Like everybody else said, get to the park area south of the dam on
Fridays a little beofore darkness sets in. There will be several scopes
set up usually and everyone seems willing to let you try theirs etc. I
went my first time and ended up buying Jay's Vixen FL102S on a GP
mount. I have a couple others, but this is my favorite for crisp
contrasty views. I just put a SS2K on it and used it once since. My
backyrad is really darker and more open than at the dam, but there are
more people to help with questions and scopes and eyepices to try out
there. A couple guys take some nice astrophotos and post them at Jay &
Michele's store.
jojo wrote:

Hi,

My question is regarding Mansfield Dam as
I keep getting conflicting information.

Some say the dam was closed to foot traffic after 9/11 and never reopened.
Some say if you go on the right night (which night would that be?)
or have a telescope with you "they" will let you on the dam.

Can anyone here update me on this?

I am looking for a relatively dark location, not to far away from where I
live.
I have tried 2 fields here in Round Rock. One I was asked to leave by the
police
(what on earth can be harmful about a girl with a telescope?) and one was a
rewrite
of the "attack of the killer fire ants". Texans will understand how painful
that trip was.

Thanks,

jojo