Howling At The Moon party, Yuma, AZ- Feb. 22, 2016

Note: the italic text is a contribution by Elaine; the non-italic text is Yvon's.

Feb. 22, 2016

Full moon becomes an occasion (excuse??) to go out in the desert to party. Last year, a group from our park set-out to Spook Mountain to share some time together around a campfire, watching the moon come up from behind the mountain.
A popular singer from Idaho, Kelly Hughes, makes the tour of the parks around Yuma, entertaining the crowds during the winter months. The number of his followers have been increasing.


Last year, he decided to take his music into the desert on full moon, each month. It started with 49 people attending and enjoying his show. By the end of the winter, last March, the number had grown to 1,000. He calls the gathering the "The Howling "
We missed the one in January.
Tonight is full moon. And we're going to the party.



We drive just outside the city limit, into an open space in the desert. Turn right at the sign with a coyote. Follow the trail to the stage. Make sure we have access to the open tailgate.

Set-up the BBQ. Meet the rest of our friends. And has the song says "...let's have a  party!"

People come with all kinds of desert vehicles, pick ups and trucks.


Kelly has set-up a full flatbed trailer as the stage, complete with speakers and lights. The crowd has gathered in a large circle around the stage, with chairs, leaving the middle open for dancing.


I drive our vehicle over with some friends; while Elaine travels across the desert in a desert/dune buggy with Brad.
 

I get my chance to experience a ride too, finding new trails and scouting new hiking opportunities. I also get a view of the crowd from way out.





The setting presents a great occasion to enjoy the surroundings; including the passing of air traffic and the presence of a drone around the entertainment.


I have never seen a large drone carrying such a large camera. I assume the event is being recorded for promotion purpose. Original thinking.

From the time we arrive to the scheduled time of Kelly Hughes show, a female singer keeps the mic busy with music of various style.
 

The energy remains high, between the camaraderie of the crowd, the entertainment, the sunset and the rising of the full moon.



We learned afterward that the numbers for the crowd had been estimated to exceed 1,000 people. With the open space and the right atmosphere, we never felt crowded at all.

Another experience I will not forget. It has all the elements of living life and having a good time.