CAMPOUTS DON’T DISAPPOINT. The mid-January weekend at Meridian State Park with some work chums was no exception. A shrimp boil was the highlight of the campfire menu, and the 3-plus-mile hike put my recently repaired arteries to the test.

One clear, cold night, I pointed the Canon at the sky, hoping the Milky Way would pop out of the starry new-moon canvas. Despite the perfect, dark conditions, the galaxy pattern was less defined than usual. I was lucky, however, to capture the International Space Station streaking across the sky in three consecutive 20-second exposures. (I confirmed it later with an ISS tracker.) When it proved too cold to sleep well, I rose early and watched the sun rise over Lake Meridian. 

Campouts don’t disappoint.