Amateur astronomer looking for observing site in western Chatham County

Date: Tue, 1 Dec 2009 22:19:21 -0500
From: Matt McBee
Subject: amateur astronomer looking for observing site in western Chatham County

I am looking for an observing spot in western Chatham County.  I’d like to find a location in the green zone on this light pollution map:

http://www.jshine.net/astronomy/dark_sky/index.php?lat=35.70805009803191&lng=-79.42222595214844&zoom=11&pollution=true&selected_id=1

Ideally, I’d like to find a public place that is safe, has minimal surrounding lights (streetlights, passing headlights, porchlights, etc), and relatively unobstructed horizons.  Please let me know if you are familiar with such a site.  Alternatively, if you own land and wouldn’t mind a small group of adults occasionally setting up telescopes on your property, please let me know.  At this point, the number of people attending would be less than five.  We will not leave trash, make minimal noise, will not smoke, use drugs or alcohol, and will not approach your house.  Of course, we’d be happy to share the views of the night sky with you and your family in return for your hospitality.

Thanks!
Matt