[Chuckster]

Good idea to turn around. You wouldn't want to become the next JFK Jr.!! You really miss that horizon when it's no longer visible.

Exactly what I was thinking at the time.

[cpdiii]

Flying at night over water is stupid if you are not IFR rated.
The same thing can be said for flying in the mountains at night. Those big dark areas in the mountains at night are mountains. I would always shoot an IFR approach into a mountain airport even if it was clear and visibility unlimited.