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Old 04-19-2011, 07:08 AM
 
Location: Metromess
11,798 posts, read 25,187,018 times
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I am very sorry to see the lovely countryside and homes around Possum Kingdom State Park charred. Indian Lodge out in Fort Davis Stae Park is presently closed because of wildfires. I was going to the Texas Star Party, a big amateur astronomy event held out north of Fort Davis near McDonald Observatory, but I'm having second thoughts.
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Old 04-19-2011, 07:13 AM
 
Location: Where I live.
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Quote:
Originally Posted by catman View Post
I am very sorry to see the lovely countryside and homes around Possum Kingdom State Park charred. Indian Lodge out in Fort Davis Stae Park is presently closed because of wildfires. I was going to the Texas Star Party, a big amateur astronomy event held out north of Fort Davis near McDonald Observatory, but I'm having second thoughts.
A Midland friend sent me several photos from Fort Davis/Alpine. I was sick.

Closing Indian Lodge was a smart thing to do until they get things under control again.

What a fire season we are apparently in for this year....and it's just barely started.
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Old 04-19-2011, 12:41 PM
 
Location: From TX to VA
8,578 posts, read 7,075,290 times
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Quote:
Originally Posted by catman View Post
I am very sorry to see the lovely countryside and homes around Possum Kingdom State Park charred. Indian Lodge out in Fort Davis Stae Park is presently closed because of wildfires. I was going to the Texas Star Party, a big amateur astronomy event held out north of Fort Davis near McDonald Observatory, but I'm having second thoughts.
Catman, please don't change your plans. Fort Davis and the surrounding areas need the tourism dollars more than ever now. Last I heard was that the Prude Ranch was not harmed. You can double check that with the ranch or the Fort Davis Volunteer Fire Department before making up your mind.
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Old 04-19-2011, 01:57 PM
 
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I had been planning on visiting the McDonald Observatory, Fort Davis, and general area around there this weekend, but now I'm not sure what to do. On the one hand, I know these small towns need the support through tourism, but on the other, it's hard to gauge if it's safe to actually go. Wildfires are exactly that: wild; they can change at any second. I'm also conflicted: I had wanted to go out to the desert to see dramatic landscapes, I suppose a charred and burning one would be dramatic too... but would visiting it just be naive of me? Any thoughts anyone?
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Old 04-19-2011, 02:07 PM
 
Location: Midessa, Texas Home Yangzhou, Jiangsu temporarily
1,506 posts, read 4,280,302 times
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Quote:
Originally Posted by stega View Post
I had been planning on visiting the McDonald Observatory, Fort Davis, and general area around there this weekend, but now I'm not sure what to do. On the one hand, I know these small towns need the support through tourism, but on the other, it's hard to gauge if it's safe to actually go. Wildfires are exactly that: wild; they can change at any second. I'm also conflicted: I had wanted to go out to the desert to see dramatic landscapes, I suppose a charred and burning one would be dramatic too... but would visiting it just be naive of me? Any thoughts anyone?
I would go. The local authorities will warn you of any fires in the area.
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Old 04-19-2011, 02:30 PM
 
Location: Metromess
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McDonald Observatory is located on top of a tree-covered mountain (Mt Livermore), in what I think is the most beautiful area in Texas. It's not at all desert. I hope it's still as beautiful as it used to be.

LilyLady: Part of my concern with going to the Texas Star Party is whether or not the fires in the vicinity will be out by then (end of May). The terrific night sky which has formerly been the case there won't be so terrific if there is smoke in the atmosphere. I know that the Prude Ranch itself hasn't burned (yet). And I need to find out when Indian Lodge will be open again. I hope it wasn't harmed!
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Old 04-19-2011, 02:48 PM
 
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Thanks for the input. Yeah, I'm still hoping to go. I just emailed prude ranch to see what they thought of things, and hopefully I can just play it by ear and see how things evolve over the next few days... of course if I go I'll let y'all know what it's like out there.
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Old 04-19-2011, 06:29 PM
 
Location: 112 Ocean Avenue
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Texas Wildfires Miss McDonald Observatory | Hobby-Eberly Telescope, Fort Davis Evacuees | Astronomy, Telescopes & Observatories | Our Amazing Planet
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Old 04-19-2011, 06:32 PM
 
Location: USA
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That looks pretty close ... looks like it's the next valley over.
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Old 04-20-2011, 11:31 AM
 
Location: From TX to VA
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RedJacket,

Thank you for the information. I'm relieved to read that observatory and all the programs are set to resume today, April 20. That's good news.
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