GALACTIC CENTER WORKSHOP 2002:
ORGANIZED ACTIVITIES

Reception on Sunday Evening - 5:30-8:00pm

The reception will be on the grounds of the hotel and will include snacks and a no-host bar. Guests of registrants may also attend if they have paid (see the registration form).

Wednesday Afternoon Cruise and Snorkeling

On the afternoon of November 6, we will take a break from the Galactic center to cruise on the catamaran "Fair Wind II" to Kealekekua Bay, departing at 2:00pm and returning at 6:30pm. The embarcation/disembarcation point is Keauhou Bay, about one mile south of the hotel. Buses will transport people from the hotel to the boat and back. It takes about one hour for the catamaran to reach Kealekekua Bay (where Captain Cook anchored) and one hour to return, leaving 2 1/2 hours for snorkeling and other water activities. Kealakekua Bay is a secluded marine sanctuary abundant with marine life, unique coral reefs, and calm water with visibility of 100 feet. The clear waters of the bay contain myriads of colorful fish. All snorkeling equipment is provided, as is instruction, if needed. For those who don't swim well (or not at all) and want to see the fish without snorkeling, the boat stocks swimming aids and floating view boxes, Lunch will be served on board at about 4pm, and will consist of BBQ burgers (meat or vegetarian) with condiments, fresh pineapple, pasta salad, and potato chips. Complimentary fruit punch, soft drinks, and water will be served at lunch; complimentary beer, wine, and soft drinks are available on the return trip. The cost for the cruise is $30 per person ($15 for children 4-12). The conference is heavily subsidizing this activity, in the hope that it will bring all of us and our accompanying families together in a relaxing setting. Space is limited, as the boat can only accommodate 110 persons. As of September 15, 97 people had signed up.

Conference Banquet on Thursday evening

We intend that the banquet on November 7 will include traditional Hawaiian foods and vegetarian, meat and fish dishes. Entertainment will be provided and there will no doubt be some "surprises." The dinner is free to conference attendees. Space for guests will be limited; attendees can reserve places for their guests by paying in advance via the registration form.

Tour of Hawaii Volcanoes National Park on Saturday, November 9

This is an all-day trip, as the Volcanoes National Park is 90 miles distant. Departure from the hotel will probably be around 9am, and return about 6pm. A bag lunch will be provided. The trip will be in the form of a guided tour by minibus. Stops are likely to be made at the Visitor Center, the Volcano Observatory/Museum, Halemaumau Crater, the Thurston Lava Tube, the Volcano House (where lunch will be served), and Kilauea Iki Crater. Although the volcano has been erupting continuously for 19 years and during the last three months has been flowing very close to the end of the Chain of Craters Road, close access to flowing lava is not a certainty on this tour. However, numerous recent flows and unusual lava formations will be seen, as well as native flora and fauna. Closed shoes (as opposed to slippers/thongs) should be worn, and it is advised that you wear or bring along long pants, as parts of the National Park are cool and often are damp and, although other parts are warm, you may want to protect yourself from freshly solidified lava, which has surprisingly sharp edges.

Mauna Kea Observatory Tour on Saturday, November 9

This again is an all day tour by minivan, departing after breakfast and returning by dinner time. The trip will include a stop at Hale Pohaku (70 miles from the hotel) at the 3,000 m (9,200 foot) level, for lunch, and several stops at the 4,200 m (13,800 foot) summit, 8 miles further up the road, where the Mauna Kea Observatory is located. Those on the tour will visit at least two of the telescopes at the summit. Total time at the summit will be restricted to 2 hours or less. Almost all adults can tolerate that amount of time at high altitude with at worst only minor complaints (slight headache or nausea and/or dizziness). However, there are some health risks involved, and anyone with heart or repiratory ailments should consult a doctor before making the trip. The tour is not available to anyone under the age of 16, and those under 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. Pregnant women are advised to consult their physicians about possible health risks.Those on the tour will be required to sign waivers before entering some or all of the telescope buildings. Warm clothes (long pants and sweaters (at minimum) and good shoes are required.

October 15, 2002