On July 10th, 2021, we formed a group of around 30 grad students to visit Camelback Mountain in Big Pocono State Park. We departed at 6:45 PM from Alumni Building, and had a 1-hr drive to the top of Camelback Mountain, which uses to be a ski resort in the wintertime.  Group picture after everyone arrives:

We first had a 2.7-mi moderate hike via the trail and the road, circling the mountaintop. The forest has fresh air and dense trees, when we walked out of it, the surrounding was suddenly much brighter.

We were close to the end of the hike and the sun has set, just as we have planned – after finishing the hike, the sky should be dark for us to gradually start to gaze at the stars. The sunset on the Parking Lot #2 was magnificent. Everyone held their breath to watch the darkening sky and the color palette made by the sunset.

However, we did not realize that the Camelback Mountaintop region of the Big Pocono State Park closes at 9 PM, where the gates will be shut. After getting the notice from the ranger, we hiked back to the cars, memorizing the dark sky and the stars we observed on the way, and heading out to a local brewery. The evening ended with beers, hot food, laughter, and conversations.

Trip leader: Shasha, VamC,

Writing: Shasha

Photos: VamC, Mahsa, Khayrul, Arte