The best time to see stars and take milky way photos is at night generally during a new moon and when the sky is darkest and clear.  Usually a few hours after sunset or before sunrise. 

The season can also affect the number of visible stars, as the Earth's position in its orbit around the sun changes throughout the year. For example, during the summer in the Northern Hemisphere, the Milky Way is often visible.  While during the winter months, constellations such as Orion and Taurus are more prominent. Winter nights are longer and the air is generally clearer, making it easier to see stars. 

It's also important to consider the phase of the moon, as the moon's brightness can interfere with star visibility. If you want to see stars at their brightest, it's best to plan your stargazing trip during a new moon or when the moon is not visible in the sky. Reference the moon calendar screen shot below as an example.

The visibility of stars can also be influenced by atmospheric conditions, such as the presence of clouds or haze. Clear, dry nights with low humidity and minimal light pollution are ideal for stargazing, as they provide the best conditions for clear and bright views of the night sky.

If your goal is to stargaze when there is a new moon, I highly suggest finding a trusted moon phase calendar tool or moon schedule to find out the lunar phase for any given month.  I like using this online moon schedule tool from moonconnections.com. Simply select a month, year, identify your hemisphere, and click "Go", and it will show you what the moon will look like for any day that month. The internal phase calculator is very accurate, but the images are approximations.  

Happy trails and stargazing with your closest friends and family around a warm and inviting campfire.  Don't forget to make a wish after you witness a shooting star. 

Moon phase calculator 

 Photo Credits: @roamrx

- Mike Houston 

When it comes to camping, the best food to cook is typically something that is easy to prepare, portable, and filling. Here are some ideas for delicious easy camping meals:

1. Foil packet meals - These are great because they are easy to prepare and clean up. Simply wrap your favorite ingredients (such as meat, vegetables, and spices) in foil and place them over hot coals or on a grill.

2. One-pot meals - One-pot meals, such as chili or stew, are perfect for camping because they can be made in a single pot over a campfire or camping stove.

3. Breakfast sandwiches - Breakfast sandwiches are easy to prepare and can be made with ingredients like eggs, bacon, cheese, and bread. They are also portable, so you can eat them on the go.

4. Kabobs - Kabobs are a fun and easy way to cook meat and vegetables over a campfire or camping stove. Simply skewer your ingredients and cook them over the fire until they are cooked to your liking.

5. S'mores - No camping trip is complete without s'mores! All you need are graham crackers, chocolate, and marshmallows to create this classic camping treat.