Solstice sunset

Today’s the longest day of the year, and I still love how late the sun sets here in Montana. I felt like it was cause for celebration, so I organized a “solstice party” (Dirk referred to it jokingly as my “pagan ritual”). I wasn’t quite sure what to do at a solstice party– other than perform pagan rituals, I suppose– so Pepper and I bought a ton of ice cream and toppings, and shared them with about 60 people we’d invited to the party. Yes, we got some looks at Walmart when we pushed our cart out the door carrying twenty half-gallons of Tillamook’s best, along with multiple bottles of Hershey’s syrup, caramel, maraschino cherries, and sprinkles. It was a great party.

As we were driving home from the party, it was about 9:30 and the sun was just setting over Flathead Lake. Obviously we had to stop for a photo.

What an awesome sight! The sun gently slipped below the horizon.

A little while later, as we were sitting around at home, we marveled at the light at 10:00:

There were still hints of light in the sky at 11:00!

Although I’m sad that the days will now be getting shorter, it’s always fun to enjoy this one moment.