When I grew up the Milkway wasn't an uncommon sight on a clear dark night.

There was a car dealership a few miles from our house and when they'd have a sale with their stupid search light the stars would get drowned out.

Over the years light from all kinds of wasteful uses became more and more common and the only time I see the Milkyway now is in places like you've described.

Go back again some night when the moon is newer.