Cosmic Camp part.1

CAMPING IN VERMONT THE NIGHT PRIOR TO THE ECLIPSE.

Joining an astronomy class this semester was a delightful surprise for us. Initially drawn by its allure rather than deep interest, we were soon captivated by our professor, Felipe Andrade-Santos, whose infectious energy and expertise in galaxy clusters from his role as an associate researcher at Harvard-Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics enthralled us.
During engaging lectures, Professor Andrade-Santos excitedly shared news of an upcoming celestial event: a total solar eclipse crossing Mexico, the United States, and Canada in April. Encouraging us to seize the opportunity, he ignited our curiosity about the cosmos.

Despite the eclipse seeming like a distant dream, our professor's passion fueled our excitement. We decided to wait until it was closer before planning, guided by his wisdom.

As the date neared, our anticipation grew. We eagerly awaited the chance to witness the eclipse firsthand, united by our shared fascination with the universe. Our journey from the classroom to cosmic exploration, inspired by Professor Andrade-Santos, became an unforgettable adventure.

Joey and prof. Andrade-Santos

Just a week before the eclipse, we made a spontaneous decision to head to Vermont for the event. Opting for a Jeep Wrangler, we sought the thrill of adventure for our journey. With a spur-of-the-moment idea, we reached out to a few friends to join our cosmic escapade. In the end, there were five of us ready to embark on this spontaneous journey.

Initially considering a budget motel, we quickly realized that all accommodations along the path of totality were booked well in advance. Camping seemed like the next logical choice, but alas, it wasn't camping season yet. Undeterred, we decided to embrace the uncertainty and figure things out upon arrival.

Despite the lack of concrete plans, three things were certain: witnessing the eclipse was non-negotiable, we had a reliable car at our disposal, and a craving for pancakes at Cracker Barrel was undeniable.

Cracker Barrel at Londonderry, New Hampshire (From left to right: Luis Gallego, Joey Camps, Jason Wolf, Sebas Rodriguez, Niko Dagdug).

The day of our grand adventure dawned bright and early. My friend Sebas and I wasted no time, picking up the car and rounding up the rest of the crew before stocking up on snacks for the road. Our destination: Londonderry, New Hampshire.

As we bid farewell to Boston, I took control of the AUX cord and set the mood with Dire Straits' "Money For Nothing." That song quickly became the anthem of our journey, setting the perfect tone for the road ahead. Leaving the city behind, we watched as nature enveloped our surroundings, relishing the freedom of the open road with cherished friends.

Arriving at Cracker Barrel, we were met with a 45-minute wait. Undeterred, we made the most of the snowy parking lot, braving the chill as we gathered around with a guitar, filling the air with music and laughter. Nestled beside a serene pond, the scene was uniquely perfect in its own way.

Finally seated for breakfast, we indulged in a hearty country meal paired with steaming cups of coffee. Our spirits soaring, we attracted the attention of an elderly lady who commended our enthusiasm, affirming our excitement for the journey ahead.

Waiting in the parking lot of the Cracker Barrel.

After bidding farewell to New Hampshire, we set our sights on our ultimate destination: Burlington, Vermont. The journey along I-89N treated us to breathtaking vistas, especially after the previous night's snowfall. Enthralled by the picturesque landscapes of both New Hampshire and Vermont, we couldn't help but fall in love with the scenery.

Somewhere along the way, we took a wrong exit and found ourselves in the middle of nowhere, atop a snowy hill. Rather than lamenting the detour, we embraced the opportunity to stretch our legs and fool around amidst the pristine surroundings.

Somewhere between New Hampshire, and Vermont.

Fooling around with the snow that was left.

Before departing, we gathered for group photos and discussed our plans. Uncertain whether to seek out a less crowded spot along the path of totality or join the throngs in Burlington, we debated the possibilities. Perhaps we could venture to Burlington in hopes of befriending locals willing to host us for the night. With fond farewells to our secluded mountain spot, we set off, excited to get to our destination.

Sebas and Joey.

One last group picture in the mountains.

After immersing ourselves in John Mayer's album "Born & Raised" from start to finish, we finally rolled into Burlington, Vermont. The challenge of finding suitable parking for our large and unwieldy Jeep added a touch of frustration to our arrival. After a bit of circling, we managed to secure a spot and set out to explore Burlington on foot, grateful for the decent weather that allowed us to enjoy the outdoors.

We stumbled upon a rocky spot by the lake, where we settled in and I serenaded my friends with some of my own songs, seeking their feedback. Amidst deep conversations, I took a moment to call my parents back in Mexico. Living far from family can be tough, and describing the scenery and our adventures over the phone only intensified my longing for them. While I wished they could be there to share the moment, I also cherished the opportunity to create memories of my own that I could later share with them.

As the sun began its descent, painting the sky with hues of orange and pink, we were overcome with a mix of emotions. While we reveled in the beauty of the moment and the journey thus far, anxiety crept in as we realized nightfall was approaching, and we were still uncertain about where we would spend the night.

Relaxing in Burlington, Vermont.

Sunset in Burlington.

Our Shadows during the sunset.

As we walked back to the car, the worry of where to spend the night began to weigh heavily on us. Despite our attempts, we hadn't found anyone willing to host us, so we decided to hit the road and brainstorm ideas. Night fell swiftly, and tension mounted.

After driving aimlessly for what felt like an eternity, frustration set in. I suggested heading towards a secluded area by the lake. Niko searched on his phone and found a remote spot that seemed promising. We arrived, parked, and surveyed the area, only to discover a sign prohibiting camping. This sparked a debate among us: Niko and I believed we could fly under the radar, while the others voiced concerns about potential repercussions.

Jokingly, I mentioned that if we got arrested, at least we'd have a roof over our heads. Eventually, Niko and I convinced the group to stay. With darkness enveloping us and the cold biting, Niko and I proposed building a small fire for warmth, despite lacking proper camping gear. Armed only with Niko's lighter and our determination, we set off into the forest, leaving the others huddled in the Jeep.

As we ventured deeper into the wilderness, the brilliance of the stars overhead mesmerized us, dominating our conversation for a good while. Returning with just a single stick, we were met with laughter from the group. Undeterred, we scoured the forest for dry wood, determined to prove ourselves. After an hour of scavenging, we finally amassed enough fuel to ignite a fire.

“Faithless Sebas”

Sebas totally lost faith on our survival skills, so he decided to lay down, and try not to freeze.

Starting the fire proved to be a real challenge. We attempted several methods, but the damp wood made it tough, our frozen hands could barely work the lighter, and the wind kept extinguishing our flames. Eventually, we managed to get a small fire going. We knew we couldn't afford to lose it, so we carefully nurtured the flames, shielding them from the wind and feeding them dry tinder when we could find it. Niko and I worked with determination, and our hard efforts paid off as the fire grew.

When the fire was finally blazing, we felt a surge of excitement and pride. Everyone from the car came over to congratulate us. It felt good to prove them wrong after they had doubted we could do it. At first, we considered keeping the fire to ourselves because of their skepticism, but in the end, we decided to share it. Sebas even offered to take over and keep the fire going for the rest of the night, using the pile of wood we had gathered.

Fire provided by Joey, and Niko.

We laid on the ground, and had deep conversations about life, and space. We felt very vulnerable at the openness of nature. While some chose to stay and bask in the warmth, a few of us ventured out to explore. We stumbled upon a serene spot nestled among colossal rocks by the water's edge.

The night sky was a breathtaking sight, adorned with countless stars and devoid of any clouds. With minimal light pollution, the stars shone brilliantly, casting their reflection on the tranquil water below. Despite the distant glow from Burlington, the brilliance of the stars captivated us, creating a scene of unparalleled beauty.

Around 3 A.M., feeling thoroughly exhausted from our journey, we decided to attempt to get some sleep. Although I had initially planned to sleep in my hammock, the chilly night air prompted me to bundle up with a warm jacket and blanket. However, concerns about potential dangers in the forest, such as bears, coyotes, or strangers, dissuaded us from this idea, and we opted to sleep in the car instead.

There was a brief squabble over who would claim the middle backseat of the Jeep, but after enduring half an hour of relentless complaints from my fellow travelers about how uncomfortable it would be, I reluctantly volunteered to take the spot. It seemed preferable to enduring their ongoing grumbling.

Sebas and Niko occupied the front seats, which offered the luxury of reclining, yet they were the primary culprits behind the chorus of complaints. After an hour of their griping, they eventually shifted gears and began exchanging jokes. I must admit, their lighthearted banter grated on my nerves, and I found myself growing increasingly “Grumpy”.

The stars at night over the lake taken with my phone.

The light coming from Burligton.

Eventually, we drifted off to sleep, though I found it difficult to get comfortable, and my back protested with every movement. Despite the discomfort, as I reflected on our eventful first day, I felt a sense of contentment wash over me. Yes, I was exhausted, but I'd gladly endure the discomfort of that cramped car surrounded by my friends than spend another mundane Sunday back in my apartment, trapped in the monotony of everyday life. At least in that moment, I was part of an adventure.

With that, Part 1/2 of this incredible journey came to a close. I must add that it was one of the standout days of 2024 thus far, serving as a poignant reminder that, cliché as it may sound, sometimes the journey itself is just as enjoyable, if not more so, than reaching the destination or achieving the goal.

PHOTOGRAPHY SHOT BY: JOEY CAMPS WITH A 1972 CANONET QL17GIII (KODAK PORTRA 400 +1 STOP), AND AN IPHONE 13