Sun, Aug 12 2018 - Pre-dawn Peak of Perseid Meteor Shower + Hike & Sunrise at Mason Mill Park (View Original Event Details) Trip Leader(s): Charlie Cottingham Participants: Charlie Cottingham, Janelle, Vera N, Steve K, Dana, A-M, jing zheng, Mary Reed, Herm D, Nina Dawe, Shirley S, Stephanie S, Gary Babiarz

We AOC "early bird" skygazer-hikers were treated to several bright Perseid meteors this morning and also had nice views of the stars and a passing satellite. Herm brought his compact telescope and wowed the group with views of the Pleiades, the Great Orion Nebula, Betelgeuse and other amazing deep-sky objects.  We relaxed together on yoga mats, etc. on the PATH Trail's high Mason Mill deck for about an hour, marveling at the wonders of the night sky and feeling fortunate to have ideal weather for the outing.  During the 2nd hour we hiked in the morning twilight to Medlock Park and back, concluding the "double header" event just after a colorful ~7AM sunrise.  Five of us then explored the almost-finished new PATH connecting trail and high boardwalk that connect Mason Mill Park and Lullwater Park.  Guided by Emory-area resident Mary Reed, we enjoyed this extra 45 minutes of brisk hiking all the way around Candler Lake and back.  -Submitted by Charlie, 3AM Mon Aug 13th
P.S.  A few minutes ago I walked out onto my front lawn, glanced upward, and immediately saw a bright Perseid streaking across the sky.  I now feel redeemed after "striking out personally" during our group's meteor sightings at Mason Mill yesterday morning!