18 Days to go...

[Stardrifter_WA]

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

[blink138 (Pat)]

go pete...... you lucky... lucky.... barsteward!
pat

[Stardrifter_WA]

Originally Posted by blink138

go pete...... you lucky... lucky.... barsteward!
pat

Luck has nothin' to do with it Pat. A lot of saving helped!

Cheers Peter

[gary]

Hi Peter,

Wonderful itinerary and have a great time.

Seeing as you are driving up Hwy 550 from Albuquerque, you pass so close
to the UNESCO World Heritage listed Chaco Canyon National Historical Park
that it's not funny.

I don't know if you had planned on visiting there and I appreciate you can't possibly
see everything in the time you have, but along with the mind blowing archeology,
including extensive archeoastronomy connections, there is also the observatory next to the
visitors center. Scopes include a 25" Obsession f/4.

See http://www.astronomy.org/chaco/facilities/index.html

You might be able to hook up with John Sefick there. John founded the observatory
and we have spent time with him both here and in the States. Another contact
is ranger G.B. Cornucopia who has a wealth of knowledge on archeoastronomy
and is a delight to listen to.

See http://www.astronomy.org/chaco/email/index.html

See also -
http://www.exploratorium.edu/chaco/HTML/canyon.html
http://www.astronomy.pomona.edu/arch...co/nebula.html

Best Regards

Gary

[FlashDrive (Poppy)]

...I expect nothing less than a ' Post Card ' fella....all the way from STELLAFANE ...

Flash....

[Stardrifter_WA]

Originally Posted by gary

Hi Peter,

Wonderful itinerary and have a great time.

Seeing as you are driving up Hwy 550 from Albuquerque, you pass so close
to the UNESCO World Heritage listed Chaco Canyon National Historical Park
that it's not funny.

I don't know if you had planned on visiting there and I appreciate you can't possibly
see everything in the time you have, but along with the mind blowing archeology,
including extensive archeoastronomy connections, there is also the observatory next to the
visitors center. Scopes include a 25" Obsession f/4.

See http://www.astronomy.org/chaco/facilities/index.html

You might be able to hook up with John Sefick there. John founded the observatory
and we have spent time with him both here and in the States. Another contact
is ranger G.B. Cornucopia who has a wealth of knowledge on archeoastronomy
and is a delight to listen to.

See http://www.astronomy.org/chaco/email/index.html

See also -
http://www.exploratorium.edu/chaco/HTML/canyon.html
http://www.astronomy.pomona.edu/arch...co/nebula.html

Best Regards

Gary

Hi Gary,

Thanks for the heads up on that Gary, I didn't know about that. I only have three days and two nights up the 550. I will look this up and check it out.

Cheers Peter

[Stardrifter_WA]

Originally Posted by FlashDrive

...I expect nothing less than a ' Post Card ' fella....all the way from STELLAFANE ...

Flash....

Hmmm, I wonder if they actually have Stellafane postcards That would be cool.

I know this much, I will be busy, as I have pretty much signed up for everything. Day two is totally taken up with a solar workshop and subsequent dinner. I am not sure I will get a lot of sleep though.

Cheers Peter

[gary]

Originally Posted by Stardrifter_WA

Hi Gary,

Thanks for the heads up on that Gary, I didn't know about that. I only have three days and two nights up the 550. I will look this up and check it out.

Cheers Peter

You are most welcome.

Here is a link to some text and a few snaps I posted about a 2007 trip there -
http://www.iceinspace.com.au/forum/s...5&postcount=34

It is an amazing place on so many levels.

If you can't make it, well, there's always the next trip!

[Stardrifter_WA]

Originally Posted by gary

You are most welcome.

Here is a link to some text and a few snaps I posted about a 2007 trip there -
http://www.iceinspace.com.au/forum/s...5&postcount=34

It is an amazing place on so many levels.

If you can't make it, well, there's always the next trip!

Thanks Gary. I have on my itinerary a visit to the Indian Pueblo Cultural Centre in Albuquerque, so this will work in nicely, although I may have to forgo another side trip to do so.

Info much appreciated.

My next trip will be to the north western states, such as Wyoming and then into Vancouver, which is what I had to drop off this trip due to time constraints. Frankly, I could spend a year in the US.

Cheers Peter

[wavelandscott (Scott)]

Make sure you contact the Adirondack Astronomers before you head up there...sometimes the weather is iffy and it is all volunteer. I do not know what they have set up at the moment as it has all been constructed within the last year. Regardless they are super folks involved in the project. It is off of the beaten path so it is worth checking before taking the detour. My wife's folks have a camp in the area.

[Stardrifter_WA]

Originally Posted by wavelandscott

Make sure you contact the Adirondack Astronomers before you head up there...sometimes the weather is iffy and it is all volunteer. I do not know what they have set up at the moment as it has all been constructed within the last year. Regardless they are super folks involved in the project. It is off of the beaten path so it is worth checking before taking the detour. My wife's folks have a camp in the area.

Hi Scott,

Thanks for that, I was going to try contacting them when I get to Albany NY. I am in Albany for about 3 days before heading up to Chester VT.

Cheers Peter

[FlashDrive (Poppy)]

Get some of the ' locals ' to take some ' snap shots ' of you in amongst all that lovely astro' gear .....drool
I'll send a message on ahead to Security, to check your pockets before you leave the building. .... nah....just kidding....

Flash.....

[Stardrifter_WA]

Originally Posted by FlashDrive

Get some of the ' locals ' to take some ' snap shots ' of you in amongst all that lovely astro' gear .....drool
I'll send a message on ahead to Security, to check your pockets before you leave the building. .... nah....just kidding....

Flash.....

Actually Flash, my pockets may be full anyway, as they do have swap tables there, so who knows what I might find. I think it will be the first place I head to, as one has to get in early Mind you, I have boxes full of bits and pieces now, so I don't know why I would want more.......ummm yes I do. Can't have enough bits and pieces

As for photos, there will be lots of them, as I have plenty of 32GB SD cards for my camera. Just have to get a decent flash though.

Cheers Peter