USA or bust!!

Deeno · #1 21-12-2009, 11:57 PM

We are heading Stateside next week for a bit of a holiday. Starting in New York then Washington, we fly to Orlando to pick up a campervan and drive to LA.

Just looking for tips on what to see, space related or anything out of the ordinary.

We should be somewhere around Texas or New Mexico on the new moon. Perhaps one of our American cousins can steer us towards an observing night somewhere?

Lastly, I'm a bit lost on what I need for compact astronomy,

as the opportunity for a little observing will undoubtedly arise. And I don't think a 10" dob will fit in an overhead compartment on your average 747!

Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

Merry Christmas
Deeno

Kevnool (Kev) · #2 22-12-2009, 12:28 AM

Be carefull sleeping on the side of the road in New Mexico.....A sheriff shone a torch in the window and told us to move on as people get killed around here and i said you dont have to tell me twice.

Cheers Kev.

Deeno · #3 22-12-2009, 12:36 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kevnool

Be carefull sleeping on the side of the road in New Mexico.....A sheriff shone a torch in the window and told us to move on as people get killed around here and i said you dont have to tell me twice.

Cheers Kev.

Ha

!

Sound advise

Cheers

wavelandscott (Scott) · #4 22-12-2009, 12:39 AM

Deeno,

Safe travels! It is cold in New York at the moment and most of the East coast has had several inches of snow over the last few days...

While it should be good by your arrival do be prepared for the cold!

In DC you should check out (among other things) the Smithsonian...pretty cool and in Florida take the chance to get to NASA...when you get a chance, feel free to drop me a PM with your itinerary (planned days in each area etc.) and I can make some suggestions...sounds like you are planning on covering a lot of ground in a short period of time!

Safe Travels!

Kevnool (Kev) · #5 22-12-2009, 12:48 AM

We brought a car in LA it was an old buick wagon v8 for 500 bucks drove it up to minesota to the headwaters of the mississippi river at a place called Lake Itaska thats the start of the mississippi river then followed it all the way down to New Orleans then back across the bottom states to LA again.

Driving takes a bit of getting used to especially when you get in a shuttle bus to take you from LAX ,Thats an experience by itself.

Overall driving was great with no probs.

When you come back home to Oz drive around the backstreets to get used to right hand driving again.

Cheers Kev.

Deeno · #6 22-12-2009, 01:08 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by wavelandscott

Deeno,

Safe travels! It is cold in New York at the moment and most of the East coast has had several inches of snow over the last few days...

While it should be good by your arrival do be prepared for the cold!

In DC you should check out (among other things) the Smithsonian...pretty cool and in Florida take the chance to get to NASA...when you get a chance, feel free to drop me a PM with your itinerary (planned days in each area etc.) and I can make some suggestions...sounds like you are planning on covering a lot of ground in a short period of time!

Safe Travels!

Hey Scott

The Pony club hasn't been the same without you.

First stop in New York is to Century 21 (I think) to buy a warm coat!
Washington has featured in the news in recent days, cold seems to be an understatement!!!

As for itinerary, we have three weeks to get from Orlando to LA.
NASA, Houston, there is a Titan missile silo in New Mexico I want to check out and the Lovell Observatory in Flagstaff is pretty much the only things we have defiantly planned to see.

The rest is.....well......open to suggestion.

Cheers
Deeno

mozzie (Peter) · #7 22-12-2009, 01:08 AM

have a great time deano id love to go and drive/camp around the states
mozzie

matt · #8 22-12-2009, 07:19 AM

Sounds great.

I can't wait for my 6-week break in the States in October next year. I'm already planning destinations and arrival times for the best photo opps.

Kal (Andrew) · #9 22-12-2009, 08:37 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by wavelandscott

In DC you should check out (among other things) the Smithsonian

Check out both Smithsonian air & space museums, one in DC on the mall, the other is near Dulles International Airport about an hour drive from the heart of DC

iceman (Mike) · #10 22-12-2009, 08:38 AM

Awesome Deeno - can't wait to see the pics upon your return!

gmbfilter (Geoff) · #11 22-12-2009, 08:54 AM

A good set of binos Deano!
Seriously have fun
Missed you at pony club
Going to visit any organs in US?

gary · #12 22-12-2009, 01:08 PM

Hi Deeno,

Have a great trip!

Drop me an email or give me a phone call on 02 9457 9049 and I can
provide some U.S. contacts for you that can assist with observing in the
Southwest.

Certainly there are opportunities to hook you up with friends in West Texas
near Fort Davis in the shadow of the McDonald Observatory including a friend
with a 48" (no, that is not a misprint).

There is also absolutely no way I could let you enter New Mexico without
first telling you that you absolutely must get to Chaco Culture National Historical Park,
home of the Chaco Canyon. This site was one of many inhabited by the
Anasazi people and is one of the best preserved archaeological sites within
all of North America. The Anasazi had a long connection with observing the
sky and you will see that in the architecture and petroglyphs, including one
depicting the supernova of 1054. See http://www.exploratorium.edu/chaco/flash.html

There is also an observatory open to the public at the visitors center and includes
some serious aperture such as a 25" Dob. Friend John Sefick was one of the
founders of the observatory and often spends time there.
See http://www.nps.gov/archive/chcu/nightskyprogram.htm

Whatever time you have allocated for the Southwest, it will never be enough.

In fact it might be best to call me and have pen and paper ready as there are so
many sites to see in that region like Canyon de Chelly that are so astounding
that it would be criminal to pass them by.

Best Regards

Gary

P.S.

if passing through El Paso in South West Texas, which is the gateway
down to Fort Davis, recommend you currently avoid the day trip across into
the border town of Juarez in Mexico due to the currently well reported
phenomenally high amount of drug cartel war related violence with over 2,250
deaths alone this year.

See http://www.suntimes.com/lifestyles/t...xico13.article

Unfortunately things don't sound much better in the Mexican border town of Ojinaga
either, with the army having to patrol the streets, so day trips across the entire
border there in the Southwest are probably best left to safer times.

seanliddelow (Sean) · #13 22-12-2009, 02:09 PM

If you drop by Arizona on your way to LA theres the meteor crater which is a great place to visit. Theres also quite a lot of observatorys up there. The people who sell the servo cat goto are based in Arizona and I know you can rent out the 36" for the night

For a price however

seanliddelow (Sean) · #14 22-12-2009, 02:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kal

Check out both Smithsonian air & space museums, one in DC on the mall, the other is near Dulles International Airport about an hour drive from the heart of DC

I think there is a similar one in Arizona?

Nightshift · #15 22-12-2009, 02:45 PM

While in Orlando, drive up International Blvd, you cant miss it, all the tourist stuff is there, about half way up heading north on the right hand side you will see a bungie bullet ride, park near that, right next door is a two story go cart track that is awesome, cheap too, excellent fun and when your finished, next door is an outdoor bar that you can sit at, have a few Buds and throw chookfeed to the gators in the man made water course that runs through the bar, good fun too. For the missus, International Blvd is full of cheap shoe and perfume shops. Only a two hours drive to Kennedy from there so dont miss it, make it a two day pass as you wont see everything in one day, be sure and ride the shuttle simulator, its free, sit at the back and you get to catch all the money and wallets that fall out of pockets during launch (yes it goes vertical and shakes like a real launch). Pay the extra and do a tour of Kennedy, everyone does the up close and personal tour but I found the History tour was much better, takes you to all the old launch pads and bunkers for a hands on experience, the up close and personal tour never lets you off the bus at the launch pads. Be sure and drop in to RonJons surf shop at Coco Beach, its awesome, even if you dont like surf stuff and street wear it is worth the look.

Thats just Orlando, Sooooooo much more to see, oh and while in LA, dont pay the money to see the Queen Mary, its boring but the Russian Scorpion submarine tour next door is worth the money. Noting else in LA is worth seeing in my opinion, especially in winter. A quick trip out to Vegas is definately worth the drive, just an awesome place, we did it as a day trip, very long day but it would be better to stay a few nights, you have Hoover dam and Grand Canyon within reach then too.

Cheers, Dennis.

Deeno · #16 23-12-2009, 12:08 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mozzie

have a great time deano id love to go and drive/camp around the states
mozzie

Thanks Mozzie
Hows Coffs?

Quote:

Originally Posted by matt

Sounds great.
I can't wait for my 6-week break in the States in October next year. I'm already planning destinations and arrival times for the best photo opps.

　
Will come around quick!

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kal

Check out both Smithsonian air & space museums, one in DC on the mall, the other is near Dulles International Airport about an hour drive from the heart of DC

　
Cheers
Will do
　
　
[QUOTE=iceman;537439]Awesome Deeno - can't wait to see the pics
　
Thanks Mike
Will bore everyone crazy!

Quote:

Originally Posted by gmbfilter

A good set of binos Deano!
Seriously have fun
Missed you at pony club
Going to visit any organs in US?

　
Funny you should say that, have a very nice set of 20x80 binos, thanks to the door prize at Lostock
Not going out of our way to find organs!

Quote:

Originally Posted by gary

Hi Deeno,
Have a great trip!
Drop me an email or give me a phone call on 02 9457 9049 and I can
provide some U.S. contacts for you that can assist with observing in the
Southwest.
Certainly there are opportunities to hook you up with friends in West Texas
near Fort Davis in the shadow of the McDonald Observatory including a friend
with a 48" (no, that is not a misprint).
There is also absolutely no way I could let you enter New Mexico without
first telling you that you absolutely must get to Chaco Culture National Historical Park,
home of the Chaco Canyon. This site was one of many inhabited by the
Anasazi people and is one of the best preserved archaeological sites within
all of North America. The Anasazi had a long connection with observing the
sky and you will see that in the architecture and petroglyphs, including one
depicting the supernova of 1054. See http://www.exploratorium.edu/chaco/flash.html
There is also an observatory open to the public at the visitors center and includes
some serious aperture such as a 25" Dob. Friend John Sefick was one of the
founders of the observatory and often spends time there.
See http://www.nps.gov/archive/chcu/nightskyprogram.htm
Whatever time you have allocated for the Southwest, it will never be enough.
In fact it might be best to call me and have pen and paper ready as there are so
many sites to see in that region like Canyon de Chelly that are so astounding
that it would be criminal to pass them by.
Best Regards
Gary
P.S.
if passing through El Paso in South West Texas, which is the gateway
down to Fort Davis, recommend you currently avoid the day trip across into
the border town of Juarez in Mexico due to the currently well reported
phenomenally high amount of drug cartel war related violence with over 2,250
deaths alone this year.
See http://www.suntimes.com/lifestyles/travel/1935866,CST-NWS-mexico13.article
Unfortunately things don't sound much better in the Mexican border town of Ojinaga
either, with the army having to patrol the streets, so day trips across the entire
border there in the Southwest are probably best left to safer times.

　
Thanks Gary
You ARE the man
　
　

Quote:

Originally Posted by seanliddelow

If you drop by Arizona on your way to LA theres the meteor crater which is a great place to visit. Theres also quite a lot of observatorys up there. The people who sell the servo cat goto are based in Arizona and I know you can rent out the 36" for the night For a price however

　
Thanks
Must see

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nightshift

While in Orlando, drive up International Blvd, you cant miss it, all the tourist stuff is there, about half way up heading north on the right hand side you will see a bungie bullet ride, park near that, right next door is a two story go cart track that is awesome, cheap too, excellent fun and when your finished, next door is an outdoor bar that you can sit at, have a few Buds and throw chookfeed to the gators in the man made water course that runs through the bar, good fun too. For the missus, International Blvd is full of cheap shoe and perfume shops. Only a two hours drive to Kennedy from there so dont miss it, make it a two day pass as you wont see everything in one day, be sure and ride the shuttle simulator, its free, sit at the back and you get to catch all the money and wallets that fall out of pockets during launch (yes it goes vertical and shakes like a real launch). Pay the extra and do a tour of Kennedy, everyone does the up close and personal tour but I found the History tour was much better, takes you to all the old launch pads and bunkers for a hands on experience, the up close and personal tour never lets you off the bus at the launch pads. Be sure and drop in to RonJons surf shop at Coco Beach, its awesome, even if you dont like surf stuff and street wear it is worth the look.
Thats just Orlando, Sooooooo much more to see, oh and while in LA, dont pay the money to see the Queen Mary, its boring but the Russian Scorpion submarine tour next door is worth the money. Noting else in LA is worth seeing in my opinion, especially in winter. A quick trip out to Vegas is definately worth the drive, just an awesome place, we did it as a day trip, very long day but it would be better to stay a few nights, you have Hoover dam and Grand Canyon within reach then too.
Cheers, Dennis.

　
Thanks for the info Dennis
May never leave Orlando………..

GTB_an_Owl (Geoff) · #17 23-12-2009, 08:32 AM

have a good trip Deeno

geoff

Rick Petrie · #18 23-12-2009, 09:59 AM

As you leave all the stuff in Florida and 'westward ho the wagon' don't forget to stop off and see Kara and Co in Pensacola if you can.
Cheers mate and you and Amanda have a great holiday.
Can't wait to see all your snaps.
Merry Christmas.

RB (Andrew) · #19 23-12-2009, 12:05 PM

Have a great holiday mate, we'll miss you at the PC.
I'm really looking forward to the photos.

Wishing you and Amanda a great Christmas and a very Happy New Year.

Regards
Andrew

PS. Don't get caught with any Cubans over there.

Deeno · #20 23-12-2009, 11:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GTB_an_Owl

have a good trip Deeno

Quote:

Originally Posted by GTB_an_Owl

geoff

Cheers Geoff
Have a good Christmas.
Do you think the weather will be clear over there?

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rick Petrie

As you leave all the stuff in

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rick Petrie

Florida and 'westward ho the wagon' don't forget to stop off and see Kara and Co in Pensacola if you can.
Cheers mate and you and Amanda have a great holiday.
Can't wait to see all your snaps.
Merry Christmas.

Yes, must get some details from you.

Quote:

Originally Posted by RB

Have a great holiday mate, we'll miss you at the PC.

Quote:

Originally Posted by RB

I'm really looking forward to the photos.

Wishing you and Amanda a great Christmas and a very Happy New Year.

Regards
Andrew

PS. Don't get caught with any Cubans over there.

Thanks RB.
Many festive yuletide greetings to you, your family and chooks

PS. Maybe Dominicans are OK?