by Marek Cichanski
Bottom line: Stuff worked. We had a place to observe that had good climate data and dark skies. We had good mojo with the managers of said site. We had trees for shade, picnic tables to sit at, water to drink, food to eat, and port-a-schmoozers to do our business in. We then proceeded to provide the mutual good times. Life was (and continues to be) very good.
And now a special shout-out to Dan Wright: Many of us had an awesome time hanging out at a campsite which Dan made into a seriously great home for us for three days. He even saved me a tent site under a nice shady tree! When Dan's amazingly numerous days as an amazingly long-lived and healthy man finally come to their distant end, he's going to a seriously good place for that move. Thank you, Dan. And the breakfasts - well, words are inadequate here. I had had a spheres-to-the-wall crazy first week of school, hardly any time to plan or prepare for anything, and you facilitated my stomach being full of good food in the mornings. In my book, that's not a small thing. I may love fancy astro-gear and trips to exotic places, but basic stuff like that impresses yours truly in a big way.
I can't seem to find a single, agreed-upon version of the famous quote about Ernest Shackleton, but here's my 'Calstar 2005' version of it:
"For scientific discovery give me Scott; for speed and efficiency give me Amundsen; but when disaster strikes and all hope is gone, get down on your knees and pray for Dan Wright."
Whoo-ah! Ad astra, y'all!
Posted on sf-bay-tac Oct 02, 2005 18:19:09 PT
Converted by report.pm 1.2 Mar 14, 2006 20:11:11 PT