RE: (meteorobs) clear dark sky, for north florida ???

NEFAS (Northeast Florida astronomy association meets at their dark sky observing site in the Osceola National Forest, about halfway between Jacksonville and Lake City. NEFAS always has at least one member that leads caravanners to the site.  They meet at the Texaco Food Stop on I-10 WB at the Marietta exit (the first exit west of I-295) approximately 1 hour before sunset.

A map to the dark sky observing site is here: http://www.nefas.org/pages/index.cfm?ID=6

To get to the site take the Sanderson exit, turn left. When you get into Sanderson turn left at the traffic light, then take the first right (which is SR 229). The signs are confusing. Once on SR 229 travel about six miles until you see the Entering Osceola National Forest sign. Once you see that sign slow down and watch the dirt roads entering the forest on the right. You are looking for the road with the stop sign that has been shot full of holes. Once on this dirt road travel a mile or two into the forest and look for the split off to the right, which leads into the clearing. This is much easier to do in daylight, and hard to do if you haven’t been there before, best to try to meet someone at the Marietta exit to follow.

-----Original Message-----
From: owner-meteorobs@atmob.org [mailto:owner-meteorobs@atmob.org]On Behalf Of Chuck Ferriday
Sent: Monday, November 18, 2002 9:56 AM
To: meteorobs@atmob.org
Subject: (meteorobs) clear dark sky, for north florida ???

IN THE NORTH FLORIDA AREA - CENTRAL TO PANHANDLE - CAN ANYONE RECOMMEND AN  EASILY ACCESSIBLE DARK AREA?  I'LL BE DRIVING UP FROM STUART/JUPITER, 'CAUSE THE CLOUD FORCAST MAPPING INDICATES THAT OUR AREA WILL BECOME SOCKED IN FOR 19th OBSERVING.

THANKS, AND CLEAR SKIES

CHUCK FERRIDAY