[sac-forum] Re: Directions to Dirt Boulevard observing site

Got it. It looks very interesting on Google Maps. From TopoZone, I?d say
it?s on the Gillespie 1:24,000 quad. 
 
Somebody previously mentioned concern about the bright prison lights on
Rte. 85. I?d say the site is about 15 miles WNW (around PA 290°) from
the prison. However, that bearing line runs right between the Buckeye
Hills, which are due E of the site, and the Gila Bend Mountains, which
extend across the southern horizon of the site. So there doesn?t appear
to be anything besides sheer distance that would further block the
prison lights. Of course, you?d expect the lights to be aimed at the
prison yard but there?s no telling how well shielded they are.
 
As Steve said, the only way to find out is to try it at night. Maybe
Peter Argenziano could bring his new sky brightness meter out there.
 
Many thanks to Steve and AJ for exploring.
 
Dan Gruber
 
-----Original Message-----
From: sac-forum-bounce@xxxxxxxxxxxxx
[mailto:sac-forum-bounce@xxxxxxxxxxxxx] On Behalf Of Steve Coe
Sent: Friday, January 12, 2007 8:38 PM
To: sac-forum@xxxxxxxxxxxxx
Cc: acrayon@xxxxxxx; Matt Luttinen; Tejera, Rick
Subject: [sac-forum] Directions to Dirt Boulevard observing site
 
Howdy all;
 
A.J. and I took some time off of work this Friday and drove out to try
and find a spot that we could use to replace Flatiron.  I believe that
we did just that.  Obviously, we need to spend some time at the site
during the night, but it does look good so far.  I will give the Lat and
Long position from AJ?s GPS receiver, so that the map geniuses in the
group can try this place out from the comfort of their computers.
  
33 15.125  
112 53.749  
983 ft. altitude.
 
It is beyond the little town of Arlington, Az. and off of Aqua Caliente
road.  The trip involves 6 miles on a dirt road, but it is pretty well
maintained.  The good news is that there appears to be no interest in
staking this place out for a housing project.  So, maybe it will last
for at least a while.  There is enough room for 100 vehicles, it is a
desert pavement larger than either Flatiron or Sentinel.  And, it
appears to be on BLM land as far as my old map tells me.  I will listen
to others with more computerized map info than me.
 
Please do me one favor, I have had some trouble posting to the
freelists, let me know that this got posted OK.  Directions to follow.
 
Thanks;
Steve Coe
 
Directions to the ?Dirt Boulevard? observing site
 
Drive west on I-10 and turn south at Hwy. 85 as if going to Gila Bend.
About 5 miles south of the freeway is a well marked three way stop with
a Shell station on the northeast corner.  This is the last place to stop
for ice or other supplies.
 
Go straight through the three way intersection and the highway bends
sharply right, get in the right lane.  In 0.7 mi is a sign that directs
you toward Arlington, Az.  Turn right at the sign, it is before the wide
bridge over the Hassayampa River.  You will immediately notice a sign
that says ?Old U.S. Hwy 80?.  Stay on Old Hwy 80 for about 12 miles,
along the way are two stop signs, take a left at the first and a right
at the second, staying on Old Hwy 80, traveling west.
 
After you pass the Arlington Post Office and the Desert Rose Bar and
Grill is a sign for Aqua Caliente road, it is a right turn.  On the left
side of the highway is an abandoned cotton gin.  
 
Turn right onto Aqua Caliente road and zero your odometer at this point.
Turn right again onto a dirt road that is 0.6 miles from the turnoff.
At 2.8 miles you will pass under a set of power lines.  At 5.3 miles
there is a cattle guard.  At 5.5 miles is a yellow sign to warn you that
the road turns right, but don?t go that direction.  Take a left at the
fork in the road and you will be on the ?Dirt Boulevard?.  It is a very
wide dirt road, actually two of them, with a median strip in the middle.
At 6.0 miles there is a very large desert pavement on the right.  It is
a large, pretty flat area of dark rocks.  That is it, turn right off the
Dirt Boulevard and set up your scope.  
 
Palo Verde Nuclear Power Plant is 12 miles north.  Sentinel is 29 miles
southwest.

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