This field trip, organized by GSOC President Paul Edison-Lahm, will focus on the geology of Camp Hancock and the John Day basin. We will be attending an Astronomy Star Party as guests of the Rose City Astronomers and OMSI.
Note: this trip will include two evenings of observing as guests of Rose City Astronomers. Evenings under the stars can be quite cold in September and clear skies are not guaranteed. Conditions at Camp Hancock are primitive. We will be sleeping two nights on thin mattresses on bunkbeds in shared bunkhouses. As the camp is set up for dark sky observing, astronomically appropriate (low-intensity) red LEDs will be provided for navigating in nighttime. Restrooms are 10-50 yards away. No food is allowed in cabins. Cars are off limits at night at because of car lights. Daytime will include hiking over rough terrain in hot weather. Rattlesnakes and ticks have been observed on the trail. Trip leader is alleged to snore.
Itinerary
Friday, Sept. 14
- Morning: drive to Clarno Palisades (approximately 4 hours from Portland Metro area).
- Afternoon: picnic with Central Oregon Geosciences Society and short fossil hike.
- Evening: astronomy orientation with RCA Outreach VP Yara Green, followed by telescope observing if sky clear.
Saturday, Sept. 15
- Morning/Afternoon: hike to historic Clarno Nut Beds with National Park Service Senior Paleontologist Nick Famoso.
- Evening: lecture by Dr. Bill Orr.; followed by telescope observing if sky clear.
Sunday, Sept. 16
- Morning/Afternoon: Highway 19 drive through Sheep Rock Unit.
- Afternoon: Thomas Condon Paleontology Center; Mascall Overlook
- Return on Highway 26 or stay in Dayville or Mitchell.
Cost: $250
Trip cost includes two nights food and lodging at Camp Hancock, trip guides, and astronomically appropriate (low intensity) red LEDs.