Anyone going to Stellafane in August?

[Stardrifter_WA]

Hi all,

Any members of IIS considering going to Stellafane Telescope Makers conference this year?

I have been wanting to do this star party for years and it is happening this year. As I haven't been before, I am not sure of accommodation, so I am hiring an RV motor home and driving from Boston to Stellafane for the 3 days. Screw camping in a tent :P I like 4 star + :D

As I am travelling on my own, I am looking for anyone who may be going and who may need accommodation, to share cost of motor home hire.

Cheers Peter

[Stardrifter_WA]

Hi All,

Got the price of the motor home today. Could somebody please pick me up of the floor! :sadeyes:

When the travel agent gave me the price, my immediate response was, "bugger that, I could by a another telescope for that amount." At least I have my priorities right :D Although the travel agent looked at me funny when I said that. :rolleyes:

Unfortunately, I have to rethink my accommodation strategy for Stellafane, as the cost of the camper came in at a little under $3,000 with mileage :eyepop:

I will now find a motel nearby. It would have been nice to have onsite accommodation for that quick power nap. Back to sleepin' in the back of the wagon, I think?

Cheers Peter

[LewisM]

Go onto Cloudy Nights, and see if anyone from around that area might be willing to accomodate an "exchange student" for a little while? Yanks are usualy VERY accomodating and welcoming people.

And AVOID travel agents - go online yourself and find out. You will find something a LOT cheaper.

[Stardrifter_WA]

Thanks Lewis for the tip.

I am doing my accommodation through our local RAC Travel, however, I have also been online and checked prices and have stipulated which motel/hotels I prefer. If they come back with different pricing, then I will do it myself. However, the advantage of the travel agent doing it is that I only have to pay one deposit and I am covered by travel insurance.

Cheers Peter