[sac-board] Re: FW: Farnsworth Ranch Problem
- From: <stars@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>
- To: <sac-board@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>
- Date: Sun, 11 Jul 2010 12:01:05 -0700
That would be nice. I just got my Pier foundation poured yesterday. I am
on my way to having a back yard observatory.
It has been a long time since I was able to look through a telescope at the
sky. I will be mounting my MI-250 with a
Hyperstar equipped C11 on it. The camera when I get it will be a MellinCam
VSS+. I am on the list for this. They are
Know to work great in light polluted areas, and best of all the color images
are in real time with little or no
Processing required. Sit back and enjoy the heavens.
Tom Hilton
-----Original Message-----
From: sac-board-bounce@xxxxxxxxxxxxx [mailto:sac-board-bounce@xxxxxxxxxxxxx]
On Behalf Of Richard Harshaw
Sent: Sunday, July 11, 2010 8:15 AM
To: sac-board@xxxxxxxxxxxxx
Subject: [sac-board] Re: FW: Farnsworth Ranch Problem
Well, Tom, tell you what-- if you want to try it some time and have someone
spot for you as you navigate the gully, let me know. I'd be glad to
"caravan" to the site with you and spot for you to make sure you have ample
clearances, etc. I know that Joe Goss and Steve Coe both have motor homes
that are bigger than yours and they both navigate the gully easily. Let me
know if you'd like a spotter sometime and I'd be glad to drive out in my car
behind you and then spot for you when we get there.
Richard Harshaw
Cave Creek, Arizona
Brilliant Sky Observatory
-----Original Message-----
From: sac-board-bounce@xxxxxxxxxxxxx [mailto:sac-board-bounce@xxxxxxxxxxxxx]
On Behalf Of stars@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Sent: Sunday, July 11, 2010 8:11 AM
To: sac-board@xxxxxxxxxxxxx
Subject: [sac-board] Re: FW: Farnsworth Ranch Problem
Dick
It is a 29 ft class C motor home built on an extended E700 Ford Econoline
chassis. Maybe the clearance is 1.5 ft at the most. I even tried to come
in the back way, (along way around) but the cattle guards, are so close to
the sides that I was afraid to try that route also.
Tom H
-----Original Message-----
From: sac-board-bounce@xxxxxxxxxxxxx [mailto:sac-board-bounce@xxxxxxxxxxxxx]
On Behalf Of Richard Harshaw
Sent: Saturday, July 10, 2010 10:25 PM
To: sac-board@xxxxxxxxxxxxx
Subject: [sac-board] Re: FW: Farnsworth Ranch Problem
Tom, we've had a lot of folks with motor homes get through that gully just
fine. Is yours extra long or extra low to the ground?
Dick Harshaw
-----Original Message-----
From: sac-board-bounce@xxxxxxxxxxxxx [mailto:sac-board-bounce@xxxxxxxxxxxxx]
On Behalf Of stars@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Sent: Saturday, July 10, 2010 8:33 PM
To: sac-board@xxxxxxxxxxxxx
Subject: [sac-board] Re: FW: Farnsworth Ranch Problem
One of the reasons that I have never used the Antennas site is that the
sharp and narrow deep gully on the way to the site.
People with motor Homes or travel trailers could have a problem getting
through it. I cannot get my motor home
Just a thought
Tom Hilton
-----Original Message-----
From: sac-board-bounce@xxxxxxxxxxxxx [mailto:sac-board-bounce@xxxxxxxxxxxxx]
On Behalf Of Richard Harshaw
Sent: Saturday, July 10, 2010 2:22 PM
To: sac-board@xxxxxxxxxxxxx
Subject: [sac-board] FW: Farnsworth Ranch Problem
Please read and get back to me on your ideas vis a vis using Antennas for
the AASP.
Rick, take note about the issues regarding the AAMM.
Personally, I don't have a problem with EVAC using the Antennas site for the
AASP. SAC members who wanted to use a dark sky site that weekend could
either join the EVAC throng or go to Hovatter Norte.
Richard Harshaw
Cave Creek, Arizona
Brilliant Sky Observatory
From: David M. Douglass [mailto:david@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx]
Sent: Saturday, July 10, 2010 11:48 AM
To: 'Richard Harshaw'
Subject: Farnsworth Ranch Problem
I am sure that you know that EVAC is no longer using the Vekol Rd observing
site, and why.
The problem which caused the Vekol Rd dilemma, is not a localized issue, and
is wide spread.
Basically, anything south of the E/W I-8 / I -10 pathway is having issues.
I-10 is being referenced as from Arizona City Eastward.
There are increased levels of police/border patrol issues in the Arizona
City and south areas as well.
With many articles in the Arizona City paper, I have been receiving emails
of concern for the Arizona Star Party.
The issues deal with dead bodies being found (gunshot victims), increased
drug traffic, and increased illegal presence in general.
The problems are not only south of Arizona City, but within the City as
well.
The concern is that if we have it at Farnsworth, there is increased
probability of trouble.
The trouble could be at the site, or along the road during the night (late
arrivers - early departures - etc).
The end result of several of these emails is that if the AASP is at
Farnsworth, they will not be coming, out of concern for safety.
Ray has always talked about the illegals, and the increased number of them.
I have been unable to contact him for any kind of update. I have tried
email, usmail, telephone, and cell phone. As in the past, apparently the
only way to talk with him is to drive down there, and "hope" to find him. I
even talked with Jim Bechtel the other night (he is still the owner of
record), and he too has a very hard time finding Ray. Jim is not directly
involved in day-to-day activity in the Farnsworth area, and is not aware of
any increased level of illegal presence. Our permission to use the
Farnsworth property is still valid.
I have spoken with the Pinal County SO directly. They are aware of our group
because of Vekol Rd. They were NOT aware that we use the Farnsworth property
twice a year. As a point.. Farnsworth Ranch is south of the county line,
and NOT in Pinal County. However, like Vekol, it is right next door. The
Pinal SO is very aware of the pathways used in the area, and the Farnsworth
property is right smack in the middle of it. Their advice to us is to NOT
use that location for night time activity (or even day time). They are
encouraging us to move the event to another location.
The problem, of course, is that there are not many locations like the
Farnsworth property, in terms of darkness, overall size, and central
location to the various parts of Arizona (Phx - East Valley - Tucson) . We
are having a significant problem finding an acceptable replacement for
Vekol. And that would be for a much smaller group (15-20 telescopes).
The way it sizes up for right now, as I see it (and I must stress that this
is one man's opinion only..) is that we (EVAC) have three choices.
Choice #1 is to do nothing - and have the event, as scheduled, at
Farnsworth. Unfortunately, this is not looking favorable.
Choice #2 is to cancel to event for this year (Safety Concerns), and Cancel
the continued event until such time as an acceptable replacement site is
located.
Choice #3 is to move the event to Antennae Sites (Hovatter Rd) (At least for
this year..)
The Hovatter road site was suggested by several people. Personally, I have
never been there. I decided to check it out, and drove out there the other
afternoon. I was surprised to see the amount of room available, and the
unusual "pavement" attribute. Truly, Hovatter could be considered an
acceptable site for AASP. However, EVAC would be intruding (big time) on a
SAC site, and during a dark-of-the-moon weekend.
Another problem with Hovatter, would be that I think we would lose the
Tucson group. Their travel time would increase by about 3 hours (1 hour
north, and 2 hours west).
I bring all of this to your attention for two reasons. First, I would seek
SAC's approval before announcing any move to that location. Second, SAC is
going to have to face the same issue in another couple of months (AAMM). I
don't think Hovatter would be a good location for that, as you have horizon
limiting hills to the east and south-east for most of the observing field,
and that would be a problem with the early risers. There may be issues with
the early setting objects as well.
Our board in not totally united on this issue currently, but I fear they
will have no choice, other than #2 and #3 above. Personally, with the direct
knowledge that I have now of the situation, and having been encouraged by
the Pinal County SO, and with the responsibility of the office of President
of EVAC, I cannot stick my head in the sand and ignore the problem. The
liability issues are too severe, and could conceivably become personal if
something were to go wrong.
So... I need your comments on the Hovatter location. After that, I can
continue my dialogue with the EVAC board.
And I encourage you to start considering the matter for the next AAMM.
David M. Douglass
david@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Home (480) 839-2629
Cell (602) 908-9092
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