Hi all - Those of you that I've already met know I'm a recent transplant from the East. I was excited to learn at the last SLAS meeting that the club has many star parties at Bryce, the Wedge and other spots around Utah. In addition to the astronomy, it seems like a dandy way to see some of the area where I now live. But.... It's been a long, long time since I've been camping. Some of you may remember canvas tents and cutting your own wooden tent pegs. Well it's been that long for me. I'm not sure what to expect out here. There's the obvious stuff: tent, sleeping bag, coleman stove. But I don't know if there are other things I should know about camping in the desert. In addition, I don't know anything about available facilities at the sites where we have these star parties. I suppose the most delicate way I should put it is "do I need a shovel". So if anyone is willing to fill in a few of the blanks, I'd be most appreciative. I actually had a few minutes of viewing the other night before Mother Nature realized I was outdoors with a 'scope. What an unusual feeling: actually looking at stars instead of just talking about them. Best regards, Michael