October 16, 2016
Bonus this month to have two shots at the Hunter moon even though I missed the first night.
As I closed the visitor center at 6pm the colors in the sky distracted me. I rushed to the rim but had already missed the setting although some color lingered.
How would you like this cabin view of Grand Canyon? A friend recently stayed here and we shared company on the porch over lunch.
The sunset introduced the Hunter moon and vied for my attention as I used Google Sky app to determine where the moon would rise on the eastern horizon. So much easier than trying to use a compass in the dark.
Found a spot along Bright Angel Point trail but didn’t have the tripod so these shots are rather blurry. Especially with a fierce wind trying to blow my hat off while chilled hands held on tight. No way I’m letting that Ranger flat-top fly into Roaring Springs Canyon.
Because the overnight lodging closed that day I saw very few visitors.
A wisp of clouds hung on the horizon in the exact place the moon rose.
But the Hunter moon won, breaking through with only stripe-like shadows adding to the drama.
A grand send off with only one more day of work. Rangers get paid in sunsets. This was overtime. I’m ready for the season to be over but it’s hard to say goodbye to the Grand Canyon.
Called a Hunter moon because of the bright light of a Supermoon (close to earth) allowing hunters a little longer day to bring in meat for the winter. Are you ready for winter? Not sure I am.
The clouds on the moon add a wonderful dramatic effect:) Glad you were there too share with us:) Beautiful photos! Hope you had a great last day!
Thanks Pam. Now time to pack.
Great photos of the Hunter moon, even without a tripod. I envy the cabin view. What a great place for a lunch, coffee or even an adult beverage.
Thanks Jerry. Those cabins on the rim are special.
Nice shots of the moon. According to NASA, the supermoon on December 14 will be the closest full moon to date in the 21st century. Let’s hope it’s a clear evening!
Thanks Gayle. I’ll be thinking about a location for that one.
The clouds were just enough to at a bit of a haunting effect, very awesome! Hope you have the weather and opportunity to capture the next couple Supermoons as they will be ever so slightly closer.
Thanks. I’m thinking of locations for the next ones.
Thanks for sharing Gaelyn. Have a great winter. Let us know if you come down to Anza-Borrego.
Might make it that way after the first of the year.
We are never ready for winter, hate it!!! Love these photos though they magical 🙂 I am going to miss the grand canyon photos over winter but you always find somewhere else interesting so waiting to see where you decide to go. Cheers Diane and Nigel
Thank goodness you are getting a summer reprieve in SA this winter. I’m sure to take a few road trips this year. Maybe Baja, Mexico. Best to you both.
Gaelyn, where in Google Sky is the function for the azimuth and time of moonrise/moonset? I’ve been using The Photographer’s Ephemeris: photoephemeris.com
I don’t know. Just looked at the map which showed the moon below the horizon. Will have to look at what you’re using.
Hope to be in a warm place for winter. Hard to think about it being cold since we are trapped in Virginia where they are having Indian Summer. Record high of 85 today, 86 tomorrow, 87 the next day. Really feels hot.
Thank you so much of these gorgeous dark sky pictures. So rare these days. The moon is just magnificent. It didn’t look that wonderful here where I’m in the trees.
Thanks Sherry. Grand Canyon is an International Dark Sky park. We’ll have more chances at a Supermoon in November and December. Those temps sound divine to me. I’d like to be someplace warm for winter also.
I’m glad you explained what a hunter moon is. Super moon I know.
Nice photos. A melancholy tone permeates each one, it seems. That could be just me projecting what I imagine it feels like to wrap up a season on the rim, I suppose.
Great to be able to post comments again!
Thanks Shane. I agree the tone matches the mood of leaving the canyon even though glad the season is over.
Beautiful shots. Even tripods are trouble in the wind. I bet those hats are expensive so hold on. I know Dad’s forest service hats were very expensive.
Thanks Yogi. I wouldn’t have had a flat spot to set the tripod anyway. Yes, the hat is expensive.
Nice photos of the Moon. Worth sharing! Thanks!!
Thanks George.
Those moonrise pictures are incredible. What an end-of-the-season sendoff for you! You were well paid in sunsets on that evening — and thank you for sharing your bonus with us!!!
Thanks. It’s been an amazing season.
You are rich in views Gaelyn. Still can’t comment unless I use the iPad. I sometimes forget and write out a comment on the Mac – it won’t take my identity info.
Thank you for being so persistent. I don’t know why there’s a commenting problem. Do you use Chrome? That seems to cause problems.