of their shots, and now I’m even more excited. And for all those gents and ladies who’ve replied, I’m thankful. They’re fueling my anticipation and helping to make that future wall art worthwhile.

So…. questions, questions, questions… always be asking questions. You never know where they'll take ya.

Heavenly Father, thank you for my readers, and thank you for my fellow astro-enthusiasts who replied to my silly question. Lord, give us all perfect skies in September, so we can capture your wondrous creation.