Topic: Grand Canyon Star Party 2008

[engaaraa]

I'm planning to go this year with the wife and kids (we are five in all). In view of this, should I aim for the north or south rim?
Should I rent an RV or a small car?
Should I tell them to expect comfort or will they be "roughing it"?
I would start the trip by spending a few days visiting my wife's friends in Chicago for about four days and then head down to Arizona for another four days.
 

[Skyjim]

Engaaraa, my friend, I'm going to the South Rim this year so selfishly hope that you'll be there as well.  More info to follow, but for now here's the link to the web page:  http://www.tucsonastronomy.org/gcsp.html Short summary - more lodging and camping options on South Rim; more solitude on North.  Both beautiful.Jim

[Skyjim]

Added info for E...   From Chicago, you are looking at approximately a 1750 mile road trip to the Canyon.  Not sure how you intend to travel, but fuel prices are fairly breathtaking so flying from the midwest may be attractive once you factor fuel and lodging cost.  If flying, perhaps with 5 of you, an RV rental might be attractive once you arrive in the region.   I just checked out Southwest Airlines web fares and you can get a flight from Chicago Midway to Phoenix for $129 one way, as an example.   You CAN camp but of course you'll need gear unless renting an RV - probably either hotel or RV rental make the most logistical sense.  In any case,  you'll need to start working on campground or lodge/hotel/RV reservations fairly soon.  Note that we are holding the party around 3rd quarter moon this year - normally the organizers keep it in June even if the moon isn't optimum because the monsoon season kicks in in July and it's thunderstorms more than half the afternoons and evenings.  I would come for the last few days of the party for best deep sky observing.  Engaaraa, I'll have a few scopes along including either an 18 or 20 inch dob, so you'll have instruments to look through!      Jim     NOW - can anybody tell me why my tab isn't working and my posts have text run together???  

[engaaraa]

Thank you Jim. Now I'm thinking more in pairs of days, two here two there, etc. To go more places.
Before The Canyon, we might spend a couple of days in Las Vegas, and after the canyon we might go to somewhere in California. Plans keep changing..., I'll keep you posted.