[Chaos-l] A little thought about Medoc

Wed Apr 11 00:18:39 EDT 2012

Nice reflection!!

I agree that Medoc is pure magic.  I've dropped by several places around NC
and VA to observe now and Medoc is - unfortunately the farthest - but a
spot without hassle, easy to camp, the rangers are fantastic to us, and the
*really good astronomy company*.  I would name names but it's dangerous
because you meet so many people in the dark and don't always get the names
right!  People have been really nice to me and I appreciate it!

I appreciate that as the observing fanatics we all are that go there - no
one gets too excited about accidental white light flashes, random campers
walking up and joining in, and the fireplace campfire thing is a big bonus
for unwinding and taking a break.

I even appreciate the pack of killer frogs.

And thanks Allen, for being the ambassador of astronomers to the rangers,
the public, random campers, lost hound dogs, and especially to other new
people just getting started.

When one is new to astronomy ( i just recently was) there is a bit of a
learning curve around the norms of the culture and Allen and other regulars
to Medoc are a great introduction, a nice bunch with a lot more patience
than I've seen at other star parties. (Sorry other star parties! )

Thanks Allen for keeping this thing going there!

-tonyg

On Tue, Apr 10, 2012 at 11:00 PM, Allen Davis
<starstorm151 at embarqmail.com>wrote:

> 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****
>
> ** **
>
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