Our PPS Meetup group had planned a Milky Way shoot at the Lake Henshaw observation area. I stuck around until about 7:30, but the clouds weren’t cooperating. Someone mentioned they were expected to clear around 10 PM — at which point the Milky Way would be rising vertically just to the right of the lake, perfect for catching a reflection on the water. It looked like that shot would have to wait for June next year.

I decided to head home and, as I drove back, the sky began putting on a show. I’ve been driving past this old windmill and shed for nearly 50 years, but never once with a sky like this. Tonight was different. I hit the brakes, grabbed my camera, and knew it was going to be a great shot.