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Snaking its way through the Georgia piedmont, the Flint River forms the southwest border for Upson County, and provides delightful views and experiences.  Though a nice feast for the camera in itself, my interest in recent years has been to incorporate other photo pursuits in that setting.

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The overlook at Sprewell Bluff Park is available to the public at any time, (a happy thing for one who enjoys night sky picture-taking).  However, the area at the bluff itself is generally off limits after dark, (a not-so-happy thing for...etc.).

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In the last two months, some kind folks arranged for me to have a couple of nights in the park after dark.  I picked nights off from work that were closest to the new moon, but somehow did a poor job of picking the weather.

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We had decent conditions for light painting on both nights...

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edit -9087 edit -8555 So utilizing the shallow water of the riverbank was basically successful.

edit--9078 But as the nights progressed, so did the clouds.

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Aside from the magnificent environment, my reason for wanting to shoot at the bluff during the night was a belief it would be dark enough to give a nice view of our galactic neighborhood.

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There were moments i could catch some of the celestial sights.

edit -8618 But there was never a really clear sky.  So...one gives thanks for what has been, and hopes for what will be  :  )

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My thanks to Laura, Neal, Bobbie and the others who are stewards of this sweet spot.  (Some selected shots of Sprewell Bluff at this spot.)

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