Larry Smith had the opportunity of spreading the good word about the Fort Worth Astronomy Society to visitors at Palo Duro State Park and The Badlands National Park this summer.

Approximately 250 adults and children attended "Star Talks" at Palo Duro State Park in June. On one occasion Dr. Fred Koch brought several telescopes from Quanah, TX, to the park so that everyone could enjoy the stars. Along with Fred's visit came a FLASH FLOOD that marooned many visitors in their campgrounds until the highway department could clear out the low water crossings. Fred and Larry had to spend the night in the Assistant Park Superintendent's motor home!

After spending a month at Palo Duro State Park, Larry had the opportunity to work as an Interpreter at The Badlands National Park in South Dakota. During July and early August he gave daily "Fossil Talks", "Geology Walks" and evening "Ranger Talks." The evening programs centered on constellations and other current topics of the day. The park has a natural amphitheater where slideshows were presented along with naked-eye star hopping for the hundreds of park visitors. Larry said: "You haven't seen dark skies until you visit Southwestern South Dakota! I could read by the illumination of the Milky Way!"