A June Hike

June 17-18, 1978. Elliott Knob, Virginia.  Sunset and sunrise from a high peak on the divide separating two great eastern rivers. I watch dawn break from the mountain's east side. The horizon is covered with clouds which break up a bit further into the sky. I can see blue sky behind the clouds, many of which are brightly lit by the sun. This soft morning light contrasts with the drama of yesterday's sunset. Clouds were dispersed across the entire sky, thicker at the horizon but still open enough to see the sun's fiery red disc, glowing intensely red-orange as it majestically settled to the horizon. Sunlight streamed across the evening sky, lighting up the clouds sweeping toward me like a formation of starships. As these cloud starships pass over my ridge, they enter the realm of night. Their golden orange undersides quickly fade to gray as they cross the day's end. Last night was a star filled night. The moon was up early on, surrounded by a complete halo. After moon set the sky filled with an immense display of stars.