Whittier, NC
Conleys Creek
35.41° N | -83.36° W | 2118 ft
5/17/2008 - 3:41:55 PM EDT
70.4° F | .0
Wind: SSW 3.0 mph (3.0 gust)
Humidity: 27%
Dewpoint: 34.9° F
Pressure: 29.80in. 
Visibility: 0.06 miles
Weather Data: wunderground/yahoo! composite
sun data
5/17/2008 - 3:41:55 PM EDT
A Twilight: 4:45:38 AM EDT
N Twilight: 5:23:10 AM EDT
C Twilight: 5:57:57 AM EDT
Sunrise: 6:26:23 AM EDT
Transit: 1:29:52 PM EDT
Sunset: 8:33:20 PM EDT
C Twilight: 9:01:46 PM EDT
N Twilight: 9:36:34 PM EDT
A Twilight: 10:14:06 PM EDT
Sun Data:
soho/d web designs composite
moon data
5/17/2008 - 3:41:55 PM EDT
Phase: Waxing Gibbous (Vir)
Age: 12.57 days old
Illumination: 85.13% illuminated
App. Disc: 29.54' X 25.15'
251200.4 mi | 404267.8 km away
Moon Data:
sponsors
sight seeing
overview
Scenery
The Great Smoky Mountains have plenty to offer in the way of scenery. With Great Smoky Mountains National Park and the Blue Ridge Parkway 6 miles from our observing location, you can take a day trip through the higher mountain ridges or stop and rest at one of many far-reaching vistas. A scenic train ride is also available and departs about 12 miles from our observing site in Bryson City, NC. There are also dozens of waterfalls in Jackson County, including Whitewater Falls, which is the highest waterfall East of the Rockies (at 411 feet) and about an hour's drive through Nantahala National Forest.
We will also be planning field trips on Wednesday and Thursday to Nantahala National Forest and Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Trips will include sandwiches and sodas and will be $5 per person to cover gas, food, and entrance fees to Whitewater Falls. Please be sure to dress warm for these trips, as temperatures may be 10 - 15 degrees colder at our destination.
You may sign up for these trips when you arrive at the gate. Space will be limited and trips are subject to weather and road conditions. If trips are cancelled, you can get your $5 back at the registration tent.
Adventure
The Nantahala River is about a 30 minute drive away. It has easy to moderate rapids (Class I - Class III) which are perfect for beginners. Nantahala season starts on April 1. Just remember to dress warm because the water tends to be in the low 50s.
If you would prefer hiking or biking, there are multiple hiking and biking trails within a short drive. Since this star party is in a very rural area, you can also hike or bike without having to drive anywhere along nearby dirt roads.
Golf & Fishing
If golf is more your game, Smoky Mountain Country Club is located 2 miles away and has tennis courts, a driving range, and 18 hole golf course along with some great views.
Late-March is also the beginning of trout season and there are plenty of rivers to fish in within a 10 minute drive. You must obtain a permit for $7 first!
History & Culture
Cherokee is located about 4 miles from our site and has several museums on the history and culture of the Eastern Band of the Cherokees. Driving into the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, there are more historic sites including Mingus Mill, which has historic farm buildings, demonstrations, and several walking trails.
We will have a field trip to Great Smoky Mountains National Park and Mingus Mill on Thursday for $5 (includes transportation and lunch) and to the Museum of the Cherokee Indian on Friday (no transportation cost, but the museum charges $9 for adults and $6 for children under 13).
You may sign up for these trips when you arrive at the gate. Space will be limited.
Harrah's Casino
Harrah's Casino is about 4 miles away and has table and electronic gaming. It also has several of the best retaurants in the area, shopping, and evening shows (though you might miss out on some observing).
More Information
Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Jackson County Chamber of Commerce