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Árbol del Sol
Thought for the Month
Income Tax Relief at De Anza Springs Resort As the readers of this newsletter know, last month anyone planning to participate in the annual income tax relief event (previously at Faywood Hot Springs) were asked to contact SunTree so that club activities can be planned for our time at deAnza Springs Resort. Even though they were not asked to contact us, several members of the SunTree gang contacted us to let us know that they would not be able to attend. Even though that was not absolutely necessary, their courtesy was greatly appreciated. As it turns out there were no contacts to say that they would participate. A number of those non-participants who called (or e-mailed) mentioned that with the price of fuel, the club should make plans for events a little closer to our center of club gravity. That is where I came up with the conspiracy theory by the fuel retailers. I would have driven my gasoline powered car, but those who would plan to take their RV’s had to have anticipated quite an expensive trip. As a result, the event did not happen. A note here to emphasize that if any members or friends of SunTree have ideas for “local” event venues, do not keep these ideas secret. Please contact SunTree with your suggestions.
Memorial Day Camping trip in the Gila National Forest: We have a camping trip on the calendar once again with somewhat pessimistic thoughts about it occurring. There have already been some National Forest closings in the state due to fire danger. Since there has been no warnings related to the Gila National Forest, we are bravely plugging on (dumbly plugging on?) in the hope that the Gila will not be effected by 23 – 26 May. This camping trip will take place in a very remote section of the Gila National Forest and the site of the camping weekend can be described as rugged. It is easy to get to using a sedan or an RV, but there are no facilities of any sort there. Most cellular phones will not work there. For this reason, anybody who plans to participate should let the club know by phone or e-mail (see the contact us information). This is for your own safety. Those who plan to participate will be listed along with a way to contact you concerning any changes in schedule or location. Those planning to camp are responsible for themselves and their own needs. If you plan to eat or drink over the weekend, then you should bring food and water and a way to prepare and safely store it. Remember that food or snacks left in the open will attract some residents of the forest who cannot be expected to be universally friendly. Do not expect a catering service to provide for you. If you plan to camp, bring your own shelter for sleeping (tent, RV, etc.) as there will not be any furnished rooms available for you. There will be no hot tubs, cafes, electricity or water other than what you bring yourself. Even though there are no fire warnings yet, it would be best to plan on bringing a camp stove or a backpacker’s grill since a campfire might be banned by that time. I hate to put all of this sort of information in here, but unfortunate experience tells us that people will show up with the expectation to be pampered and fed. With all of the bad stuff aside, the location is a beautiful forested glade with little underbrush (mostly native grasses) and hiking trails. Those of you who contact SunTree to let us know that you plan to participate in this event will be given the direction to this year’s camping location along with any other information which you might need.
Normally Shy Mercury Puts On a Grand Performance Evening: This might be the best month ever for you if you have never been able to see cute little Mercury. From our Earthly standpoint, Mercury will be at its furthest from the Sun in the post sunset sky on 13 May. The Moon gives us a little help on 6 May when it is right above Mercury in the western sky. To the left of Mercury is the orange star Aldebaran. The problem with 6 May is that the Moon is a mere sliver on that day, so you need to look hard to see it. On the other hand, Mercury will be very bright, so that might help. The following evening, the Moon will be a little more visible and somewhat higher into the darker part of the evening twilight. On that night, Mercury will be low and slightly to the right of the crescent Moon. Mercury will be visible through most of May, but it will lose its brightness as the month progresses until around 26 May it will be only magnitude 2.0 and pretty much hidden in the twilight. You will be able to see Mars about half way up the western sky this month. An apparently ring-less Saturn will be at its highest at nightfall. Once again the Moon will help us find Saturn on 12 May when it passes under the planet. Morning: Jupiter, at a very bright magnitude -2.5, will rise by midnight toward the end of the month. The best time to see it will be in the predawn twilight.
© 2004 SunTree Travel Club - Site updated Spring 2008
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April Club Doings