"Free Range" Astronomy 2026 thought.

[Mark Wagner]

Putting the idea out there for the new year, that those of us interested consider some astro-road trips.  My thought was inspired by Akarsh's OR earlier this year over 5 days travel.  I loved the idea and have mentioned it to a few friends who also expressed interest.

This year some of us went to Berlin-Ichthyosaur State Park in Nevada, 8 hour drive (I intended but was unable to) and it was I think somewhat a mixed-bag trip.  Other places have since been mentioned.  But it would be good to start planning and ready with solid ideas by the good warmer weather months.  Maybe one such sojourn could include GSSP?

Just a thought.  With people being able to stay in connected even remotely (yes, with Starlink) it is possible to work and travel simultaneously.  So why not look for a group that could/would?  Maybe good for up to 18-20" scopes (easier that 24-28"). And some adventure.  5-7 day trips?

[Jeff Crilly]

Definitely open to such journeys.   Nevada was the first time I “overnighted” on the road trip - ie 2 day travel as opposed to same-day arrival… (tho I did a “travel overnight stay” at Lassen and Crater Lake on the way to TMSP in WA State one year.)

Anyhow, the planned stop in Hawthorne (at a motel) for the Nevada trip (in both directions) was a nice break (as opposed to sleeping in the car at a random pullover). 

-jeff 

On Dec 10, 2025, at 10:03 AM, Mark Wagner <itsmar...@gmail.com> wrote:



Putting the idea out there for the new year, that those of us interested consider some astro-road trips.  My thought was inspired by Akarsh's OR earlier this year over 5 days travel.  I loved the idea and have mentioned it to a few friends who also expressed interest.

This year some of us went to Berlin-Ichthyosaur State Park in Nevada, 8 hour drive (I intended but was unable to) and it was I think somewhat a mixed-bag trip.  Other places have since been mentioned.  But it would be good to start planning and ready with solid ideas by the good warmer weather months.  Maybe one such sojourn could include GSSP?

Just a thought.  With people being able to stay in connected even remotely (yes, with Starlink) it is possible to work and travel simultaneously.  So why not look for a group that could/would?  Maybe good for up to 18-20" scopes (easier that 24-28"). And some adventure.  5-7 day trips?

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[Arvind K]

I did 2 multi-day trips this past year: BISP and Saline Valley (in addition to the usual 2 nights at CalStar, and a Sierra Nevada overnighter with Akarsh). While both the faraway remote trips had their challenges, mainly due to weather, they were still great experiences overall. Especially BISP -- it was jaw dropping through a 18" dob.

I strongly encourage people to consider group travel for these longer trips, as it makes the experience much more enjoyable.

Unfortunately, I already have a few commitments this summer and won't be able to join. I wish everyone the best of luck with their planning!

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[Peter Santangeli]

Definitely up for it. One of the reasons I built a van. Life just keeps getting in the way.

pete

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[Mark Wagner]

Pleasing to see a good response so quickly.  I've changed the BISP (Berlin-Ichy) group to FRAA26 (Free Range Astronomy Adventures 2026) - so everyone that was subscribed to BISP is already on FRAA26.  Anyone who is interested post here and I'll add you, as I'll for those already interested.

I suggest we keep a bit of chatter about plans occasionally on TAC to keep the thread active/visible, but most of the real planning on the FRAA26 Group.

[Aris Pope]

Mark, I think that's a great idea. During the last rainstorm I was bored and I inputted most of the major star parties into my Google calendar. The Oregon Star Party actually overlaps with GSSP. That would be one good trip idea for this year.

Aris

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[Ted Hauter]

Definitely was hesitant mentioning Ichthyosaur as a haul, super remote, and after two extreme weekends there (Wizard of Oz lightning storm one day, the next trip wind and more lightning plus some fire thrown in another) I will not be returning any time soon, although probably best there in the winter sky despite the temps, I lost the front of my vehicle trying that. 

It's too high and dangerous when the area is at its best.

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[Mark Wagner]

I think so too, but as I recall from my trips to OSP its like 11-13 hours getting there.  Does that sound right from the south bay?  I like six hour drives, but yeah, a super nice idea especially if OSP is on the front side and you get there before the decent sites are filled (based on +20/yr old recollections).

Not the greatest memory, and not mentioning names, the guy who drove was a "chimney", and the smoke from the truck windows was like a scene from Fast Times At Ridgemont High.  I almost had to throw away my clothes afterwards.

Anyone here remember who (don't say)?

Mark

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Mark

[Aris Pope]

13hrs sounds right with stops. 

Aris

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[Raymond Wong]

Mark:  Add my name to the Free Range Astronomy RoadTrip, I would love to know about them.  Though, at 80, I would only be bringing smaller aperture scopes, 10 inches or smaller.

Cheers, 73s, Clear Skies and Clear Blocks, 

Ray

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[Akarsh Simha]

Would love to go to the Steen’s with some Portlanders

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[Howard Banich]

Me too! 👍

On Dec 10, 2025, at 1:01 PM, Akarsh Simha <akars...@gmail.com> wrote:



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[Mark Wagner]

I'd rather that than OSP.  And nothing wrong with OSP, just if I had to choose one. Howard, is OSP still the same rocky field?  My big OSP highlight was having the winning raffle ticket the year I went. It wasn't even my ticket! :-)

Maybe we could do this as an FRAA26 trip with GSSP in there too.

Mark

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Mark

[Peter Santangeli]

Add my name to the list.

pete

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[Rod Brown]

A spot I have been thinking about for 2026 is Grandview Campground. Many of the advantages of Barcroft, but with more than an hour less driving, no need for high clearance or 4WD, less altitude and fewer headaches (literally). There was some chat about it in response to my Barcroft trip report earlier this year.

https://www.fs.usda.gov/r05/inyo/recreation/grandview-campground

Rod

[Kurt Kuhlmann]

I've done there a few times.  No water whatsoever is main downside.  There are generally 4 or 5 other campers on weekdays there and some like bright lights, big fires, so last time wasn't great until they went down at ~1am.  Is a nice site though 

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[Brad Templeton]

Good Bortle 2 skies.  But one would think there's something closer to be found, though it is hard to find the combination of dark skies, away from main road so nobody else comes and nobody else camps, and a wide and low horizon.   Most campsites prefer to be in trees, people want shade.    People of course know LSA and Mercy Hot Springs and a few other areas.   It seems though something should be found that could be an overall winner without that huge drive.     Areas to explore include SE of Pinnacles, Big Sur, outside Point Arena, around Bodie (Bortle 1) , around Markleeville, W. of Taho (Ice House is now closed it seems)    There are the sites on observers.org, and the non-public sites on the dark-sky list, and many are good, but I do wish one didn't have to drive so far.