Howdy all; I had some time this afternoon and used it to try out several of the observing sites that AJ and I found last week. The site off of Courthouse Road is not very good. The I-10 freeway stretches 20 miles across the northern horizon with all the lights of the traffic and the rest stop are quite prominent. Also, Courthouse Road itself has quite a bit of traffic and it is much closer. I was not impressed and I don't think that I would like to make use of this site. However, AJ and I found a location that is on the other side of the Saddle Mountains. Being on the south side of this small range really blocks off all the light from the traffic to the north and a convenient low ridge blocks the lights of the Palo Verde Power Station to the east. The dirt road drive is shorter, about 3 miles, than the Dirt Blvd. site and this dirt road is in excellent condition. The only problem with this site is that for about one second of time the lights along the road aim at the observing area. The good news is that only one vehicle drove along the road while we were there. Andrew Goodwin found that this is located on Bureau of Land Management property, so we are OK going to this area. I cannot make it out of town for observing on Saturday. If a few folks wish to try the "Saddle Mountain Site", I would like to hear a report. To Rick Tejera, I used the name "Saddle Mountain Site" for this spot to the south, since the Courthouse Road site is almost surrounded by lights and is not a good location. Clear Skies; Steve Coe Directions to Saddle Mountain Site Altitude 1040 Ft. N 33 21.865 W 113 01.900 Drive west on I-10 to the Wintersburg Rd. Exit, this is Exit 98. Turn left (south) over the freeway and you will be driving directly toward the domes of the Palo Verde Power Station. Drive south for 9.1 miles until you reach a "T" at Elliot Rd. Turn right (west) on Elliot Rd. ** For the return trip, notice that Wintersburg Road has become 383rd Ave.** Drive west on Elliot Rd for 5 miles until you reach mile marker zero. Careful as you drive along Elliot Rd. there is a severe dip and a cattle guard that needs to be taken at a SLOW speed. Take a right onto the dirt road marked 435th Ave. You will pass a signpost marked 435th Ave. and Dobbins Rd. After 3 miles you will see Mile Marker 12. Just after Mile Marker 12 the road turns to the right in a big, sweeping turn and then back to the left. Just after the road straightens, about 0.4 miles beyond mile marker 12, there is a right turn marked with a rock pile. Turn right off the main dirt road and then take the left fork. Note the gas line marker number 398. Just after the marker you will see a large area just made for setting up lots of telescopes. You are there. -- See message header for info on list archives or unsubscribing, and please send personal replies to the author, not the list.