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[Chicago Astronomer - Astro Joe]

(Segment moved from "Chicago Astronomer Star Party Preparations - Thanks to Brian on this excellent topic)


By the way, has anybody been to the H.M.S. Bounty by Navy Pier? It is the giant wooden ship that MGM studios bought a few years ago. It is extremely interesting to climb up on the rear of the ship and lean over and see the water below you.

I screwed around on the thing with my girlfriend on Wednesday and took some pictures. Beautiful peice of craftsmanship, though this was built in the 1960's, and was modeled after the original which was made, and burned, in the late 1700's.

Also, they have at the IMAX theater Shackleton's Antarctic Quest, which was the story about Shackleton's goal to explore all of Antarctica, which resulted in havoc.

They had a huge thing on this project at the Field museum years ago. In 1914 this ship of 27 men went to Antarctica, got stuck in the ice for over a year, was eventually crushed by the ice, and forced the men to travel over 1000 miles in row boats to survive. Over the time period of a year and a half, all 27 men were lost and assumed ead, and all 27 men survived in the end.

Was a great story and includes actual footage and photography from the mission (Shackleton planned on funding the thing by selling the footage when he got back, or so I read a few years ago). Plus, you get all of the new footage, including the sweeping airshots over huge glaciers that those IMAX directors love to use. Definitly worth seeing...especially when your other options involve the new Harry Potter and the new Spiderman (not that they are bad, but compared to Antarctic exploration....) and it is cheaper.

You know Joe, that whole edge at the end of the pier would be a good place for you to set up and meet some people. Ever set your scope up there before? I was thinking about that, as it look beautiful there at night.

Allright, didn't mean to drag this out so long, but I figured you guys might find the wooden ship or the Antarctic thing interesting. They both get my approval, as not much else at the pier that costs a lot of money does.

NatureDevil

[Chicago Astronomer - Astro Joe]

Yes, I am aware of the Shackleton Odyssey and quite an adventure. I saw it on PBS and was riveted on the story from beginning to end. And No perished! The endurance and fortitude was remarkable! Shackleton was a man's man, when men were men...and the women were glad about it.

What we need here at NASA, is more people like Shackleton, not these pantywaist's and mommas boys there now. O'keefe would cower in the mere presence of Shackleton. There I go again...I stop.

I often thought about setting up at the apex of the pier, like you thought Brian....but the logistics in doing so are great. Parking..permission, physically transporting the scope and accessories etc. It would certainly be a great venue..perhaps as we get bigger, better and stronger we can do this as a joint project.

Excellent idea...which will now be known as " The NatureDevil Initiative".

[NatureDevil]

I am looking into getting a gig there for Jay and myself to play on that stage they have in the beer garden. I'll look into what it takes for setting up any kind of skywatching event. Hopefully I can find a human being who can answer my questions.

As always, I'll bring the iced tea.

Thanks Joe for organizing the thing I typed and centering the pics for me. I had trouble with it. I agree on the idea of men being men. Being in a situation like that brings out the best (and possibly worst) in people. That is why I love traveling and going hiking all the time. If we get lost, or the car flys off the road...that is when the real adventures begin and the true tests start.

NatureDevil

[Chicago Astronomer - Astro Joe]

No charge on the re-organizing of your Shackleton adventure post. Post more of what interests you in adventure and discovery.