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[-=CROMAN=-]

Have any plans been made for a trip to the Dunes?

[erikruud]

I am headed to Warren Dunes later this month. ;D

[-=CROMAN=-]

Sounds like fun!

[Paulie pchris00]

Should I make arrangements at the state park?

[atomant]

Warren Dunes is a nice site for watching sunset and stars, just for a little bit more driving.

I'm up for Indy Dunes this August....we'll see what mother nature brings.

[hillimolly]

I am sorry okay

[-=CROMAN=-]

state park? i dunno. how far is it from chicago. im definitely up for the dunes.

[Paulie pchris00]

The state park is probably the easiest NWI site to get to, and they're astronomer friendly. Once crossing the state line on I-94, it's about 26 miles. Take the state road 49 (Chesterton) exit north, and 49 runs straight into the park (about a mile and a half). Last year we set up in a mostly vacant parking lot a couple hundred yards from the beach. From Adler, it's about an hour drive straight down I-94. Taking the Skyway/Indiana toll road could cut it down to 45 minutes if you jump on 94 from the toll road in Lake Station.

[-=CROMAN=-]

Sounds like a good time! Lets see who wants to go and set it up

[atomant]

Let's aim for the weekend or week after full moon.
Summer is moving away at a clip.

Paulie, is 24 hr or less notice for the rangers ok? Knowing mother nature is so fickle.

[Paulie pchris00]

Aug 8, 2011 12:41:59 GMT -6 atomant said:

Paulie, is 24 hr or less notice for the rangers ok? Knowing mother nature is so fickle.

I think 24 hours should be okay. I can contact them ahead of time and give an estimation of what nights we would like, and how many people will be there.

[Chicago Astronomer - Astro Joe]

Paulie,

Would this be an all night session till dawn?

Facilities included?

[Paulie pchris00]

Aug 8, 2011 13:42:35 GMT -6 Chicago Astronomer - Astro Joe said:

Paulie,

Would this be an all night session till dawn?

Facilities included?

I wouldn't ask for less. Haven't sent out the email yet.

[Paulie pchris00]

Should we try to shoot for this Friday/Saturday?

[dapple]

I'm interested if you don't mind me tagging along. Much preferred over spending a night by myself at either Willow Slough or Green River.

[Paulie pchris00]

Sure. Keep checking this thread for updates.

[-=CROMAN=-]

I'm in

[patrickm]

If my back stays better, I am in. Fingers crossed.

[Paulie pchris00]

Okay. I will email Brad and let him know we're shooting for this weekend. Is there a preference of nights, or whichever one is clear? I'm going to have to miss work to join in either night, but Saturday night might be just a little better for me if the weather is equal. I officially cast my vote for the first clear night of the two.

I will post directions and such later. And I should probably mention that the Dunes is the only Indiana State Park that prohibits alcohol. Not that I expect that to be a problem.

[-=CROMAN=-]

I was hoping for Friday but it doesn't really matter to me. Is there a Clear Sky chart for the dunes?

[-=CROMAN=-]

Aug 16, 2011 8:07:04 GMT -6 Paulie pchris00 said:

And I should probably mention that the Dunes is the only Indiana State Park that prohibits alcohol. Not that I expect that to be a problem.

Guess i'll have to get loaded before I get there! ;D

[dapple]

I have a slight preference for Saturday as well, but weather reigns supreme.

Is the plan to crash at the campground, or to drive home at sunrise?

Also, if someone is driving past the University of Chicago and has room for a spare person and a 6" dob, coffee and munch'ems will be on me. It'd save me renting a car for a day.

[Paulie pchris00]

Doug, I have no idea what anybody else's plan is, but mine is to leave around sunrise. The campground was probably booked months ago, so isn't really an option, unfortunately. I'm used to being up all night, so this doesn't drastically change my schedule, like it does for everybody else.

I also messaged you some information about the South Shore line. The train stops less than a mile from the park, so if the schedule is an option, I could pick you up at Dune Park station. I think the fare one way is around $8. I don't know what their policy for carrying a 6" Dob onboard is, though.

[Paulie pchris00]

Aug 16, 2011 8:13:46 GMT -6 -=CROMAN=- said:

I was hoping for Friday but it doesn't really matter to me. Is there a Clear Sky chart for the dunes?

Don't know if there's a CSC, but as of right now, Accuweather is giving Friday a "6" and Saturday a "1."

Looks like it will be Saturday!*

www.accuweather.com/us/in/chesterton/46304/outdoor-astronomy.asp

*Based on Accuweather's total ineptitude at getting their astronomy forecasts correct.

[Paulie pchris00]

I just sent an email asking for permission for this weekend.

Also, I recommend warm clothing. The last couple of times I was out at Conway the temp dropped in the wee hours. It's likely to get quite chilly, especially with any breeze right off the Lake.

[patrickm]

Doug, IF my back straightens out, I'd be happy to give you a lift. Based on last 2 weeks, may be a game time decision for me though. Let's keep in touch.

[Paulie pchris00]

There has been a change of plans. From here on, I think it's best to conduct the rest of the planning in private. I have already contacted everybody who has shown an interest in attending. Additional members may or may not be able to join at this point, but contacting me is required. Thanks.

[Chicago Astronomer - Astro Joe]

Weather forecast does not look good.

[patrickm]

Sadly, the chances of me making it are at less than 10% right now. Back still F'd up. Sorry team, but mostly sorry for myself.

[Paulie pchris00]

Tonight is kind of up in limbo right now. Tomorrow night looks like storms for sure. I'll watch the radar and satellite, and try to make a decision in the early afternoon. I think everybody who needs to contact me has my number, but just in case, here it is: 219-309-3365

If tonight and tomorrow are cancelled, not sure when we can reschedule.