Please, do not contact Eden Valley regarding cabin rentals [...]]]> All of the Guest Cabins at Eden Valley have been rented out for TMSP 2013. In the event that there is a cancellation, TMSPA has registrations already on a waiting list if a cabin should become available, and we are not accepting further requests at this time.

Please, do not contact Eden Valley regarding cabin rentals for TMSP 2013.

Thank you.

-The TMSPA Staff

Registration fees will increase $10.00 per person on June 1st when we transition to the Regular Registration period.

Registration fees have remained unchanged from last year, with the exception of the cost of meals [...]]]> Early Registration for TMSP 2013 is now open!

Early Registration will continue through April 31st. Take advantage of the reduced rates by registering now!

Registration fees will increase $10.00 per person on June 1st when we transition to the Regular Registration period.

Registration fees have remained unchanged from last year, with the exception of the cost of meals ordered with your registration.

With the change of venue to Eden Valley, there have been substantial updates to the TMSPA website. We encourage you to review them thoroughly.

We look forward to seeing you in August at Eden Valley!

-The TMSPA Staff

Registration fees during the Early Registration period will be at the discounted rate of $60 for the first registrant, $40 for additional [...]]]> Listed below are the registration dates for the 2013 Table Mountain Star Party. Please note the dates and fees: save money by registering early!

Early Registration will open on May 1st and close on May 31st.

Registration fees during the Early Registration period will be at the discounted rate of $60 for the first registrant, $40 for additional adults and $15 for students. Children 6 and under are free.

Regular Registration will continue starting June 1st and continue through July 13th or until we reach our capacity of 700 attendees.

Regular Registration fees are $70 for the first registrant, $50 for additional adults and $25 for students. Children 6 and under are free.

Registration will be available online through our Online Registration System, with the option of printing and mailing your registration form with your payment, or paying online using PayPal.

Full information of the announcement is posted on the TMSPA Website. There have been significant changes made to the pages on the website and we recommend [...]]]> The Directors of TMSPA are pleased to announce the site for the 2013 Table Mountain Star Party:

Eden Valley Guest Ranch

Eden Valley is located approximately 9 miles east of Oroville, Washington.

Full information of the announcement is posted on the TMSPA Website. There have been significant changes made to the pages on the website and we recommend that you read them thoroughly.

TMSP 2013 will take place on August 7, 8, 9 & 10

-The TMSPA Staff

We will be making a public announcement of the new location no later than March 1st.

We are anticipating substantative [...]]]> The TMSPA Directors, after reviewing the input from our private and public surveys, have selected an alternate event location for TMSP 2013. We are currently finalizing the planning necessary for moving to an alternate site for 2013.

We will be making a public announcement of the new location no later than March 1st.

We are anticipating substantative changes to site access times, pre-ordered meal availability, and other logistical changes. All information regarding such changes will be posted on the TMSPA Website when the announcement of the alternate site is made.

while the burn areas of Table Mountain remain closed to the public, TMSPA was granted access to the site with our Forest Service Ranger to survey the impact of the burn from the Table Mountain Complex Fire. What we found was that the fire was rather [...]]]> To our friends and family of Table Mountain Star Party,

while the burn areas of Table Mountain remain closed to the public, TMSPA was granted access to the site with our Forest Service Ranger to survey the impact of the burn from the Table Mountain Complex Fire. What we found was that the fire was rather capricious. The area of the main telescope field was almost completely untouched, including the trees at the north side of the field, while other areas had moderate or major burn damage as you can see in the pictures below.

(Images: top – looking north from the intersection at the Registration Tent; bottom – trees on the west side of the road across from the corral.
Click on image for full-size view, opens in your web browser)

After in-depth discussions with our Forest Service representative, the consensus we have reached is that we will not know whether the site will even be available for use under a Special Use Permit until well into next year. Furthermore, after examining the site, the TMSPA Directors have determined that it would not be in the best interests of our attendees, the mission of the Association, and especially the recovery of Table Mountain, to hold our event there in 2013. The Directors are clear and in unanimous agreement that the Table Mountain Star Party is not defined by the location. It is the attendees – our friends and “mountain families” – and our goal to provide a top-notch star party experience to them that is our purpose.

Therefore, the Directors have determined to relocate TMSP 2013 to an alternate location. We had seen this outcome as a possibility and have acted accordingly. The search for an alternate location is already underway, and we are investigating and evaluating many different locations. We have also become aware of rumors suggesting that a site has already been selected, and we flatly refute any suggestion that such a decision has been made. We ask that you do not inflame the situation by propogating such rumors or adding to the speculation that already exists. The Directors have set a deadline in January for when the possible alternate sites will be discussed and selected by vote of the TMSPA Board of Directors.

We are facing an unknown period of uncertainty regarding the use of Table Mountain and how moving to an alternate site in 2013 will impact all of us. We believe that we have to treat the current situation on a year-to-year basis. We will continue working with the goal of returning to our site on Table Mountain as soon as we practicably can do so.

We are preparing a short online survey that will be sent out to our attendees from the past three events, as well as a survey open to the public, as a means of learning from our attendee base what aspects of attending a Star Party are of importance to them. We will use the data from the surveys to aid us in the alternate site evaluation process.

At such time that any information or announcements need to be made, they will be issued through our website, the TMSPA Weblog and our Facebook page.

We would like to thank you for your patience and continued support.

Respectfully,
The TMSPA Board of Directors

As of Wednesday, Sept. 26th the fire area is 37,677 acres in size, the contained area is 15% with an estimated containment date of Oct. 5th. [...]]]> The Management Team responsible for the Table Mountain Complex Fire has their own website which complements information from the Inciweb site. Go to the Pacific Northwest National Incident Management Team 2 website.

As of Wednesday, Sept. 26th the fire area is 37,677 acres in size, the contained area is 15% with an estimated containment date of Oct. 5th. Over 1000 personnel are assigned to the fire and firefighting efforts have incurred a cost of $7.2 million.

-The TMSPA Staff

The TMSPA Board of Directors [...]]]> While most of the media attention in the past weeks has focused on the wildfires burning around Wenatchee, there are also fires burning in close proximity to the Table Mountain Star Party site. These fires are now referred to as the Table Mountain Complex and have their own Incident Report at http://www.inciweb.org/incident/3269/  

The TMSPA Board of Directors are closely monitoring the situation and are in communication with our Ranger from the National Forest Service. Currently all roads leading to Table Mountain are closed. As such, the exact impact of the fires on the Table Mountain Star Party site is unknown at this time. The TMSPA Directors will perform a site survey to assess the situation as soon as the area re-opens to the public. We will continue working in coordination with the National Forest Service during the assessment process.

Any further developments that may impact planning for TMSP 2013 will be posted here as well as on the main TMSP Website.

-The TMSPA Staff

When checking the forecasts, always bear in mind that because of our 6,000 foot elevation, temperatures on-site average about 20 degrees cooler than what is forecast [...]]]> As the time nears for many of you to venture up to Table Mountain, here are just a few reminders and tips for both the seasoned attendee and the new-comer.

Weather:

When checking the forecasts, always bear in mind that because of our 6,000 foot elevation, temperatures on-site average about 20 degrees cooler than what is forecast for Ellensburg. Forecasts from the major web weather sites are fairly good; you can get a more site-specific forecast from NOAA but I’ve typically found their forecast to be, uhm, geared to erring on the side of being pessimistic

Pack and be prepared for cool and even cold weather for the nights. High elevation also means higher UV exposure, so sunscreen would be a wise addition to your supplies as well. As the old Table Mountain adage goes: “Plan for all kinds of weather. Pack until you feel silly. Then pack some more.”

Reports are that there is still snow lurking in the deeply shaded areas, so expect bugs to be present. Bring the insect repellant.

Travel:

There’s no rush – the mountain isn’t going anywhere! Once you’re on the Forest Service road coming out of Reecer Creek Canyon, drive with due caution on the one-lane road. Be on the lookout for downhill traffic. Use the turnouts as needed. Once you transition onto the dirt section of the road, keep your speed down to avoid kicking up a dust cloud behind you. Be aware of the condition of the road: there are bound to be areas of washboard, deep ruts, rocks, and other conditions that will test the limits of your vehicle’s suspension.

Once you make the turn onto the Lion Rock Road entering the site, keep your speed down to a crawl. There have been deep ruts in the area just past the turn-in through the tree-line. Going slow will keep the dust to a minimum, which makes everyone happy. Be on the lookout for one of our Parking Staff – they will greet you and direct you where to pull over to park and enter the Registration Tent.

Registration:

The Registration Tent will officially open mid-day Wednesday. If you’re on-site prior to that time, check in when it opens and get your registration materials. The Registration Tent closes at 8pm every night. Attendees arriving after 8pm will not be allowed to park on-site and asked to park outside the event area. Plan your travel time accordingly.

On-Site Registration will be available as space and capacity allows. The earlier you arrive, the better chance of you getting in and a good spot (not that there are many bad spots on the mountain!).

Cell Phone Coverage:

Coverage from the major carriers is spotty on the mountain and can also depend on your phone. There is no “magic spot” for coverage, although traveling up to Lion Rock seems to work for most people. Generally you need a good line-of-site to the valley where the cell towers are to get coverage. Wandering around with your cell phone in hand searching for signal is a good way to meet new people though!

Further Updates:

Any further updates on registration, RV parking capacity, or other information will be totally dependent on cell phone data coverage availability once we’re on the mountain.

Travel safe, and we’ll see you on the Mountain!!

-The TMSPA Staff

Information about On-Site Registration can be found on the Registration Page of the TMSP website. We have set up an online version of On-Site Registration so that you can enter your information [...]]]> All pre-paid, confirmed registration is now closed. However there is still space available and there will be On-Site Registration at Table Mountain this year.

Information about On-Site Registration can be found on the Registration Page of the TMSP website. We have set up an online version of On-Site Registration so that you can enter your information and print out a registration form before heading to the mountain. This will help expedite the registration process when you arrive.

No annual shirts or meals can be ordered for On-Site Registrations.

Only cash, checks and money orders will be accepted for On-Site Registration payments.

The majority of the TMSPA Directors will be on-site by Monday, July 16th. If there are any updates to registration restrictions, we will post them here (if possible) on the Weblog.

We hope to see you on the mountain!

-The TMSPA Staff

Registrations using PayPal payments will continue through July [...]]]> Here are some important updates regarding registration for TMSP 2012:

Mail-in Registration is now closed.

If you previously registered using the Mail-in option, we must receive your registration form and payment no later than July 7th. Mail-in registrations received after that date will not be processed.

PayPal Registration closes July 8th

Registrations using PayPal payments will continue through July 8th.

On-Site Registration?

After July 8th, we will determine if On-Site Registration will be offered this year and post information on the main TMSPA Website.

-The TMPSA Staff

Registration fees will increase $10.00 per person on June 1st when we transition to the Regular Registration period.

Registration fees have remained unchanged from last year, with the exception of the cost of meals [...]]]> Early Registration for TMSP 2012 is now open!

Early Registration will continue through April 31st. Take advantage of the reduced rates by registering now!

Registration fees will increase $10.00 per person on June 1st when we transition to the Regular Registration period.

Registration fees have remained unchanged from last year, with the exception of the cost of meals ordered with your registration which saw a small increase due to rising food costs.

We look forward to seeing you in July on the mountain!

-The TMSPA Staff

Updates to the tmspa.com website are nearing completion and will be [...]]]> We’ve been stealthy-quiet here at The Table Mountain Star Party Association. But that doesn’t mean that we are not busy preparing for TMSP 2012! So without further ado, here’s the Big News:

Early Registration for the 2012 Table MountainStar Party will open on Tuesday, May 1st

Updates to the tmspa.com website are nearing completion and will be rolled out in the early morning hours on Tuesday.

The dates for TMSP this year are July 19, 20 & 21.

More updates will be posted here in conjunction with the rollout for opening registration.

-The TMSPA Staff

For those of you who are Table Mountain veterans, the route the trucks will be using is from the NFS3517 road all the way down to the start of [...]]]> The Forest Service has communicated with TMSPA that a contractor will be operating haul trucks on the NFS3500 / Reecer Creek Road Monday through Friday next week.

For those of you who are Table Mountain veterans, the route the trucks will be using is from the NFS3517 road all the way down to the start of the NFS3500 road where Reecer Creek road becomes NFS3500. The NFS3517 road joins NFS3500 about one-half mile past the last switchback uphill S-turn on the paved portion of the road.

This means you could come face-to-face with a semi-tractor and have to back down to the first safe pullout on the road for the truck to pass. For those of you driving RV’s or pulling trailers, this could be a nerve-wracking encounter.

As always, please drive safely!!! There’s no need to rush up the Forest Service roads: Table Mountain will still be there if you take your time to be cautious on the road up the mountain.

-The TMSPA Staff

Information and a link to the On-Site Registration Form can be found on the Registration Page of the TMSP website.

The majority of the TMSPA [...]]]> All pre-registration is now closed, however there is still space available and there will be On-Site Registration at Table Mountain this year.

Information and a link to the On-Site Registration Form can be found on the Registration Page of the TMSP website.

Only cash and checks will be accepted for On-Site Registration payments.

The majority of the TMSPA Directors will be on-site by Monday, July 25th. If there are any updates to registration restrictions, we will post them here (if possible) on the Weblog.

We hope to see you on the mountain!

-The TMSPA Staff

Information on the projects and delays are available [...]]]> Just a reminder:

Due to construction and blasting projects in the Snoqualmie Pass area of I-90, TMSPA would like to advise those using that route to get to Table Mountain to check with the Washington State Department of Transportation for possible delays at the time you plan traveling.

Information on the projects and delays are available through the WSDOT website at:

http://wsdot.wa.gov/traffic/trafficalerts/snoqualmie.aspx

-The TMSPA Staff

Information regarding possible On-Site Registration will be posted to the TMSPA website on Tuesday, July 19th.

-The TMSPA Staff

At this time, we have not reached [...]]]> The period for mail-in registrations has now closed. If you registered using the mail-in payment option, please send your registrations in ASAP, as we will not be checking our PO Box after July 15th.

Online registrations are still being accepted through July 15th when using PayPal as the payment method.

At this time, we have not reached our capacity limit and it is very likely that we will be offering on-site registration this year. Please check the TMSPA website for information regarding on-site registration after July 15th.

-The TMSPA Staff

Information on the projects and delays are available through the [...]]]> Due to construction and blasting projects in the Snoqualmie Pass area of I-90, TMSPA would like to advise those using that route to get to Table Mountain to check with the Washington State Department of Transportation for possible delays at the time you plan traveling.

Information on the projects and delays are available through the WSDOT website at:

http://wsdot.wa.gov/traffic/trafficalerts/snoqualmie.aspx

-The TMSPA Staff

These meals can only be purchased with your registration. If you’re looking to cut down on the amount of food [...]]]> Deb Losse has whipped up another fantastic meal menu that she and her crew will be preparing on the mountain this year. The 2011 menu is posted on the Food Services page on the TMSPA website.

These meals can only be purchased with your registration. If you’re looking to cut down on the amount of food you need to bring, purchasing these dinners can lighten the camping (and cooler) load.

And for those between-meal snacks or simpler fare than what’s offered for dinner, Doyle can whip up some awfully good grub at the Food Wagon, or you can choose from a variety of snack foods and beverages.

And for those needing caffeine boosts, Jody will be serving up espresso drinks to keep you running day or night.