Hi all
It seemed so far away a few months ago, but it is fast approaching with only 18 days to go before I start my trek around the US for seven weeks.
I will be landing in LA and then catching the train around the US via San Francisco, Chicago, Washington, New York, Vermont, Chicago, Albuquerque (to drive the Hwy 550 into the San Juan Mountins in Colorado), Flagstaff, LA and San Diego.
Although I have much packed in my schedule, it includes the following astronomy related places:
1. Griffin Observatory (LA).
2. Science Discovery Centre (LA).
3. Mt Palomar (California).
4. OPT Corp (Oceanside CA) to pick up my new telescope.
5. Sidewalk Astronomers (hopefully).
6. Adler Planetarium (Chicago).
7. Naval Observatory (Washington).
8. Smithsonian Air & Space Museum (Washington).
9. Steven F. Udvar Hazy Centre (Virginia) Annex of Smithsonian Air & Space Museum.
10. Hayden Planetarium (NY).
11. Intrepid Museum (NY).
12. Adorama Telescopes (NY).
13. B&H Photography (NY).
14. Adirondacks Observatory (NY State) This is a small amateur observatory I hope to also visit.
15. Dudley Observatory (Schenectady NY State).
16. STELLAFANE Telescope Makers Conference (Springfield Vermont) This is the primary reason for the trip. I have wanted to do this for about ten years. It is finally happening.

17. Stargasing in the San Juan Mountains, for two nights, at Silverton (8,000ft).

18. Lowell Observatory (Flagstaff Arizona).
19. Stargasing from the Grand Canyon (Arizona).

20. Air & Space Museum (San Diego).
I was originally going for three months and because I had to reduce it to seven weeks, I had to cut a lot of astro related events or places. I really wanted to see the two big national parks but just didn't have the time. Oh well, next time.
I am now counting the days, and soon the hours. I really can't wait.
Cheers Peter