Cropped, resized from RAW file, color enhanced.

Based on a cloud free forecast, I made a run 100 miles back out to the Knolls recreation site. First off, I need to clarify a previous error. This is a Bortle Class 2 dark sky ...Not the Class 1 that I had said it was before. Still a pretty good night sky when conditions are right. So upon arrival it was indeed cloud free. Then about 11 PM one Nimitz Class Aircraft Carrier of a cloud cruises in from the northwest and parks right in front of the Milky Way. I looked around and it really was the only cloud. Grrrr! I even quit shooting the MW and turned my cameras to the north and southeast for a while, hoping this beast would dissipate, break up or move on. It broke apart into what you see here. Two cameras were packed up and I decided to light up the desert. We've all seen these and this style of painting the sky or landscape while posing. After a few shots like this in the past...it just isn't my thing. But since the clouds ended the show, I said why not?

Oh and while last Friday night's session was accompanied with dozens upon dozens of RV campers, Trailers, Sand toys of every variety, plus strong winds....this session was totally solo. No one but me and some kind of critter not far away which kept making ruffling sounds. I never saw it..maybe an owl hunting? I shined my light around when I heard it but nothing had eyeshine. Very quiet and peaceful with the exception of camera shutters. mmmmmmm!