Stellafane

I've never been there, and need some advice from somebody who knows.

I will be coming as a side trip to another trip, with minimum luggage. (Just a backpack).

Can I just camp? I suppose the weather is warm enough that light summer stuff and a tube tent is enough.

Are there showers/etc.

Is food available on site (cafeteria/snack bar)?

I do not plan to get a rental car unless somebody tells me I need one. So--is there public transport to and from there to Boston? Come to think of it, is there public transport (local bus) around there.

In short, I am thinking Amtrak or Greyhound to someplace nearby, local bus to the site, and tube tent and lite sleeping bag. Am I crazy (well, yes) or do I pretty much have to get a rental car and/or motel room for the adventure?

Alex

It can get cold / wet at night. Warm hat, heavy
jacket & extra socks can be useful. Its summer
but its also Vermont.

The weather is often warm, but there have been some pretty cold nights at Stellafane. There have also been heavy rains. I'd keep an eye on the predictions.

There is a food tent on site, so you can get fed.

Clear skies, Alan

I've been all over the website, but always prefer somebody who has been there if they can help.

Alex

Thanks, Allan, John, and Dan.....

Keep the advice coming all.

Alex

Hi Alex,
From my experiences with Stellafane:
Traveling light is always good.
You may camp in designated areas (there are plenty), but be aware that Stellafane is not a "campground". There are NOT neat spacious camp spots but rather a tent version of suburban sprawl -- pitch your tent right next to another and get to know your next door car-camping neighbor.
August is typically warm during the day and pleasant at night BUT this is Vermont, a northern state and on one occasion temps dipped into the very uppermost fortys. Rain; steady or thunder showeres is always a possibility.

There are showers for washing BUT they are very few in number, always a long walk from your tent site, and have a line in the morning. The vast majority of attendees go unwashed for the weekend.

There is a concession tent that has operated 24 hrs a day....meals are OK and just slightly more than what McDs is selling stuff for. The Sat. evening BBQ is very good and you will enjoy that.

Haven't taken the bus in years.....use to be a stop in Springfield, VT,,,,it may still exist or the bus may
stop just off the highway outside Springfield.....ANYWAY it is a long walk from wherever the bus lets you off to Stellafane.....if you look presentable and not too dangerous likely I or another convention goer will pick you up (have a good sign ready).

Stellafane is THE convention,,,,you will love it,,,the best of best will be there and looking forward to talking with you or showing you the features and capabilities of their scopes.
Hope to see you there.
Gary
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Alex McConahay said:

I've never been there, and need some advice from somebody who knows.

I will be coming as a side trip to another trip, with minimum luggage. (Just a backpack).

Can I just camp? I suppose the weather is warm enough that light summer stuff and a tube tent is enough.

Are there showers/etc.

Is food available on site (cafeteria/snack bar)?

I do not plan to get a rental car unless somebody tells me I need one. So--is there public transport to and from there to Boston? Come to think of it, is there public transport (local bus) around there.

In short, I am thinking Amtrak or Greyhound to someplace nearby, local bus to the site, and tube tent and lite sleeping bag. Am I crazy (well, yes) or do I pretty much have to get a rental car and/or motel room for the adventure?

Alex

Alex McConahay said:

I've never been there, and need some advice from somebody who knows....

Back in 1995 I ran into a guy who took the bus to Springfield and hitched a ride up the mountain. He thought that the old bunkhouse was open to Conventioneers. He spent one rainy evening and other times sleeping in the food tent!

I would think that you can get to Springfield via public transportation, but you might have a rough time hitching a ride to the site. I'd get a rental car myself.

The weather looks OK, but you should plan for possible rain/mud, heat, dust, bugs, and just maybe night temps as low as 40 F.

You will find lots of people willing to share their scopes with you and you will have a super time!!

You'll (hopefully) find me next to my Obsession 20 and more than willing to share views.

George N

Beware the dreaded Stellarain!

As far as observing goes, Stellafane is not the typical light-controlled star party. The lower campgrounds area is not the best spot to observe from due to throngs of people walking about, cars leaving the parking areas, and other sources of light. The terrain can be quite rough and hilly.

It is quite dark on top of Breezy Hill but unfortunately, aside from the 12" f/17 Porter Turret Telescope ( http://www.stellafane.com/history/early/early_images/ClubhousePTT2003.jpg ), only the scopes (perhaps 20 to 30) entered in the competition will be available there. At one time, folks like John Vogt (the fellow wearing the white hat in the attached photo) were allowed to set up their big Dobs (25 inches and larger) there but no longer.

Be that as it may, Stellafane is a unique experience and one that I look forward to each and every year.

Dave Mitsky

Attached Image:

Well,

I got there and it was great. The people were wonderful and welcoming. The scopes were mighty innovative. And there were lots of them. I am glad I went.

The rental car and a loaned tent space kept me dry--if not warm. The food was pretty good, and, again, the company was wonderful!

Alex

Here's a photo of the 18" single-truss Dob that won first place in both craftsmanship and mechanical design.

Dave Mitsky

Attached Image: