I pulled up to the viewpoint at 2am; there was a fire ranging just on the other side of the lake, funneling smoke right into the Milky Way. There was no moon out, but in the faint starlight I could see the smoke from the wildfire settling on the water. It was freezing and I did not bring enough sweaters to stay outside for long, but even from the warmth of Carol the Carolla, the stars were worth the drive. Two hours of sleep later I woke up for an incredible sunrise, watching the long shadows reach across the meadows and the smoke crossing the lake. I spent a total of about 12 hours here and just as much time driving, but it was worth it!