I don't think it was confusing; there were 2,000 visitors at the last night's public star party alone, according to estimates I heard the next day. The night I set up at the public star party had about 700. People weren't kept away by thinking it was for ALCON only. Thanks, Joe ________________________________ From: "erikhansen@thebluezone.net" <erikhansen@thebluezone.net> To: Utah Astronomy <utah-astronomy@mailman.xmission.com> Sent: Monday, July 4, 2011 4:11 PM Subject: Re: [Utah-astronomy] Bryce times
Bryce is an exception to most Conventions, generally there is an expectation of no headlights. What is good about Bryce is that general public gets to share the experience, I think few AstroClubs understand how much SLAS tries to cater to the general public. It is annoying to see headlights but not the end of the world as we know it.
Perhaps those individuals did not understand the focus of the Bryce Canyon Astronomy Festival and that really it was not exclusively for ALCON. WE have it every year without ALCON. I imagine combining the two probably created some confusion, meaning they thought the Star Party was solely for ALCON attendees. Having 2 venues seems somewhat unusual and perhaps confusing. I would like to join in the comment regarding Richard Blake (aka:
Telescope field ZAR or Porta-potty-illuminati").
First, his job is not an easy one. When we are all focused on getting our equipment set up and ready for viewers, he is looking at the big picture on where are the emergency lanes and do any slip-trip hazards exist. He has the charge to maintain order on the observing field and insure that the needs of the NPS are met. I have never had a problem with him and found that if you meet the guidelines they present to us, he leaves you pretty much to your own business. I do agree that he comes on strong sometime but perhaps that is needed to insure control. I would certainly take that over having a passive approach that allows things to get out of control.
I will say this, I feel that all SLAS volunteers operated well within the guidelines given to us and helped make this a great event. We were blessed with four nights of superb viewing (clear, transparent and reasonably stable atmospheric conditions) that left everyone there smiling.
I was made aware of one problem where some ALCON attendees viewing at Bryce Point threatened some sightseers when they drove up with their lights on. Even though we would like to preserve our night vision, it is public property and all have equal access. This caused the visitors to complain at the visitors center. Kevin Poe was very agitated about this.
In my opinion, this is the best viewing we have had in the past eight years!
Thanks Rodger Fry
-----Original Message----- From: utah-astronomy-bounces@mailman.xmission.com [mailto:utah-astronomy-bounces@mailman.xmission.com] On Behalf Of Siegfried Jachmann Sent: Monday, July 04, 2011 12:35 PM To: Utah Astronomy Subject: Re: [Utah-astronomy] Bryce times
I don't think so much that it's bullying as an attempt to keep some organization to the telescope field. He happens to be the designated organizer. Without some rules there would be chaos with that many people and that many telescopes on the field. It makes sense to me to leave clear lanes for the public as they walk about the field. It's prety dark there and you don't want telescopes all over the place or cars parked in the field. Does he get upset when we turn car headlights on in the middle of a no lights star party? Yes, of course. I didn't really see get upset except for those headlights that came on. I thought he did a great job.
Siegfried
On Sun, Jul 3, 2011 at 11:26 PM, Dale Wilson <dalel2112@yahoo.com> wrote:
Hey Joe,
I was there and saw Richard fall. That was rough and he is really a tough guy to handle that. I would never wish that upon a person, despite his abrasiveness. I do wish him a quick recovery from whatever hurt he received. That still doesn't excuse needless bullying of people. It is needless and unprofessional.
Dale
________________________________ From: Joe Bauman <josephmbauman@yahoo.com> To: Utah Astronomy <utah-astronomy@mailman.xmission.com> Sent: Sun, July 3, 2011 7:57:38 PM Subject: Re: [Utah-astronomy] Bryce times
Hi all, Cory and I are back from Bryce. Last year I had a little run-in with Richard. However, this year he had an accident in which he was hurt, and I admired his response. At the public star party Thursday night (I think) he had climbed onto a ladder to make an announcement. Coming down he slipped or tripped or something, and fell, the ladder rolling onto him. My impression is that he was close to the surface of the parking lot, or on it, when he fell. He hit hard and lay there seemingly stunned as others and I ran to help him. I lifted the ladder off. We helped him stand, but soon he was bounding around and saying he was fine. A little while later I noticed blood on his left arm. Then he was folding a handkerchief and putting it in place near his elbow. There was quite a bit of blood. He carried on as if nothing was wrong, and brushed it off by saying the fall had just knocked a scab off. He kept on the field and worked through the night, but I'm certain he was hurting. -- Joe
________________________________ From: Steve Fisher <iotacass1@hotmail.com> To: utah-astronomy@mailman.xmission.com Sent: Sunday, July 3, 2011 7:13 PM Subject: Re: [Utah-astronomy] Bryce times
Two years ago I stopped in just for the night at Bryce. I met Richard and while I wouldn't call it a "run in" I did have words with him and an opportunity to see him interact with the guests as he set up his scope. Lets just say he wasn't just having a bad night this year.Steve
Date: Sun, 3 Jul 2011 16:49:46 -0700 From: dalel2112@yahoo.com To: utah-astronomy@mailman.xmission.com Subject: [Utah-astronomy] Bryce times
Hi all,
Just wanted to put in my 2 cents about Bryce. First....BEST OBSERVING EVER!! I have never had a better time with my 10". I've been there 5 out of the last 6
years and this was the best weather, trans, seeing, etc., I have seen there.
Next, absolute kudos to Kevin Poe and most of his staff (I'll get to that) for
their continuing support and organization to accommodate us.
Also, it was great to meet new members and re-acquaint with others on the field,
at the campsites, and at Alcon.
I would also like to say thanks to all the guys who organized and executed the
Alcon events. I witnessed tireless effort on their parts to make it a pure success.
My only concern was that I had a run-in with Richard, the volunteer, ranger. I
know he means well. However, he is coarse, abrasive and his people skills are
sorely lacking. I feel we have established a rapport with Bryce and are for the
most part, all professionals when we are on the field. Richard tends to treat
us all like dumb cattle. I know many feel similarly. We don't need, or deserve
to feel like kids on leashes.
Otherwise, it's a great time their.
Dale W. _______________________________________________ Utah-Astronomy mailing list Utah-Astronomy@mailman.xmission.com http://mailman.xmission.com/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/utah-astronomy Visit the Photo Gallery: http://www.slas.us/gallery2/main.php
_______________________________________________ Utah-Astronomy mailing list Utah-Astronomy@mailman.xmission.com http://mailman.xmission.com/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/utah-astronomy Visit the Photo Gallery: http://www.slas.us/gallery2/main.php _______________________________________________ Utah-Astronomy mailing list Utah-Astronomy@mailman.xmission.com http://mailman.xmission.com/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/utah-astronomy Visit the Photo Gallery: http://www.slas.us/gallery2/main.php _______________________________________________ Utah-Astronomy mailing list Utah-Astronomy@mailman.xmission.com http://mailman.xmission.com/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/utah-astronomy Visit the Photo Gallery: http://www.slas.us/gallery2/main.php
-- Siegfried _______________________________________________ Utah-Astronomy mailing list Utah-Astronomy@mailman.xmission.com http://mailman.xmission.com/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/utah-astronomy Visit the Photo Gallery: http://www.slas.us/gallery2/main.php
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