There's a moment in the Sierra when the day changes.

The last boat comes off the lake.

The hiking shoes are kicked off.

The grills have gone quiet.

And somewhere between the last bit of daylight and the first stars, you realize there's still plenty of Sierra left to experience.

Tonight, look up. There’s still plenty of show left.

The annual Perseid meteor shower might have peaked last night but don’t let that deter you from seeing more of the spectacular light show, and this year the timing is unusually good. With very little moonlight interfering, the darker Sierra skies give us a front-row seat to one of nature's best offerings. The Perseids are still expected to be most active late at night and into the early morning hours.

And here's the best part:

You don't need a telescope.

You don't need an expensive camera.

You don't even need to know much about astronomy.

Grab a blanket.

Find a comfortable spot away from town lights.

Turn off the phone.

And look up.

Give your eyes a little time to adjust, and let the skies do the rest.

Some of our favorite Sierra experiences happen after dark.

A campfire at the campsite.

A late dinner after a day on the lake.

Live music under the stars.

A quiet walk when the temperature finally drops.

Kids wrapped in blankets, waiting for the first shooting star.

Or maybe just sitting outside with a cup of coffee and realizing how many stars you forgot were up there.

That's one of the gifts of living in—or visiting—the Sierra.

The day doesn't have to end when the sun goes down.

Sometimes, that's when the really good part begins.

So tonight, or sometime this week, find a dark patch of sky and look up.

You might see one shooting star.

You might see twenty.

And if you're lucky, you'll see one that makes everyone around you say the same thing:

"Did you see that?"

Until next Thursday,

Jerad
Sierra Life Guide

Your Guide to the Best of Sierra Living.

P.S. We'd love to know: Where's your favorite place to experience the Sierra after dark? Hit reply and tell us. We'll be collecting your answers for a future Sierra Life Guide.