NavList:

Bruce Pennino, you wrote:
"I hope to be there with my theodolite and surveying equipment."

Hey, very cool!

And you wrote:
"I'll measure dip, show everyone how easy it is, and maybe determine the height of eye. Also establish a bench mark for future use? For HoE I must get a person with the prism down to near the water. Maybe use other estimating techniques because rocks appear to make a tough climb. "

No, it's not too tough to get down to the water's edge. If there are waves, and there often are, it may be tough to get close without being splashed. And then we have to decide what to consider the "actual" level if there's surf. This site has an obvious observing platform, built on the ruins of the early (c.1750) lighthouse.

By the way, you mentioned showing "everyone". Just so you're not expecting too much, there may be only three or four of us. I have a half dozen "maybes" for this one, so it comes down to luck of the draw. Let's hope for a good little group. :)

You wrote:
"I expect FER has been using this site for years and knows the ground elevation. There is probably a USCGS survey marker set in the rocks somewhere nearby. I'll try to find it in their system. Anybody seen one there?"

Actually, I've only known this locations for just over one year. Remember, I spent 25 years, until May 2012, living in Chicago... And, yes, I do seem to recall seeing a Coast Survey marker among the rocks, but I can't recall where. In any case, I think we can do a good job with modern measurements.

You concluded:
"I'll try to be early for setup."

I think we would be better off waiting until after local noon for that just in case students show up (and I've promised sextant time), so I would suggest that you do not need to get there before me. I plan to be there at 12:15. I will certainly stick around longer after noon for as long as you want. Hope to see you tomorrow. :)

For anyone else considering coming down, if you haven't been to Beavertail (Jamestown, RI), there are details on my web site here:
http://ReedNavigation.com/sightopps/
The weather looks great, and it's a beautiful spot, worth the visit even without the sextant fun. By the way, tomorrow is "Jamestown Day" at nearby Fort Getty, which is a town property. I don't know a lot about that, but apparently there's a $5 admission. I might go later in the day. You may see some traffic as you pass by on the way to the lighthouse at Beavertail Point.

-FER

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