Moonwalkers!

This evening was the first Moonwalker ministry of the year. For a little over 7 years now congregation members at my internship church and their dogs meet once a month on the Saturday nearest the full moon. This ministry takes place October—March since the summer months it doesn’t get dark until midnight; it is cleverly called "Moonwalkers"

Sunset on Pioneer Peak

Pot Luck "Kick-off"

The evening starts with a potluck meal at the designated house. This month it happened to be at Mike and Christy’s house. Uniquely located near a fantastic view of Pioneer Peak, their home is also close to a trail that goes around a lake.

Another couple, Mike and Desi of the congregation are big into astronomy so Mike H. brought along one of his amazing telescopes. As the moon was beginning to rise, and the sun setting, Mike H. pointed the telescope on the moon and then to Jupiter. His telescope is fancy and we were able to look at 3 of Jupiter's16 moons!

Mike H. positioning the telescope on the moon

Moon Rise!

The group, about 20 in all, gathered up their headlamps, dogs, and warm clothes. The temperature this evening was very warm. About 40 degrees which is unusual for this time of year and I was told this was one of the warmer Moonwalker events.

Before leaving all the dogs had to get equipped for the hike. The dogs all have flashing red light collars so that they can be located in the dark. The dogs present included two Great Danes, a Husky mix, Akita Terrior mix, and a Yellow Lab, there was one other but I don't know what breed he was; six dogs total.

Getting the "night light" collars on

Heading out!

We hiked to the trail head about a block away from Mike and Christy's home and then began the journey. We did not use flashlights or headlamps very much once we were on the trail as the moon was almost full and it was a partly cloudy night.

Heading out-It was much darker than the picture shows Notice the flashlight and yard light, but my camera settings made it look light.

Moonwalkers!

I really enjoyed the hike. It was relatively flat and I met some new people. I had great conversations everything from church, to hunting, the upcoming Mystery Dinner, living on a farm and T.V. The hike lasted for about two hours but it went by real fast. The group got separated at one point and my group (up in front) heard the back group yelling at us. We waited for them and soon saw the red flashing lights of the back group's faithful companions. It was fun and a very good time.

Pretty Moon!

Praise Him sun and moon; praise Him all you shining stars (Psalm 148:3)

By midway through the walk I was hot. I took of my coat just wearing my long-sleeved shirt. The only thing that got cold was my cheeks (yes mom even my hands stayed warm).

When we arrived back at Mike and Christy's, Mike H. (the other Mike) once again pulled out his telescope  to view the moon in the full glory. Mike H. pointed out the Big Dipper, Polaris (the star) and Mars.  I can't wait for next month because Moonwalkers will be at Mike and Desi's and they built their own personal observatory so next month will be full of star gazing and up close encounters with the telescopes.

The view from Mike and Christy's front yard-The moon and Pioneer Peak

Checking out the moon up close.

 I LOVE MY INTERNSHIP! :)