[sac-forum] Re: Trip to Dirt Blvd

The area we were looking at was right on the edge of BLM land.  Unfortunately, 
the BLM land began right where the terrain became non-level, sloping up to the 
east.  Here is an overview from Google Earth that shows the Steve & AJ (and 
Rick!) site as well as ours.

http://members.cox.net/tpolakis/astro/sites1.jpg

The advantages of our site would be that it's another five miles or so farther 
from Phoenix, and reached in less time and distance, and with little dirt road 
driving.  The disadvantage is that we really haven't settled on anything yet; 
we only drove out there once, and were at all times bothered by being under 
power lines and in view of the parade of headlights along I-10, not to mention 
the well-illuminated rest area.

Now traveling farther south and east of our site (at least according to Google 
Earth) shows some promise.  Check out this closer view.

http://members.cox.net/tpolakis/astro/sites2.jpg

The "potential site" is right on the edge of BLM land, is farther from the 
freeway and power lines, and still offers low hills to the east to block out 
Phoenix and Palo Verde without a compromised view to the south.  This site 
would be reached by using paved roads: 411 St south to Salome Highway west.

Now, we have not yet scoped it out to see if that leveled area with my ominous 
label "Lights?" is really lit up.  And we don't know how many local lights 
become visible to the north from the western suburbs of Tonopah.  If these are 
a problem, then there likely are not many other options in this area, as moving 
any farther to either the east or west brings you into farmland, and it's 
difficult go go any farther south.

I will let you know when I get a chance to get out there.  There's this 
annoying thing called a job that has been preventing me from getting out there 
on weeknights.

Tom

Other related posts: