Q:
Where exactly is the
A:
This site is located east of the Cascade Mountains of Washington State and
22 miles north of the town of
Q: When is
the
A:
Q: When will
registration be available and posted on the web site?
A: Registration is usually opened around the April to May time period each year.
Q:
What is the cost of Registration and what is included in those fees?
A:
The cost is based upon our projected fees and expenses to put on the
event. TMSPA is required to
pay a permit fee to the US Forest Service along with the maintenance and
rental of certain items such as tents, generators, signs, A/V equipment,
porta-potties and dumpsters. These
annual costs are included as part of your registration fees.
Each person must be registered and pay their fee.
The
registration fee is your entrance to the event.
This includes a door prize ticket, porta potty
availability, limited use of an on site dumpster, speakers programs,
workshops, seminars, a swap meet, a fantastic young astronomer program and
other activities. A perfect
spot to camp cannot be guaranteed, but we will make every effort to
accommodate you. We must abide
by our lease agreement with the United States Forest Service, which limits
our size and camping locations.
Q:
What is NOT included in my registration fee?
A:
The
Q:
Are
there any special precautions I should take if I have a health issue?
A:
Yes.
This
is a primitive environment, involving some strenuous activity. Wheelchair
bound or handicapped persons must bring assistance, if that seems
appropriate for them. There is
a reserved section for handicapped persons and if you feel you need to be
in that location, please contact our staff upon your arrival.
If you have particular medical needs, you should come prepared to
care for those needs. The
remote location and altitude (over 6,000ft) can be a problem for some. Please
consider this, as it will take about one hour for professional help to
arrive, if needed.
Q:
What is the weather like?
A: It can be blistering hot (many sunburns) during the day and below freezing at night. We recommend you bring clothing for all weather conditions, sunscreen and insect repellent. This is a high altitude site, which can bring surprises even in summer. One couple a few years back commented on how they went to the Winter Star Party and wore shorts and T-shirts but while attending Table Mountain in the Summer they had to dress with thermal underwear, gloves and hats. When coming to the Table Mountain Star Party, pack until you feel silly. The weather can be very unpredictable at 6,000 feet.
Q:
Why is there a limit of 700 attendees?
A: This is the limit set in our permit with the United States Forest Service. The more people on any given site will create a greater impact. We want to do our part to minimize the effect we have on the environment we are visiting. After all, the beauty of the location is part of what attracted us to it in the first place.
Q: Can I
bring pets?
A:
Pets are allowed, however we strongly
suggest that you leave them at home.
Pets must be on-leash at all times and you must clean up all poop. Pets
must not be a nuisance in any way or the Director may require the animal
to be removed from the site.
Q:
Is generator use permitted?
A:
Yes, however you are expected to follow the same basic camping etiquette
that is normal for any camping excursion. If
you are influencing the enjoyment factor of a neighbor, then do not do it.
Quiet time is enforced from
Q:
What
type of cooking sources can I use?
A:
You may cook on gas
stoves only. Campfires
and charcoal briquettes are forbidden as they are a serious
fire hazard in this dry mountain environment.
Q:
What is the best way to camp on site?
Are there places to stay offsite?
A: You may camp in tents, (some just sleep in their cars) others bring campers, trailers and RV's. We may have to limit the number of large RV's and may require owners of trailers to park thier tow vehicles in a seperate designated area. There are also several hotels located in Ellensburg if you do not wish to stay on site.
Q:
Do you have any idea what the RV size limits will be?
It would be very sad to
register only to find out later that we would not be able to bring up our
RVs and be out the fee and unable to attend.
A:
There are no size limits - only limits on the number of spaces for each
size. Our primary concerns are for the rigs over 30 feet. Register
early and you should be OK.
Q:
What if I have other questions?
A: Please surf our web site and check back when the Registration page is posted and updated. If all else fails, link to the Contacts page and email the appropriate board member.