Tuesday 19 March 2019

How Dark Is Dark?

You get used to the status quo.

Sue and I take Cupar out for his late night walkies every night, and without a thought, we clad up in whatever clothing is appropriate for the weather at the time, then we pick up the torch. It's just what we do.

On the rare occasions when there is a clear sky and a big moon, the torch may not be needed. But mostly, the darkness is total.

However - on a clear, moonless night, especially in winter, we will often find ourselves standing motionless, gazing heavenwards, in complete awe. How can there be so many stars? And then the Milky Way paints a pale, glittering stripe across the blackness. How big is the universe? How small can we feel?

That's dark!

Just recently, I have been spending quite a few nights at The Old Bakery in Strathpeffer. There are lit-up houses here, and street lights. It still gets dark, but it's quite a different darkness, and it is quite reassuring to be able to walk with some confidence that you can see where you are stepping.

But given the choice - I'll take Skye-dark every time!

That little dot at the bottom is The Barn
No caption needed...!

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