Revisit Jeffers?

rbubany · Post by **rbubany** » Tue Jul 12, 2005 11:56 am

We had a good time at the Jeffers Star Party last week and are considering going back again this fall. If there is enough interest, I will be happy to coordinate the party.

Jeffers is on open prairie under dark skies. There are unlimited views to 360 degrees of horizon and with the clear fall skies this should be an above average viewing opportunity. The cost to enter the historical site is $5 per person per day. It is only two or three hours away from the twin cities.

If you have an interest, please visit the Road Trip SIG in the forum and look for topic "Revisit Jeffers?". You will have an opportunity to complete a poll expressing your interest.

If enough interest is shown, I will contact Tom Sanders at Jeffers to set up the event. They are quite willing to have us out again.

mlfj4901 · Post by **mlfj4901** » Sun Jul 17, 2005 2:34 am

Greetings,

Is there any interest in the BSIG to go as a group? We could carpool or caravan down there.

You would be more than welcome to come even if you don't have a telescope...we could share mine, I have two pairs of binoculars, and others would be willing to share their scopes as well.

-matt

ashutoshl · Post by **ashutoshl** » Sun Jul 17, 2005 12:09 pm

Is there any interest in the BSIG to go as a group?

I like that idea Matt. I would be interested.

rbubany · Post by **rbubany** » Sun Jul 17, 2005 12:28 pm

In case you haven't seen my other posts, the dates are set as Sept 30 and Oct 1. You can go one night, or both. If you want to tent up, you can.

Cost is $5 per day. I remember that because it is about the same as my pension.

I will publish a reminder in mid September.

mlfj4901 · Post by **mlfj4901** » Fri Aug 19, 2005 9:50 pm

Greetings,

1. Are we able to grill or cook while we're there, or should we plan subsiding on Pop Tarts and the like? I was thinking on Saturday night we could have a BSIG cookout/pop tart fest depending on whether or not we can grill.

2. Anyone else besides Ashutoshl and myself planning on carpooling/caravaning with us?

3. I have two extra 2 person tents that I plan on bringing down in case someone needs to borrow one. Just let me know, and I'll reserve it for you, and can even set it up for you if you need me to.

-matt

rbubany · Post by **rbubany** » Sat Aug 20, 2005 8:06 am

Are we able to grill or cook while we're there, or should we plan subsiding on Pop Tarts and the like? I was thinking on Saturday night we could have a BSIG cookout/pop tart fest depending on whether or not we can grill.

Sadly, they are worried about the prairie burning up and have a "no fire" rule. I'm afraid grilling is out. Either pop tarts or a nearby cafe, I guess.

By the way, you can learn more about Jeffers at their web site:

http://www.jefferspetroglyphs.com/

Jon Hickman · Post by **Jon Hickman** » Sat Aug 20, 2005 8:48 am

rbubany wrote:Sadly, they are worried about the prairie burning up and have a "no fire" rule. I'm afraid grilling is out.

Would a cold fusion oven be OK?

Jon Hickman · Post by **Jon Hickman** » Sat Aug 20, 2005 8:51 am

BTW, the official event that weekend is as follows:

"September 30, 9 PM - 12 AM & October 1, 9 PM -12 AM
Star Track: the Nightly Path of Constellations

Come learn about the night sky and its constellations through a slide presentation. Then, as darkness surrounds us, lie on a buffalo robe under the stars and listen to constellation stories from different cultures. View stars and planets through a telescope."

rbubany · Post by **rbubany** » Sat Aug 20, 2005 9:26 am

Would a cold fusion oven be OK?

Maybe. Does the outreach committee have one we can borrow?

Jon Hickman · Post by **Jon Hickman** » Sat Aug 20, 2005 4:42 pm

I'm working on one!

Starforce2 · Post by **Starforce2** » Mon Aug 22, 2005 12:12 am

why not grill under the hut on the buildings patio?

rbubany · Post by **rbubany** » Mon Aug 22, 2005 6:43 am

I have written to Ilene (at Jeffers) to see if there is a way that we could do some barbecue. Will let you know when she responds.

krichter · Post by **krichter** » Mon Aug 22, 2005 9:35 am

Where do I sign up? Count me in! I will bring my new 4" refractor and am willing to share. Also I have my share of camping gear and maybe some extra if anyone needs to borrow somthing.

Who do I call for more info?

mlfj4901 · Post by **mlfj4901** » Mon Aug 22, 2005 5:41 pm

Greetings,

No one to call, just let us know here (which you already did) or via the email forum, that you're coming so we have an idea of how many of us beginner's are going.

Anyone have an idea of where we could meet to begin the caravan/carpool?

-matt

rbubany · Post by **rbubany** » Wed Aug 24, 2005 12:30 pm

Some good news from Jeffers. Get out the hot dogs!

Hi Ron:

I am sure that you would be able to use our picnic area for your grilling. I do not know of anything or anyone that will be using the picnic area on those two dates. If something would come up I would let you know well in advance and we could always figure someplace else for you to grill here on the site.

Thanks,

Ilene Haugen
Site Tech
Jeffers Petroglyphs
ilene.haugen@mnhs.org

mlfj4901 · Post by **mlfj4901** » Thu Aug 25, 2005 12:22 pm

Thanks Ron for setting that up. I really like Pop Tarts, but it'll be nice to have a hot meal too.

-matt

rbubany · Post by **rbubany** » Thu Aug 25, 2005 12:26 pm

I've never tasted barbecued Pop Tarts. Will be looking forward to it!

blainecross · Post by **blainecross** » Tue Sep 13, 2005 4:29 pm

Jeffers is a wonderful place. Timing is still the issue for me -- but I'm hoping it will work out. I haven't been on a road trip like this before, so I'll need some advice about what to bring.
Blaine

mlfj4901 · Post by **mlfj4901** » Tue Sep 13, 2005 10:37 pm

Greetings,

Great question....I've never been either, and I guess I hadn't really thought about anything beyond a scope, tent, and some food....perhaps one of the Jeffers experts could give us an idea of what they recommend bringing.

-matt

rbubany · Post by **rbubany** » Tue Sep 13, 2005 10:44 pm

Scope, tent and food. That's about all I will be bringing.

Oh, something to read in case Saturday gets boring waiting for dark.

My main concern is if it gets cold. Just in case, I would bring along long johns.

I'll be contacting Jeffers tommorrow to firm things up. I hope they can keep the building open all night for us. Then we would have water and bathrooms available.

Will let you all know.

rbubany · Post by **rbubany** » Wed Sep 14, 2005 1:15 pm

I just did a final call to Ilene to confirm that the event is still on. It is!

1. Just a few feet south of the main entrance to the site is a mowed trail which will take you to the field(s) where you can camp and observe. There is room for lots of people.

2. Walk down to the building and pay your fee. $5 for each night for each person.

3. The building will be OPEN all night. There will therefore be water and bathrooms available as needed.

4. Manager Tom will be there all night. He will probably sleep in his office.

5. There will be an ultra long extension cord from the building to the near corner of the field, in case anyone needs power.

That should cover things. Basically, it will operate the same way that it did last July, for those who were there.

Oh, if you want to be there but hate camping, there is a Microtel motel in Springfield - about 15 miles to the north.

I'll see you Friday night!!!!! Party Time!!!!!

rbubany · Post by **rbubany** » Wed Sep 14, 2005 4:15 pm

I'm curious how many people are coming to Jeffers. Could you all go to the topic "Jeffers Poll" and make an entry?

Thanks

mlfj4901 · Post by **mlfj4901** » Thu Sep 15, 2005 12:15 am

Greetings,

I pulled this link off of an old Jeffer's thread. It has a map of how to get to Jeffers from 169

http://www.thudscave.com/petroglyphs/grafx/dr-map2.gif

It looks like one of the best places for anyone to meet up for a "caravan" would be somewhere in Shakopee, although if you want to ride with me I'm more than willing to let you keep your car at my house in Hastings, my driveway will accomodate 4 cars.

Anyone have any other thoughts or ideas?

-matt

rbubany · Post by **rbubany** » Thu Sep 15, 2005 11:32 am

I haven't been on a road trip like this before, so I'll need some advice about what to bring.

I was just out last night for extended viewing. Temperature was 54 degrees. Started with a light jacket. Then switched to a Levi sheepskin lined jacket. Still shivering the rest of the night.

This induces me to emphasize the need for warm clothing. If the temp gets down into the 40's it can get mighty cold to someone just standing in one place. I am bringing a winter parka just to be safe.

Of course, the wuses can just go into the building to warm up.

rbubany · Post by **rbubany** » Sat Sep 17, 2005 8:45 pm

Well, according to the "Jeffers Poll" topic, only two of us are definetely going. Can that be right?

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