Aperture Abenteuer: The January Full Wolf Moon and Mars’ Dance

To kick off the new year, we embarked on a breathtaking Aperture Abenteuer to capture January’s Full Wolf Moon and witness Mars’ playful dance across the night sky. Our destination: the tranquil beauty of Big Reed Island River and the surrounding Virginia highlands. From snowy landscapes to icy rivers and celestial spectacles, this trip was an unforgettable way to celebrate the first full moon of the year.

Basecamp by Big Reed Island River

Our journey began on the serene property of a dear friend, nestled alongside the Big Reed Island River, a tributary (the biggest, in fact) of the New River. The wide, shallow waters painted a picture-perfect backdrop for our basecamp, complete with a teepee tent and a cozy cooking area. The icy riverbanks glistened as we prepared for the evening’s celestial showcase.

Chasing Sunset on Backroads

Red SUV with a canoe on top, parked in snowy landscape at sunset. Trees in the background. Text "Galaxy S23 Ultra" in the corner.

With the Wolf Moon set to rise around 5:30 PM, we ventured about seven miles up icy backroads in search of the perfect vantage point. We found it atop a high knob at 2,921 feet, offering panoramic views of snow-dusted valleys and shimmering mountains. As the sun dipped below the horizon, it cast a warm, golden glow that was almost too beautiful to leave behind. But then came the big moment.

Person in winter clothing walks on snow at sunset, with a dramatic sky and fencing in the background. Sunlight creates a warm glow.

U.S. flag waves on a pole at sunset, under cloudy skies. Trees and hills fill the horizon. Text: "Galaxy S23 Ultra."

The Moonrise Spectacle

Opposite the fading sunset, the Blue Ridge Mountains stood silhouetted in the deepening twilight as the Full Wolf Moon began its grand ascent. Its rise was nothing short of a theatrical event, casting a golden glow over the frozen landscape. Cameras clicked, video rolled, and our howls echoed across the hills—Al’s epic howl even carried through the valley below, returning to us as if the moon itself were responding. However, as we all understand, nothing gold can stay, and soon the great lunar disco ball was high in the sky.

Bare tree branches against a colorful sunset sky, with the moon visible through the twigs. The scene feels peaceful and serene. Shot by Juxtaposed Tides — The moon peeks through bare branches against a vibrant sunset sky, creating a tranquil and serene scene.

A full moon glows through silhouetted tree branches against a cloudy gray sky. Text "Galaxy S23 Ultra" is seen in the bottom left.

Full moon behind silhouetted branches against a dark sky. Text "Galaxy S23 Ultra" in the corner. Mysterious and serene mood.

Moonlit Rabbit Tracks and a Toasty Fire!

Snowy path at night with two sets of animal footprints. Sparse vegetation and dim lighting create a mysterious and quiet atmosphere. — Rabbit tracks accompanied by some other unidentified tracks

Mars Plays Chase

As if the moonrise wasn’t captivating enough, Mars made a celestial cameo, playing a delightful game of chase with the moon. We captured every moment through photos and footage, marveling at the alignment of these heavenly bodies in the crisp winter sky.

Airplane silhouette against a full moon in a dark sky, with a small bright Mars climbing from below. Juxtaposed Tides photography

A Riverscape Under Moonlight

Returning to basecamp, we gathered around a riverside fire for dinner. The moon, nearly full at 99.9% illumination, turned the river into a radiant scene. Clad in my new insulated waders—a perfect Christmas gift—I ventured onto the thick river ice and dipped into the chilly river. I waded 50 feet over to the island and climbed onto the thick ice bank that stretched out some 15-20 feet from the actual bank. Under the moonlight, the icy expanse sparkled, and I pretended to skate on its smooth surface while Mars continued its dance. Al’s cheers from the fire added to the surreal joy of the moment.

Starry Night and Frosty Morning

Star trails above a tent and red car in a forest at night. Bare trees silhouetted against the sky create a serene, calm atmosphere.

As the temperature dipped to around 30°F, the teepee’s heater provided a snug retreat. We played music, captured the stars' slow movements, and Al even drifted into a warm, restful nap. After some time, we decided to finally make our bed in the 4-runner and tucked in for the night. Morning came too soon, but the magic of the previous night still lingered. The temperature ultimately dropped to 17 degrees, however, we never even fired up the heat source for the 4Runner, as we stayed cozy in our sleeping bags until coffee in the morning!

Blue background with two thermometers. Inside: 66.7°F; outside: 23°F. Labels: Main, Weather, Forecast. Handwritten text reads "Tee Pee Tent." — Screen shot of indoor versus outdoor temperatures displayed on a blue background, with "Tee Pee Tent" handwritten above thermometers showing 66.7°F inside and 23°F outside. Yes, we were cozy to say the least!

Snowy campsite with a red SUV, a tent, green canoe, and grill. Bare trees in the background under a clear blue sky. Text reads "Galaxy S23 Ultra". — Winter camping aperture abenteuer 2025: A red SUV, a cozy tent, and a green canoe set the scene against a backdrop of bare trees and clear blue skies, with a grill ready for a fireside feast. Shout out to some really great friends for allowing us to camp on their lovely property!

The Final Adventure: Canoeing Through Ice

Before heading home, we launched our trusty ole 16-foot Coleman Scanoe onto the icy river. With trout rods in stow and paddles slicing through the frigid waters, we witnessed the ice melt’s symphony. Mini glaciers floated downstream, and the pristine clarity of the water revealed darting fish below. It was a fitting farewell to a memorable trip.

Person in a blue jacket paddles a canoe on an icy river surrounded by leafless trees and hills under a clear blue sky. Text: Galaxy S23 Ultra.

Person wades in icy river with nearby boat, surrounded by snowy forest and clear blue sky. Mood is serene and chilly. — A person wades through an icy river surrounded by a snowy forest under a clear blue sky, creating a serene and chilly scene near a moored boat.

Reflections and Farewell

As we packed up camp, we couldn’t help but reflect on the adventure. The Full Wolf Moon, Mars’ celestial dance, the icy river, and the snowy landscapes had come together to create a truly unforgettable experience. The beauty of the natural world, combined with the thrill of exploration, reminded us why we pursue these Aperture Abenteuer in the first place.

Red SUV with a green canoe on top parked on snowy ground. Bare trees and hills in the background under a clear blue sky.

This trip was more than just a photography outing; it was a celebration of nature’s splendor and a testament to the power of planning, perseverance, and passion. As we loaded up the car and said goodbye to the Big Reed Island River, we knew this was only the beginning of what promises to be an exciting year of adventures.

Here’s to more nights under the stars, more howls at the moon, and more moments that take our breath away. Until next time, the Aperture Abenteuer continues.