I’d been wanting to explore astrophotography at New Brunswick’s incredible Hopewell Rocks for some time.

But every trip I took through the area (from my home on Prince Edward Island) was foiled by one thing or another.

Timing is especially critical given that these rocks are subject to some of the highest tides in the world. If you don’t get it right, you may well need a kayak to get around.

One December evening, however, it all came together. I was staying in nearby Moncton with my family, merging a family vacation and a business commitment.

Hotels usually agree with me, but on this particular evening, mine didn’t.

I woke at one a.m. and, after an hour of staring at the ceiling, I decided to just go with it. I was going to take a late-night road trip.

I bundled up against the cool of the evening, tiptoed out of the hotel room so I wouldn’t wake my family, and drove the 30 minutes to Hopewell Rocks.

Once I arrived, I wandered around in the dark with a headlamp to find the safest access to shore. And when I could see finally see these famous rocks, my heart started racing.

The night was clear and beautiful and a bright moon overpowered the stars, filling what would have otherwise been shadows with light and wonder.

I spent close to an hour wandering in the stillness, photographing but also just taking it all in. As soon as I captured this image, I knew I had something special.

When I got back to my vehicle I was still buzzing; I sat there, in my van, and watched the sun rise.

The whole experience was memorable, and this image remains one of my favourite night efforts.

Editor’s Note: We first interviewed photographer Dave Brosha years ago when he lived in Canada’s north. To read our Q&A with him, check it out here.

Founded by two Canucks on the loose in a big country, Toque & Canoe is a blog about Canadian travel culture.