[ATMoB-discuss] WSP 2007

[Paul Valleli]

To all amateur astronomers, especially experienced ones who are tired 
of NE Winters:


See the Southern Cross, Omega Centauri, Jewel Box, Canopus, Centaurus 
Alpha and Beta.
The registration materials for the 2007 Winter Star Party have been 
mailed out to
prior registrants.
WSP runs from Monday Feb 12th to AM of Sun 18th at Girl Scout Camp Wesumkee
just one key south of beautiful Bahia Honda. Bahia Honda State Park 
has one of the
most beautiful beaches in the US of A. Camping is sold out more than 
a year in advance
there but is open to daytime visitors.
The WSP campground can accommodate a variety of RV's, campers, and tenters.
I stay in one of the Chickees,  basic bunkbeds for 12 males or 
females in a thatched roof
hut with screened walls. There are showers and real toilets 
available. The advantage of
staying in a Chickee or RV is that you can observe all night, crash 
for several hours, get
meals and catch some of the afternoon talks.
WSP is where the best deals are available from telescope 
distributors, albeit further
than NEAF in NY.
I plan to fly into and out  of Fort Lauderdale (FLL) on Jet Blue for 
$49 each way from Boston's Logan AP.
Cost varies by day with Tuesday being the cheapest. I plan to leave 
Friday Feb 9th and stay
at a motel for a few nights. The earliest flight arrives at FLL at 
about 11:15AM provided
it is not snowing in Boston. I rent a Jeep Cherokee for about $900 
for two weeks and return
it a few days early. I will have room for a couple of passengers to 
split the cost.
The trip down from FLL to West Summerland Key takes about three and a 
half hours.
If I buy anything big or heavy, like the 12-inch Meade Lightbridge, I 
ship it back from
Marathon City or FLL.
Driving is feasible but plan on three days or at least 25 hours if 
you have two or more additional drivers.
Also plan on about $350 for gas and tolls.  If you hit a snow or ice 
storm  on the way down or
back, you may lose a few days, but be able to carry a lot more gear.
Rail service is also available down to Miami but there are train 
changes and several stops.
I have attached 7 pages of Adobe.pdf files that give as many details 
as available and the registration
forms. CCD Courses and speakers are outstanding and the keynote is 
usually a stellar luminary.
Lots of door prizes given out, courtesy the vendors.
We usually drive off site or down to Key West a couple of times late 
in the afternoon for
sightseeing, excellent seafood, and return by dark.
I will be bringing some registration packs at the Thurs. night ATMoB 
meeting. They are the same
as the pdf files attached.
Attendance is limited to 600 registrants but tickets can be resold. 
Usually a few are
available up until early January. Most nearby motels are on Big Pine 
Key or Marathon but
they book up fast.
Paul