I've been updating my Google Maps/Earth today for my observing locations and added Big Basin National Park with several sites there. While there I decided to do some research on Big Basin and that got to thinking. My wife is not a camper and I do have special dietary needs (no gluten) but the lodging there seems reasonable even those with kitchens and they have camp sites also. Entrance to the park is free and the Park according to its web site "The Night Sky Team visited Great Basin National Park in October 2004 and 2005 and tested the light levels to determine the darkness of the night skies. The results? Great Basin's night skies are among the darkest in the country, providing visitors a rare opportunity for stargazing! " I almost have the wife convinced to go and to book a room for that weekend because that is UEA weekend (the 1st and 2nd the two teens are off and so am I) and we can get a room with a kitchen for under $70 http://www.silverjackinn.com/reserv.html , http://www.greatbasinpark.com/whisperingelms.htm (no kitchen but good rates), http://www.greatbasinpark.com/getawaycabin.htm , and http://www.silverjackinn.com/ (click on his savings packages for the Economy and he lists a range of activities that can be done here). Finally, if enough go something like this might work: http://www.greatbasinpark.com/hiddencanyon.htm. Baker looks to have some decent eats unless your having to be gluten free like me. The ultimate option of course is just to reserve campsites and camp. I think this would be a fun get away for those who may just want to observe for a day or two and just camp, or those that want to observe at night while the family sleeps and then do something with the family during the day before venturing off for a late afternoon nap and then out for a another round of Star Gazing. From the sound of things I think there would be enough observing sites for all. Colors would be beautiful and it could make for a nice getaway for that weekend. Anyone interested (I'm going even it it just means camping for a two nights if nothing else just to take in the dark sky from there and getting in two good nights of observing)? It would be cool, but that's fine by me. If you've gone there what did you think of the area and Baker? Is it worth taking my non-camping wife who likes to be in a room at night and then do stuff in the wilderness by day and then return to civilization by night? I'm not worried about the teens as I call my kids cause there is enough for them to do and they are more like me and love the outdoors (minus the biting bugs). Jay