I think the best person to ask would be Chris Hanrahan who has been up there often. I will send him a note to respond.
Andrew Spencer, Darrell wrote:
Quick question about 5MM accessibility:I was at 5MM last September with a 30ft 5^th wheel and had absolutely no trouble getting in. The “well-maintained” comment about the 5 mile dirt road (FR 229) was spot on for that trip.My question is “Does this well-maintained status stay consistent year-to-year and month-to-month? I’d hate to drag that trailer up there and find things washed out and un-repaired from the snowy winter.Thanks, Darrell Spencer ------------------------------------------------------------------------*From:* sac-forum-bounce@xxxxxxxxxxxxx [mailto:sac-forum-bounce@xxxxxxxxxxxxx] *On Behalf Of *Andrew Goodwin*Sent:* Tuesday, May 06, 2008 9:47 AM *To:* sac-forum@xxxxxxxxxxxxx *Subject:* [sac-forum] Re: Five Mile MeadowAll, Please refer to this link for the 5MM star party http://www.saguaroastro.org/content/Meadow-Directions.htm It is a wealth of information you will need to stay warm and safe including rules given to us by the ranger. I would be happy to assist anyone who has not been there before with directions based on the Garmin route. Just to enforce what Peter has said the Stonman Lake Rd is NOT PASSABLE except by an experienced 4X4 driver. Please use the directions that Steve has given and your family car will have no trouble accessing the site.Andrew AJ Crayon wrote:Darrell, the presumption is the 5MM excursion is the end of this month. My plans, based on perfect weather for observing, would be a 4 night session from Wednesday night through Saturday night and return home Sunday. Unfortunately life, and weather, isn't always perfect. What I'm saying is my plans are tentative at this time and subject to change based on weather and family considerations.I know there are others wanting to consider 3 or 4 night sessions and it would be nice to hear from those wishing to make such a commitment. The logistics for camping this long are more than just 2 nights, but well worth the effort.Certainly it is best to have company along instead of being there without someone to share in the celestial delights. I look forward to having as many there as possible.Re - moon rise times. Keep in mind that for a Wednesday night session, one need to look at moon rise for Thursday morning.AJ Crayon Phoenix, AZ ----- Original Message ----- *From:* Spencer, Darrell <mailto:DSpencer@xxxxxxx> *To:* sac-forum@xxxxxxxxxxxxx <mailto:sac-forum@xxxxxxxxxxxxx> *Sent:* Tuesday, May 06, 2008 6:55 AM *Subject:* [sac-forum] Five Mile Meadow It is definitely not too early to begin considering the upcoming 5MM excursion. Will folks be making a 3, 4 or even a 5-day pilgrimage? I see that moonrise will be between ~0100 and ~0230 Wednesday through Saturday 5/28-5/31. I’d be willing to go up on either Wednesday or Thursday if I thought there would be others on site. Looking forward to the outing (sky willing). Best regards, Darrell Spencer
