Alan Nelms Memorial Star Party

by Randy Muller


Bill Chandler wrote:
So, over the weekend we noticed a 'significant' absence of the 'Main Whipping Crew' Randy, Jane, Jim, Gary, etc.

LOL!

I don't know about Jim and Gary.

Jane and Marsha and I were at the Alan Nelms Memorial Star Party in Lassen, which is privately organized for people who

I survived half a week with Jane. We had a blast the whole time.

We hiked to the top of Lassen. That hike is not for casual hikers! I've been wanting to do it for 30 years. It was a stupendous feeling. Plus, the view was incredible. But it about killed me.

I had to carry Jane's water for her.

I also had to give her the last few drops of my meager supply before we started our descent.

Two nights (Wednesday and Thursday) were very clear and dark.

Two nights (Friday and Saturday) were partially clouded out, but I was still able to observe some stuff. In fact, on Saturday night I got started on Steve Gottlieb's Shingletown General Observing list for 2004. I attempted to use the Saguaro Astronomy Club's 100 best NGC, but I found Steve's list to be superior, so I switched to it. Then it clouded up for the final time.

I still haven't seen a lot of the non-Messier showpieces or just-plain-interesting objects, since I more or less skipped from the Messiers to random NGC objects to Hickson Compact Galaxy groups.

It rained a tiny amount Friday night/Saturday morning, but not enough to cause anyone to leave or even leave any evidence.

All in all, we had a great time and I feel like I made a major life accomplishment in finally scaling Lassen Peak.


Posted on tac-sac Jul 19, 2004 21:36:16 PT
Converted by report.pm 1.2 Jan 05, 2005 22:09:19 PT