October 1-2, 2004
Many thanks to Hassaan for taking these pictures!
The YO cabin, where we spent Friday night
Our friendly host, Star Child (fantastic name), his dogs, and his truck.
One of the highlights of the day was riding in the back of the truck out to the field
where we would eventually set up our telescopes:
(above: Hassaan, Brendan and Meredith, and Laura in the back of the truck)
The field Star Child brought us to was perfect -- open and remote.
It was a beautiful time of year, too. Here are some of Hassaan's pictures of the area:
Star Child gave us directions, and later that night we came back.
Sara and Charlie did most of the cooking (mmm... cheesy pasta!) while Laura, Catherine and Rebecca built the fire.
We spent a while standing around the fire, watching as it grew and became a blazing inferno.
Brendan and I pointed out constellations (see Nick and Jing staring in wonder?), and all were
awed by the power of the green laser pointer.
Finally, we got to the good stuff: telescopes.
(Laura, Kathy and Meredith set up one 8-inch; Brendan and Laura tackle the other)
Our 13-inch Dob was fantastic, especially since it was the only telescope that managed to resist the dew.
It gave us gorgeous views of the moon, the ring nebula, M13, and Albireo.
After a long night of roasting s'mores and hot dogs, seeing the wonders of the universe,
and cursing humidity, we retired to the cabin.
After breakfast the next morning, we went on a short hike and saw New England fall
in all its glory.
