[Chaos-l] A little thought about Medoc

[Allen Davis]

Since it seems lately we have new members on the Medoc board and folks from
Chaos who know about Medoc I decided to just give a brief reflection about
it.

 

I found Medoc 20 years ago, and more, when a friend of mine and I were
looking for a place to observe with new scopes.  I had a 15 inch Dob...and
still do.  Its just that now I have a 20' Dob, souped up as it is, and a 6
inch Tak refractor.  Still have my Genesis SDF too.  I star hopped for a
long time, the first 14 years of observing as a matter of fact.  Then the
gadget bug got me into GOTO, and I got that on my Obsession and with my Tak.

 

Found that Medoc was a great place.no lights..and friendly staff.  I paid
for the first time, and Dan, the super at the time never charged me again
for staying on the observing field.  (I rarely actually camp, but stay in
the truck if I get sleepy.) although the camp ground is great.  

 

As happens in life, the original small group of observers has gone by the
wayside, except for me.  I have seen quite a few come and go over the years.
Some with no explanation, you know how life is.  Everyone has changing
priorities in life.  I loved observing, and I must say though that I have
been pretty consistent over the years.  Sometimes life has "gotten in the
way".once in a while..Like all of you family is priority.  As Robert Nielsen
has said to me."the skies will be there."  For me the definition of family
is probably a bit different, as I have no wife or kids, am an only, and my
mother at 87 is my family.

 

Robert Nielsen and Mark Clegg started observing together in earnest at the
Mid Atlantic Star Party I believe what will be about 3.5 years ago now.  I
had known Mark Clegg for years.saw him annually at the MASP.  For some
reason, because we set up together, and because we had Takahashi gear in
common, we three observed a lot that year, and we decided to do a better job
of keeping in touch.  And we have.  They have been faithful friends and
observing buddies.  

 

The happy part is that the list has grown.  So many of you have become
"regulars" and it is a real blessing to know that we can depend on each
other and a common interest or "obsession" that remains a strong bond.  What
a pleasure to have this group, thanks to Rapideye, and that we can have a
discussion and let everyone know about observing there.  The folks at CHAOS
certainly have been a welcome addition to all this, and that's why I always
post there too.  I may be a freelancer, but clubs are important when they
work well, and it seems to.  Seen a few of the RAC members too, and some are
on the list.

 

To me Medoc has been a place to unwind, and not only enjoy the night sky,
but also to hike and just get away.  It is close for me, so what a real
blessing.  The Summit trail became a training route whenever a friend of
mine and I took trips to backpack in the Grand Canyon.  It works fine if you
load up your pack and work up a sweat!  The trails are nice, and as I said
the campground is one of the nicest in the state I think.  The staff has
changed over the years, but all have been good to us.  And none better than
the current group.

 

A note on that..Ed Wilkerson has been a good friend there for years....he
recently received a promotion and new life path....he is becoming the
Superintendent at Cliffs of the Neuse.  I will be sorry to see him go, but
glad that he is doing something he feels is important.

 

An important part of amateur astronomy is outreach.  We've had some great
public programs at Medoc, and I believe that is an important part of the
whole picture.  Sharing the night sky with curious folks remains a
"requirement" for me in this great adventure in astronomy and observing.  As
it is for many of you.  I believe it is the sharing of our knowledge and
equipment that really justifies the time spent outside under the heavens.

 

But Medoc has meant a great deal to me over the years.  I always tell
people.."welcome"  and just remind folks that it is important to respect the
right to come and go there, and leave little impact.  Really they are very
good to us.  The fires are a staple during cold months...that situation is
about perfect, because the fireplace is far enough that the light isn't a
bother (unless someone puts on a cardboard box or something!).  I have spent
many happy nights there over the last twenty years.  Sad to think of people
having left the fold, but gratifying and joyful to meet you new folks, and I
mean any of you who have discovered "the group" in the past couple of years.
I always feel my life is enriched from a new association and friendship
through astronomy.  After all, I think we tend to be "good people".  And by
that I mean folks who respect nature, the skies, and most of all each other.

 

So always feel welcome to join us and I look forward to spending more time
under the stars with new friends.  

 

I just felt like sharing a bit, as I do tend to wax philosophical sometimes,
and Medoc and friends have been on  my mind lately.  allen

 

E. Allen Davis

starstorm151 at embarqmail.com

 

"M'Illumino              "I am enlightened

D'Immenso"              by the immensity."

 

   -Ungaretti               -Ungaretti

 

-------------- next part --------------
An HTML attachment was scrubbed...
URL: <http://rtpnet.org/pipermail/chaos-l/attachments/20120410/c2cc7c4c/attachment-0001.html>