Campin' Under the Stars: Dark Shark and Andromeda at Swarty's Campground
Summer 2023 was all about new beginnings—especially with my freshly acquired CampInn 550 teardrop camper. Just a few weeks after towing it home from the factory in Wisconsin (a maiden voyage in itself, filled with open-road excitement), I set out for my second official trip: a solo getaway to Swarty’s Campground, a cozy private spot tucked away in upstate New York. No frills, just peaceful sites and that essential dark-sky access for my astro pursuits.
This time, I was flying solo in more ways than one. My two elderly canine companions, Jack and Snickers, weren’t up for the adventure anymore—their camping days had given way to cozy naps at home. I made sure they were fed, medicated, and comfortable before hitting the road, promising them tales of the stars upon my return. It’s bittersweet, leaving the old guard behind, but it opened the door for focused nights under the cosmos.
Settling In at Swarty’s
I arrived mid-afternoon, pulling the Tesla Model Y and CampInn into a quiet site surrounded by woods—perfect for that off-grid feel without being too remote. Setup was a breeze now that I had the hang of the teardrop: pop the roof, deploy the kitchen galley, and voila—instant basecamp. The weather was warm and inviting, typical August humidity with temps in the high 70s°F (around 25°C), and a light breeze keeping things comfortable. With the day to myself, I explored the campground trails, enjoying the rustle of leaves and the distant hum of nature. Dinner was a highlight: burgers and chips cooked up in my brand-new cast iron skillet—a recent purchase that was begging for its campfire debut. There’s something primal about searing meat over open flames; the skillet performed like a champ, delivering juicy patties with that perfect char. Paired with a bag of chips and a sunset view, it was the ideal fuel for the night ahead.
Nighttime Nebula Hunt
As twilight deepened, the skies cooperated beautifully—clear and steady, with minimal light pollution (a solid Bortle 4). I unpacked the Red Cat 71 telescope, my go-to for wide-field imaging, and set it up on the mount. First target: the enigmatic “Dark Shark” nebula, cataloged as LDN 1235.
Watch the video highlights: From cast iron dinner to capturing the Dark Shark and Andromeda! (Runtime: 12:51)This dark nebula in the constellation Vulpecula is a real treat—about 650 light-years away, it’s a dense cloud of interstellar dust that blocks the light from the Milky Way behind it, creating a shark-like silhouette against the starry backdrop. Often imaged alongside nearby emission nebulae for contrast, it’s a challenging but rewarding subject, especially in late summer when Vulpecula rides high. I aligned the scope, started the exposures, and let the camera capture the subtle details over an hour or so.
As the Dark Shark dipped toward the horizon, I slewed the telescope to a timeless classic: the Andromeda Galaxy (M31). Our closest spiral galaxy neighbor at 2.5 million light-years, it’s a vast whirl of stars, gas, and dust—visible even to the naked eye under dark skies, but through the Red Cat, it bloomed into a detailed masterpiece. With its companion galaxies M32 and M110 flanking it, the images stacked up nicely, revealing spiral arms and dusty lanes that whisper of cosmic history.
My capture of the Dark Shark (LDN 1235)—lurking in the cosmic depths.
The majestic Andromeda Galaxy (M31), a highlight of the night.
Reflections
This trip marked a sweet spot in my camping journey—the new CampInn 550 proving its worth as a reliable tow-behind home, and the astro sessions delivering those “wow” moments that make it all worthwhile. Swarty’s was a great choice for a low-key escape, though I missed Jack and Snickers’ company around the fire. Little did I know, the future held a bouncy beagle named Phineas to join the adventures.
If you’re breaking in new gear, start simple like this—good food, clear skies, and a touch of wonder. What’s your go-to summer nebula? Share in the comments!