Directions to Spot Observatory and Campsite
Spot Observatory (www.spotastro.com) is located at 3330 HWY 230 West about 50 miles west of Nashville. The entrance to the campsite is a few hundred yards down the road at 3310 HWY 230 West. To get there, go I-40 West from Nashville and take Exit 152, Bucksnort. At the bottom of the exit ramp, take a left on HWY 230, and follow it back under I-40 and around an “S” curve to a “T” intersection stop sign. At the stop sign, take a left, continuing on HWY 230 (the signs will indicate “HWY 230 East”). From that stop, the entrance to the observatory and campsite is approximately 4 miles on the left. About ¼ mile before you get to the entrance to the campsite, you will see a black wooden fence with a silver metal farm gate. This gate is located at 3330 HWY 230, and is the entrance to the observatory and our home. If you are going to the campsite, go past this entrance. Immediately after you pass this gate, you will see Dodd Hollow Road come into HWY 230 on the right. A few hundred yards past Dodd Hollow Road on the left you will come to the entrance to the campsite at 3310 HWY 230 West. There is a green farm gate at this entrance about 50 yards off HWY 230. Turn in there and go several hundred yards down a gravel/dirt road to the cabin where you will be camping.
Call my cell, 615-351-3172, or home, 931-729-0568, for last minute directions.
Spot Observatory Camping Rules
General:
*We like having scouts out here, because of their commitment to minimal impact. We will appreciate having the site left as you found it.
Bathroom issues:
*There is a cabin with a typical bathroom toilet and shower. We are on a septic system, so flush ONLY toilet paper.
*There is also an outdoor pit-type toilet that may be used if desired.
*For those using the woods, you can prepare and use a latrine, or bring a trowel to bury 6” deep all human waste material and toilet paper (the so called “cat hole” method).
Fire danger:
*No matches or flame sources of any kind in the woods.
*Burn downed wood in areas specially prepared for burning with adult approval.
*Ensure that the fire pit is cold and wet when you depart (discuss restoration of ground cover)
Wildlife:
*We value very highly our relationship with the animals that live on our property. Do not kill or otherwise pester or harm wildlife of any type. This includes turtles, snakes, frogs, bugs and people!
Observatory:
*Bring a red flashlight if you have one. White light destroys night vision. ASK before using any light when near the observatory.
*When in the observatory building, do not touch anything or move around without first asking permission. The equipment used is extremely sensitive and not readily replaceable.
*The telescopes are computer controlled, and may move in search of astronomical objects without warning.
*Bring some warm clothes. It gets chilly when standing around.
*Not usually an issue for scouts, but NO SMOKING, eating or drinking around the telescopes.