Actually, I wonder if Las Vegas would be closer geographically for everyone. There is camping in the Spring Mountain campgrounds, and I think in Red Rocks. Both are beautiful areas, well away from the city lights.
But if Na'vicon falls through, I will be going to a very different camping trip that week, the Golden State Star Party, which is about two hours northeast of here.
http://www.goldenstatestarparty.org/ This is a multi-night, camping style astronomical observing party, where some pretty serious amateur astronomy is done. There will be telescopes up to 30 inches in size available, sophisticated astrophotography setups, and solar observing during the day. There are also lectures and programs during the day, and activities for family members of astronomers. At dinnertime, we feast on grass-fed
talioang that lived their lives in the very pasture we use for observing! Our club will have our 20 inch 'scope there, and I may even bring the 24 inch 'scope we have (which needs some work, but that is the place to do it). You'all are invited to come (no 'scope is necessary, there are plenty available to look through). I will probably get a ticket just in case something happens, as they are relatively inexpensive, and usually can be sold right beforehand.
But I am thinking that we will not have to worry too much about alternative plans. If something happens in Iran to cause a oil price spike, the worst of it will probably be past by July. I, too want to see Na'vicon happen, and am working on some contingency ideas to keep this entire operation happening.
One note on the solar powered transmitter site. It is so remote that visiting it is not practical. We have to use a specially modified 4 X 4 land crawler or a helicopter to get there! But the
falulukan always enjoy visitors!
