OBS at the Alafia River State Park, FL
Our third wedding anniversary, February 14, 2005, was rapidly approaching, and to celebrate this occasion, Beth Ann and I wanted to go camping at Disney's Fort Wilderness. David and Lecia Burrow, friends/members of the Oglethorpe Astronomical Association, suggested that since we were headed south to Disney that we might consider attending the Orange Blossom Special Star Party, which was to be held just southeast of Tampa, FL, several days before our anniversary. We registered to attend the Star Party and also made reservations at Disney
After leaving work on Wednesday February 9, Beth Ann and I made last minute preparations for our journey south. Before we knew it, it was after midnight. Beth Ann suggested that we go ahead and drive through the night and arrive sometime in the morning. We did just that, arriving at Alifia River State Park around 9am.
We checked in and then set up the camper on our assigned site #15. We said Hi! to several folks from Savannah and then went to bed for some well-deserved rest after our all-night trip.
After we awoke, the Tak-102 telescope and Vixen GP-DX mount was set up on our site.
During the day, the Tak and Thousand Oaks solar filter provided great views of the sun. At night, the Tak gave excellent views of the moon, Saturn, Jupiter, and many deep-sky objects. It was cold and windy Thursday night with a low temperature of 26 degrees Friday morning...Brrrrrrr! The weather was OK until Saturday night when some clouds moved in.
During each day, there was alot going on. There were programs, demonstrations of equipment, forums, music jam sessions, hayrides, etc. Well-known "Sidewalk Astronomer," John Dobson, was a special guest at this event. There were telescopes, big binoculars, a radio telescope, and other observing tools seen at various campsites and on "dob nob." In the evenings there was a gathering for announcements and doorprize giveaways.
"You gotta eat!" Breakfast, lunch, and supper was prepared and served to those who chose to have that option when they registered. Mmmmm Mmmmm good!!!
John Dobson had some fascinating things to say about our universe in a very interesting forum.
Yours truly had to get a picture of John Dobson standing next to me.
The Saturday evening gathering had some very nice door prizes, which included several telescopes, etc. Fayrene Wilson of Savannah, GA, won the grand prize, a 12.5 inch telescope, autographed by John Dobson.
For the most part, the OBS was over. Later in the evening, several "die-hard" astronomers went out for one last observing session. Observing time was cut short due to clouds.
The hosts, David and Ellen Farr along with everyone associated with the St. Petersburg Astronomy Club were very friendly and helpful. The park rangers and facilities were great. If our schedule allows it, we most likely will attend the OBS in the future.
On Sunday, we readied our camper for the journey to Disney. We pulled out of the Alifia River State Park around 10am and arrived at Orlando around noon. We stopped at the Camping World and purchased a few necessary items. From Camping World, it only took a few minutes to get to the Disney Complex. We checked in at Disney's Fort Wilderness Campground around 1:30pm and set up camp. Immediately, we noticed a variety of wildlife roaming around the campground, ie. rabbits, peacocks, and squirrels.
Later in the evening, we enjoyed dining and the entertainment at the Hoop-Dee-Doo Musical Revue. After the show we returned to our camper and retired for the night.
We arose early Monday, and took a Disney bus over to the theme parks. We went to the Magic Kingdom, EPCOT, and MGM. By the end of the day, we were both tired. We headed back to Fort Wilderness via boat. At the Fort Wilderness Marina we waited around to watch the awesome light display of the "parade of boats."
We had no problem falling asleep Monday night. Tuesday morning we readied the camper and and began our trip home.
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