The Darkness That Refreshes

The Moon and Venus in crescent phase

NPS Photo

Are you afraid of the dark?

The Big Bend is dark. Probably darker than where you are from. It is so dark, that some people feel uncomfortable, as super dark nights are not what they are accustomed to. In fact, Big Bend has the darkest measured night skies of any National Park in the lower 48 states. But what makes it so dark here?

The primary reason for this is that this area is lacking the available water to support development for a larger number of people, and there are no exploitable resources that would draw larger populations. The Big Bend is much different than what most are used to.

Always having “light” around while outside, like in most cities, even after the sun goes down, makes a diurnal human more comfortable in a nocturnal environment. Just as it was thousands of years ago when ancient humans had fire to keep the bad things away and extend their workdays, modern people use artificial light to the same advantage. Or disadvantage, depending on how you look at it. Being in Big Bend can be different, if you choose to take up the challenge.

The park gives visitors the ability to stretch their comfort zone regarding operating in a truly dark place. The backcountry campsites can be a prime opportunity to seek a refreshing change from normal activities. Being out on Old Ore road in a campsite all to yourselves, getting to camp early and finishing chores before the sun goes down, and just sitting in the dark and absorbing that darkness and all it offers can be a most sublime experience. An evening or five, just you and the dark, and all it brings to the many senses. That experience could be the darkness that refreshes.