Getting To TSP/What To Bring

Fort Davis, Texas

POSITION: 103 56.9' degrees West Longitude, 30 36.3' degrees North Latitude, over 5,040' MSL elevation, (52 minutes west of Central Standard meridian)
Magnetic Declination is 10 degrees East.

MAY CLIMATE: 88.3 F degrees (Average Daily Max), 58.6 F degrees (Average Daily Min), 0.9" rain/month. May nights are often cold, be sure to bring warm clothes.

ACTIVITIES: Obviously, you're going for the stars, but there are plenty of daytime activities.

Here are some Sightseeing ideas/maps and Internet links to the Davis Mountains area.

Getting There

The Prude Ranch is located on State Highway 118, five miles North from the intersection of SH118 and SH 17 at Fort Davis. You will pass the Davis Mountains State Park on the left when coming from Fort Davis. The Prude Ranch is a mile or two farther on the right on SH 118.

If you approach Prude Ranch from the west (Kent or Valentine TX), you will first pass McDonald Observatory on the left along SH 118. Prude Ranch is on the left after another 9-10 miles. If you pass the State Park on the right, you have gone 1 mile too far.

Plan your trip to arrive at the ranch WELL BEFORE DARK, if you are staying on the Ranch or intend on setting up a telescope.

Orientation

You may be stopped at the front gate, for TSP identification.

The first place you will go is to the Ranch Office, located in the central compound (1/4 mile drive from the main gate). This will be to check-in, get a site map, make payment, and sign your Liability Release Form .

The Dining Hall is adjacent to the Ranch Office. The TSP Meeting Hall (and TSP Registration) are located behind the Dining Hall. TSP Vendors are located in a separate building located at the far north end of the Ranch. The TSP Radio and Staff building is located next to the tall radio antenna tower.

NOTE: TSP Registration is SEPARATE from any Ranch Check-in that you may do. Be sure to stop by the TSP Registration desk in the meeting hall (limited hours) to pick up important TSP "stuff"!

Here is a map of the Ranch!

Here is an aerial view of the Ranch! (USGS Aerial Photograph, 08 Feb 1996)

Here are pictures from TSP!

Here is a map of Ft Davis area and some useful places

Here is the current Fort Davis weather!

Observing Setup

• South field, south and East of central compound,
• Central field, north of cental compound, and
• North field, (largest field), near Vendors Building.

TSP provides Internet Access for attendees, including wireless in the fields. Be sure and check the Internet Guidelines.

What To Bring

• Warm clothing, blankets, coat
• Raincoat or poncho (yes, it rains too)
• Ice chest(s)
• Swimsuit/towel
• Boots, hiking gear
• Mosquito Repellent, sunscreen
• Sheets, pillows, pillow cases, bath towels (except Camp motels)
• Personal toiletries, medicines
• Plenty of clothing changes
• Flashlight with red lense or cellophane
• Telescope and accessories
• Binoculars
• Camera and film
• Tools
• Hair-dryer, anti-dewing device
• Tarp/drop cloth to cover scope, and tie-downs
• Extension cord(s)
• Star charts and books
• Chairs, card table, observing tray
• FM/Walkman type radio including headphones

What Not To Bring

• Campfire Materials
• Electric Heaters
• No Dogs
• No music speakers, except for headphones. Keep your speakers at home.