May 24, 2001

Directions to Central Coast Astronomical Society Star Party Location

Santa Margarita Lake KOA Campground


>From south San Luis Obispo County
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 1. North on Hwy 101 over Cuesta Grade toward Paso Robles.

 2. Take the Santa Margarita exit, which becomes Hwy 58.

 3. Drive through the tiny town of Santa Margarita.

 4. Turn right (staying) on Hwy 58 toward Santa Margarita Lake and Pozo.

 5. Go about 1 mile, during which you will go through one very sharp left
    turn and then shortly thereafter a sharp right turn.

 6. At about the 1 mile point the road forks, with Hwy 58 making a sharp
    bend to the left. GO STRAIGHT (the right fork) staying on Pozo Road.

 7. At this point you can follow BMX race signs.

 8. Follow Pozo Road for about 6 miles to Santa Margarita Lake LEFT turn.

 9. Take LEFT turn to Santa Margarita Lake.

 10. Go up the hill approximately 1 mile to the KOA Campground on the right.

 11. Immediately past the main KOA entrance, turn RIGHT onto the dirt road
     into the overflow campground.

 12. This is also the location of a BMX bicycle race course on the side of
     our small star party hill.  You will see bright orange colored fencing
     and trailer facilities and possibly many cars and children riding bikes.

 13. If you DON'T HAVE A SIZABLE TELESCOPE, PLEASE PARK AT THE BASE OF THE
     HILL and don't drive up the hill.  Walk up the hill.

 14. If you have a telescope which you need to unload from your car, slowly
     drive up the hill past the BMX race facility on your left using only
     your car's PARKING LIGHTS.  on top is a cramped circular parking area.

 15. ONLY Use RED flashlights on top of star party hill. No white lights.

 16. There are no bathrooms, but you might be able to use the portable
     toilets used by the BMX race personnel.


>From north San Luis Obispo County
=================================

 1. South Hwy 101 to Santa Margarita (and Santa Margarita Lake) exit.
      Go to #2 above and follow the remaining directions.

 2. OR, from Hwy 101 south, get off in Atascadero at Santa Rosa Road exit.
      Turn LEFT at stop sign, onto Portola Road.
      Turn LEFT at stop sign, onto Santa Rosa Road.
      Past the stop sign to the stop light, turn RIGHT on El Camino Real.
      Drive for about 8 or 10 minutes to the tiny town of Santa Margarita.
      As you enter the town of Santa Margarita, turn LEFT on Hwy 58.
      Go to #5 above and follow the remaining directions.