I did, and I guess I didn't get from it if your scopes are next to your car, but if you say it is in there, I will dig it out an read more ... I was also hoping for some folks to tell me about their own experiences at a Bryce event.
Hi Ann, I've been down there a few times, and here's what I can tell you. First, scopes are NOT right at the cars. Cars will be along the edge of the lot (or in an adjacent lot) and scopes will be in the middle. It's helpful to bring along a card table for stuff. The scope areas will be marked, and the rangers are pretty insistent that scopes go right in those areas (they're trying to keep reasonable crowd flow). They'll also ask you not to use green lasers (at least till the crowds thin) and they'll also have a suggested list of objects to view. This list is generally ignored. While occasionally it might feel a little over-organized (especially for a star party), the rangers and volunteers are very good at preparing the guests and in keeping the flow going. There are some nice folks down there. Insofar as the training, it's really pretty much common sense. If a guest starts going on about creationism or politics or whatever, it's up to us to steer out of that briar patch and to keep things friendly and, er, focused. Personally, I haven't had any of those situations come up at Bryce. You'll enjoy the guests. They're from all over the world and very few have been shown these kinds of skies. I'd imagine quite a few go home thinking about scopes of their own. MC