HLC State Park hike and Astronomy/Observatory viewing

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HLC State Park hike and Astronomy/Observatory viewing

The Basics:

Event Type:

Hike

Event Location:

Rutledge, GA

Date(s) & Time:

Sat, Sep 18 2010 4:15 pm >> N/A (Carpool Departure: 4:30 pm *log in for location*)

Registration Opens:

Wed, Sep 15 2010 9:15 pm

Registration Cut Off:

Sat, Sep 18 2010 1:00 pm

Event Duration:

per itinerary

Difficulty Rating:

D2: Easy to Moderate

Trip Leader(s):

Tony C
Sarah H

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Member Cost:

None

Participant Info:

Who's Invited:

Members Only, 21 And Older Only

Maximum Group Size:

Minimum Group Size:

Number Registered So Far:

13 / 0 (To see who's signed up, log in to the Member Area)

Are Dogs Permitted:

Itinerary:

Throughout much of the year, GA State University has a monthly open house at their Hard Labor Creek Observatory:

http://www.chara.gsu.edu/HLCO/openhouse.html

I haven't attended before but have heard good things about it. Apparently they have the two main domes focused on some galaxies and nebulae as well as looking at some planets and the moon and other heavenly bodies. So sounds like some potential there and well worth checking it out.

The open house is from 8:30 to 10:30 PM. So will will try to do a short D2 hike beforehand and then hang out and join the observatory festivities. I'm not sure how late we'll stay but 10:30 at the latest and maybe earlier...just depends on the mood of the group and how much we see and how quickly, etc. But if it is a cool clear night, we will try to make the most out of the stargazing.

The forecast for Saturday is currently rather warm, but should cool off in the evening. Also, we will be under tree cover for the hike on Hard Labor Creek State Park's trails. Expect to do somewhere between 3 and 5 miles..depends on the time and temps. The pace will be very moderate...this is more of a casual social hike before the stargazing than any kind of fitness hike.

The carpool is at Indian Trail Park and Ride, but those on the south side of town will probably just want to meet at the event...but for those of us on the north side, we will try to carpool as it's a pretty good drive out there.

This event is obviously somewhat weather dependent so if overcast skies or rain is forecast, it may be canceled or rescheduled. But forecast looks great right now as far as the clear skies go.

Required Items to Bring:
Water and Food
Hiking shoes/boots with good traction

Recommended Items to Bring:
Use our Event Checklists to make sure you have everything you need.
camera
binoculars

How to Get There:

Event Directions:

5 Hard Labor Creek Road
Rutledge, GA 30663
(706) 557-3001

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Carpool to Event Distance (round trip):

121Mile(s)

Carpool Departure Time:

4:30 pm

Carpool Location:

Carpool Directions:

Carpool Cost:

Estimated cost per vehicle for this event is $48.40 using a reimbursement rate guideline of $0.400 per mile. The total amount should be divided by the number of people in the vehicle, including the driver. This is a guideline, not a rule, for drivers but the cost should not be higher unless there are extenuating circumstances.

Notes:

$5 parking fee at Hard Labor Creek State Park

* We encourage all members to follow our Etiquette Guidelines while participating in AOC events.

Cancellation/Partial Attendance: Please review the AOC cancellation policy.