The images here tell a story of a trip my family and I enjoyed to the Dominican Republic. The whole idea started in June, when I received an e-mail by friend Eric Ramos, and was invited to be a guest and a speaker at an Astronomical event in the Dominican Republic August 5, and 6th. Eric told me of the gorgeous beaches and beautiful clear skies that were at this location at approximately 18 degrees latitude. The trip included a stay at a resort hotel and observations from the beach at night.

Members of the Dominican Astronomical Society help organize and promote astronomy. This yearly gathering was held at the Portillo Resort at Samana in the town of Las Terrenas. This is a spacious resort, with a number of condominium style units on a private beach. A light pollution map of the Dominican Republic shows NO repeat NO light pollution in this section of the country. Skies are dark to the horizon, and the milky way is tremendous!! Here is our trip in pictures from the beginning.