The International Cessna^® 170 Association

My wife is very interested in viewing the Perseid meteor shower which should occur Augsut 12 and 13, 2009. I have been considering different possible viewing locations I can get her to in the 170. I considered a house boat on Lake Powel, Columbia in Northern Calif., Death Valley, and Joshua Tree National Park near Palm Srpings. The most reasonable route, considering MOAs, Restricted areas and associated costs seems to be Joshua Tree. However, I recall we have a member in Lake Havasu - I just can't seem to recall his name, etc. I was wondering what the night sky might be like in Lake Havasu - would be a nice destination. My wife has been with me through Vietnam and thirty five years in Law Enforcement. Lately my priorty is to do whatever is necessary to she her smile and if very lucky take her breath away.

We have a member in Arizona who offered friendship and help in Lake Havasu, ... known here as "learaviator".

I have a friend of over 40 years who now lives in Lake Havasu. I've been there. Havasu is one hour north or south in the desert from anywhere and you can't travel east and west on the ground (till you go north or south). Besides the lights of the city itself, it is very very very dark at night. His property borders the BLM. You don't have to venture more than a few hundred feet into the desert for complete darkness other than in the direction of the city and that would not be to hard to eliminate either.

It virtually NEVER rains in Havasu and rarely a cloud in the sky but of course it will be hot as hell in August.

It think it would be an excellent location. Hopefully Learaviator can hook you up.

Blue Canyon kblu......Nothing there and very popular with the astronomy crowd who drive up there to set up telescopes. Also you can't beat the chicken strip for being remote. Not a single light source within 20 miles and you are surounded by 10k plus mountains.

I would bet that our Historian Steve Grimsley will be somewhere near the McDonald Observatory in Davis Mountains doing some more of the outstanding photography he is noted for. Send him an e-mail - he is very informed on how to view the stars and constelations and has done some marvelous photographs of them.

Thanks for the suggestions. My wife has found a "Darling" Bed & Breakfast just outside Joshua Tree - so the destination is now decided. We will fly into Row Williams, watch the meteor shower from our hot tub and celebrate 41 years together.

Robert

Sounds like you have a very special gal. Reading between the lines, the 41 years of memories are bigger than any light show you we see on Aug 13th.
Congrats on the 41 years, wishing you many more



W.