Chapter 1: Venturing into the Darkness

In this month’s adventure, I stepped out of my comfort zone to engage in two of my favorite activities—hiking and biking—but under the cover of night. Guided by our friendly local naturalist, I discovered the wonders of nature that come alive when humans are asleep.

My initial experience was a night hike, where I joined a group of strangers for a wildlife tour. This was a significant milestone for me, as I usually prefer solitary adventures. During the hike, I learned a variety of fascinating things:

• Attracting Bats: By launching crab-apples into the air using a slingshot, I discovered a fun method to lure bats for pest control.
• Owls in the Night: Playing recorded owl calls proved to be much more thrilling than observing owls during the day at the zoo.
• Dark Vision: I found out that by turning off my flashlight and allowing time for my eyes to adjust, I could enhance my night vision. It takes approximately 20 minutes for the chemicals in our eyes to adapt, revealing the world in low light.

Our guide used a laser pointer to showcase stars and constellations, sharing Native American stories about the cosmos. It was awe-inspiring to realize that these celestial bodies have been navigational aids long before GPS technology existed. A highlight of the evening was witnessing a satellite drift across the sky—something our ancestors could only dream of.

As we wandered, the naturalist identified various animal sounds. We could hear tree frogs, yet their presence was elusive. I learned how to distinguish different animals by observing the color and shape of their eyes reflecting light. At one point, a bat swooped by and playfully tangled in someone’s hair. In that moment, I felt privileged to be in an unusual space that most people shy away from, transforming fear into fascination.

After the hike, it was announced that a moonlit bike ride along the Delaware & Raritan Canal was coming up. While some participants hesitated at the idea, my curiosity was piqued, and I eagerly signed up for my next nocturnal adventure.

Chapter 2: The Moonlit Bike Ride

The upcoming moonlit bike ride promised to be as informative and exciting as the hike had been, covering a distance of 13 miles. However, I was soon faced with a list of necessary gear, including front and rear bike lights. Doubts began to creep in—why would I want to ride at night with unfamiliar faces? What if I struggled to keep up? The idea of encountering giant mosquitoes or falling into the murky canal water was daunting. With rain predicted, I nearly hit the “Change My RSVP” button to opt-out. Yet, I decided to push through my apprehensions and attend.

I was immensely grateful that I did! That night, our small group rode under the glow of the Sturgeon Moon. As visibility diminished, our other senses sharpened; the sound of gravel crunching beneath our tires was mesmerizing. The cool night breeze enveloped us, making the trail feel like our own private sanctuary. Before we set off, we reviewed safety protocols and rode in a single file, which allowed me to savor the tranquility of nature without interruptions. Our guide maintained a steady pace of nine miles per hour, and a designated “sweeper” ensured no one fell behind.

Frequent breaks allowed our guide to share the historical significance of the canal and its remaining structures. Once we established our rhythm, navigating in the dark became second nature. I learned to avoid the small shadows darting around my bike tires—they were night toads, and I made sure to respect their space as I rode through their world.

Despite my initial fears of venturing out at night, I was thankful for the experiences I gained from both events. I uncovered hidden treasures of natural and historical knowledge that I would have missed had I chosen to stay in the safety of my home. Engaging with like-minded individuals, I realized that the nighttime forest is like a private club with its own unique rules and culture.

Most importantly, I discovered that it is indeed possible to see in the dark—it simply requires patience and a willingness to embrace the unknown.

The second video, titled "How To Ride In The Dark - Top Tips For Cycling At Night," provides essential advice for those venturing out on two wheels after sunset. This video covers safety tips, gear recommendations, and techniques to enhance your cycling experience during nighttime rides.