If you could wish for anything, anything at all for the South Jersey Astronomy Club, for all potential South Jersey skygazers, and for all skygazers everywhere... what would you wish for? For a start, how about an ideal observing site -- safe, convenient, and absolutely starry? SJAC public SkyWatches take place at our dark sky observing site at the Belleplain State Forest in Cape May County. Belleplain is easily reached from most locations in South Jersey; yet, it's far enough from sources of light pollution to give observers a spectacular dark sky view. The SJAC observing site is located on the athletic field at Belleplain State Forest. It is easily accessable from major traffic routes in the area, including the Garden State Parkway, Route 47, Route 49 and other arteries. Once at Belleplain, check at the Ranger Station by the entrance, or follow the "star" signs which point the way to the SkyWatch. The field is located on the far side of Lake Nummy, and there's plenty of parking available. From the Garden State Parkway Take the Sea Isle City exit (#17) if traveling south on the Parkway, and head west to Route 9, then right to the traffic signal, Route 550. Turn left and stay on Route 550 as it passes through Woodbine. If traveling north on the Parkway, take the designated exit for Sea Isle City and head to Route 9. Turn right on to Route 9, and proceed for about four miles until you see the sign for Belleplain State Forest. Follow this road, Route 550 for several miles into Woodbine. Once in Woodbine, Route 550 will then jog to the left, and after about 1/4 mile will head right again at the flashing light. The entrance to Belleplain State Forest is about one mile further on Route 550, on the left, and is conspicuously marked. (Check out the great Smokey the Bear sign!) As you turn into Belleplain, the Ranger Station is located on the right adjacent the parking lot. Restrooms are located here, and you can get information about camping and regional points of interest. Ask the rangers for further directions, or proceed down the entrance road about one mile. At the intersection, turn right; you will see a small ranger post which is sometimes staffed. If you're coming to a SkyWatch, look for the "star" signs which point the way. Proceeding past this ranger post, you should follow the road around Lake Nummy to the parking lot. The dark sky observing field is located across the access road. From Cumberland County and Points North Follow Route 47 into Cape May County. About 5-6 miles over the county line, look for Route 557 on the left. Take this road into Woodbine; at the flashing light, turn left onto Route 550; the entrance to Belleplain State Forest is approximately one mile on your left and is conspicuously marked. (Check out the great Smokey the Bear sign!) As you turn into Belleplain, the Ranger Station is located on the right adjacent to a parking area. Restrooms are located here, and you can get information about camping and regional points of interest. Ask the rangers for further directions, or proceed down the entrance road about one mile. At the intersection, turn right; you will see a small ranger post which is sometimes staffed. If you're coming to a SkyWatch, look for the "star" signs which point the way. Proceeding past this ranger post, you should follow the road around Lake Nummy to the parking lot. The dark sky observing field is located across the access road. If you are coming from Vineland or other points via Route 55, take the exit for Route 49 and head east toward the Tuckahoe area. Several miles over the Cape May County line on Route 49 (near Marshallville) look for the traffic signal at Route 557 and turn right. Route 557 leads directly into Woodbine. Look for a flashing traffic light, and turn right on to Route 550. Follow this road for about one mile; the entrance to Belleplain State Forest will be located on your left and is marked clearly.