Visitor’s Acknowledgement of Risk

Who knew stargazing was so dangerous! Actually, it doesn’t have to be, but since the Eastern Sierra Observatory is situated on the grounds of an old gold mine (or, open desert at our Panamint Valley or Sage Valley locations), and without a traditional, verifiable street address, our insurance provider is requiring that you and all members of your party acknowledge and agree to this liability waiver.

So, in consideration of the services of the Eastern Sierra Observatory, and all officers, helpers, agents, employees, and all other persons associated with this business (hereinafter collectively referred to as “ESO” and “ESO Staff”), you acknowledge that you agree as follows:

The Eastern Sierra Observatory and the ESO Staff have informed you that there are certain risks when visiting that cannot be eliminated due to the nature of the land. Some of these risks include: rocky and uneven surfaces, unprotected cliffs and mining exploration holes (Bishop location), little pieces of glass here and there (people used this site for target practice — unfortunately shooting glass bottles for many years, and some remnants remain — Bishop location), and other risks not specifically identified.

You are aware that these risks could lead to injury or even death. You understand the description of these inherent risks is not complete and that other unknown or unanticipated inherent risks may result in injury or death. You agree to assume and accept full responsibility for the inherent risks both specified and not specifically identified. Your participation in activities at the Eastern Sierra Observatory and with the ESO Staff is purely voluntary, no one is forcing you to participate and you elect to participate in spite of and with full knowledge of the inherent risks. Therefore, you assume and accept full responsibility for yourself, including all minor children in your care, custody, and control, for bodily injury, death, or loss of personal property and expenses as a result of those inherent risks and dangers, both specified and not specially identified, and, as a result of your negligence during participation in this activity.

You understand that this waiver applies not only to the location near Bishop at the Poleta Mine, but also any events held in Panamint Valley, California or Sage Valley, Nevada, as well as any other ESO events anywhere on planet Earth.

You have carefully read, clearly understand, and accepted the terms and conditions stated herein, and acknowledge that this agreement shall be effective and binding upon yourself, your heirs, assigns, personal representative and estate, and for all members of your family, including minor children.