We would put people in lines and tell them that if they wanted to see more after reaching the eyepiece, to get back in line. One time a lady came to us, climbed the twelve foot ladder to the eyepiece and said, “I’ve seen them dumb stars” and it was the ranger! [laughter]. We usually start with Saturn, and then after awhile the mothers with little kids go to bed. Then we show some of the clusters and galaxies for those wanting to see more and stay out later.
One year we had been in the park for some time. I noticed that the back of my van was filled with new supplies of food. I had no idea where this food came from, so I inquired around. I asked the ladies who worked at the Lodge. It turns out they were the girlfriends of the boys who worked on the boats. It was the boat crew who went out and purchased for us a totally fresh supply of food. They had been to the grocery store and bought sandwiches, fruit, and all sorts of delicious stuff. They had put all of that food in the back of my van. It was wonderful. God bless them .
We used to do the boat trip and while down on the lake, used our hands to scrape up the pollen floating on the surface of the lake and then consume it. It was very good food, but no delicacy. It’s the biggest pollen source that I’ve ever seen. I remember coming to Crater Lake in early July and having thirty foot snow banks. We would put our milk in the snow banks. I’ve been at Crater Lake over the fourth of July more than once.
One time at Crater Lake, we had our telescopes set up at the Rim Village area. A man came up to me and said, “These look like Dobsonians.” I said, “Yes, and I’m Dobson.” The man replied as he shook my hand, “It’s not often you get to shake hands with a Newton!” [laughter]
