Escape from the Ordinary
nnouncing a chance to boldly go where few ever go, to leave the noise and haste for a bit and use one's mind in a sustained examination of a single subject all night long. The natural astronomy campout.
he first Blue Mountain Natural Astronomy Campout will happen on the night of June 18-19 at Land's Inn ranch in Kimberly Oregon.
his campout is a departure from everything typical of the 21st century: single mindedness instead of multi-tasking, a cycle of day and night instead of megahertz. We offer nothing virtual, simulated, enhanced or computer generated. Cell phone coverage will be spotty at best and we will not attempt to provide any internet service.
e will provide: camping for one night at the Land's Inn Ranch (you will bring your own tents, bedding etc.), an evening meal at 7pm, a presentation on native American astronomy by Mr. Wilson Wewa from the Warm Springs Reservation, a midnight meal and a continental breakfast in the morning under some of the darkest, clearest skies in the continental USA.
his is the first time for something like this and the first comers will strongly influence how it all develops, but our intent is serious science. We think that the fundamental scientific instrument is a human mind and that the fundamental business of science is using that mind.
e neither encourage nor discourage the use of telescopes other aids. This event is about opportunities, not rules. We do plan to emphasize carrots at the midnight meal but other than that, we discourage any performance enhancing (or otherwise) substances.
here are some other things we might do. Could anyone, solely on the basis of what can be observed on site, definitively prove that this world is round? How accurately can one determine our latitude with simple tools?
une 18th is very close to the summer solstice, is there something we can do with that? I would also like to hear an explanation or, better yet, a demonstration I can understand of how Foucault's pendulum works. And in the true spirit of scientific inquiry, we are open to other suggestions.
he cost will be $125/person. Participation will be limited to 30 persons. A deposit of $60 will hold a reservation with the balance due before May 20. You should plan to arrive at Land's Inn by 5pm on the 18th. The event will be held regardless of weather. The average precipitation for June is just over 1" so rain or overcast is possible, heavy rain is unlikely. In any case the whole point of this exercise is connecting with reality. Payment can be made by check made out to Oregon Guides Publishing llc and mailed to: Oregon Guides Publishing llc PO box 232 Canyon City Oregon 97820.
f you want to do this, click on the box at the bottom and sign up. We will send a reply giving your place in the queue. Receipt of your deposit within 7 days, will reserve that position. Deposits sent after we are full will be returned. Questions can be emailed to me at driscolldg@gmail.com or you can call at 248-719-2122.";