Cycling in Oregon and staying at OSP (2017)

[theritz]

I am planning on going for a 3 week offroad/gravel cycling trip through Oregon in 2017, together with my father. Besides expecting to see really awe inspiring scenery I would really love to stay at the OSP during the day of the eclipse and the 'day after' <sound ominous thunder>

I think that seeing my first total solar eclipse at the OSP would be really cool.

Some of you go there too I see so maybe you can give me tips on how to plan my stay on the OSP? The rest of the trip will be fine, we will stay in anything with a roof and maybe even camp out under the stars once or twice.

[Howard B]

Hi theritz,

I've been going to the OSP since 1991 and think your plan sounds wonderful. However, the OSP site is in the middle of nowhere - the nearest town of any size (Prineville) is 60 miles to the west - with no permanent facilities so you need to bring nearly everything with you - some food, all your water and shelter. There is a food cart that you can get hot food from all day, an espresso cart and a shower truck ($10 a shower). Lots of porta potties too. The site is mostly bare rock, red volcanic dirt and small sage brush. Around the observing fields - which are quite large - are tall Ponderosa Pine trees that are a great place to set up camp because of their shade.

There's lots more info on their website: https://www.oregonstarparty.org/oregonstarparty/

Average attendance is around 550 to 650 people but my guess is that there will be quite a few more than that in 2017! The night time skies can be first rate for darkness, transparency and steady seeing and there will be hundreds of telescopes with friendly people to share the views. Hopefully we'll meet so you can look through my scope and I'm sure other Deep Sky Forum members will be there too. No doubt the highlight will be the eclipse though, and for that all we need is to look up. Can't wait!

[theritz]

Thank you, Howard. It is quite remote, I know. So it's a challenge.
How far away is the nearest point where I can get supplies like food and water? I cannot possibly take with my two gallons of water on my bike ;-) But I guess it's going to be Prineville 45-60 miles to the West then.

Maybe I should just ditch one week of cycling in favour of one week renting a RV :-)

[Howard B]

Yep, Prineville is the nearest town, so your thought of renting an RV for a week is perfect - you'll enjoy the OSP and the eclipse so much more.

Howard