[AZ-Observing] 5 mile meadow, things to know

 I just got back from 5 mile meadow for a fair evening of observing.  For
those going up, here's a few things to know: 
You're on a major forest road, so there's quite a bit of traffic.  If you
were planing on doing astrophotography, you may want to save it till later,
or at least have an alternate observing plan. 

I wound up setting up on the near (east) end of the meadow.  This is
probablythe worst place with headlights from vehicles/ATVs.  If you can get
to the far (west) end, it will be better. 

The place seems to be pretty popular for camping, there were two other
groupscamping up there.  They weren't too much of a problem except one that
came in after dark. 

According to someone up there Thursday night, he got dewed out by 8:00.  On
Friday night, it was pretty bad by midnight when I turned in, and in the
early morning, I couldn't see out of the truck windows.  It should be even
better tonight, but still be prepared for dew. 

The field is very bumpy.  I had a problem getting my ladder to stay stable. 
It shouldn't be too much of a problem unless you have a flat bottom ladder
orlarge ground board. 

The grass is very high (up to 1 foot).  Take appropriate medicine if you
haveallergies.  Also, It wouldn't be a bad idea to have a large tarp where
you are observing. 

Finally, as Steve said, make sure you don't drive out into the middle of the
meadow. 

Those going up tonight, hope you have a good time, clear skies, and few
lights. 

Ken Reeves 
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