Annular Solar Eclipse 2012 at Lassen National Park

This meetup event is to give people some location suggestions and information about the Annular Eclipse in the Lassen National Park area. Here can the attendees organize for carpooling etc. who want to go this area for the Eclipse. It takes around 4-5 hours from the Bay Area to get to the Lassen National Park depending on location and traffic.

This is not a hosted event but if you like to organize/lead this group let us know.
The National Park has a program to the Solar Eclipse:
http://www.nps.gov/lavo/planyourvisit/ranger_led_programs.htm
The Park lead event will be at Devastaded area.

They also mention Bumpass Hell Area but I don't think it will be open by then. Here are the current road conditions: http://www.nps.gov/lavo/planyourvisit/winter-road-closures-and-spring-clearing-update.htm

Viewing from lassen National Park area you won't have the moon centered in the middle of the sun but the moon will be completely "inside" the sun (apparent size of sun is bigger than the moon).

Another option could be the Sulphur Works in the park, it has also a parking area and is open.

Before you decide which area you should check it out first and maybe call the park if they limit any traffic or close areas etc. because it can be very crowded. Plan additional time and car pool. It takes some time to get from one entrance to the other because you have to drive around the whole park to get there.

http://eclipse.gsfc.nasa.gov/SEgoogle/SEgoogle2001/SE2012May20Agoogle.html
The Eclipse starts around 5pm with the partial eclipse and turns into the Annular Eclipse around 6:30pm when you are between the blue line in the map above (for exact time please check the map).

IMPORTANT:

Always wear proper eye wear (solar viewing glasses) when looking at the sun even during the eclipse. You will also need a filter (ND filter or similar) for your camera to protect the sensor when taking pictures with telephoto/zoom lens.
Please check here for informatrion about solar filter and taking pictures of this event: http://blog.starcircleacademy.com/2012/04/solar-filter/

Please also check out the message board here: https://www.meetup.com/NightPhotography/messages/boards/thread/20522452