The Area 51 research center is a private clearinghouse for information about Area 51, government secrecy, the paranormal, certain UFO claims and tourist information on the southern Nevada area. It was started by Glenn Campbell (not the singer) in September of 1993. The information I found at this site has checked out as true so far, so when they say, " DO NOT PASS THE WARNING SIGNS you will be arrested if you do," I believe it. They also say it is OK to take photos of the warning signs, the guard on the hill to the right, and the surveillance cameras to the left. Yeah, but is that still true after Sept. 11th?

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On the way to Area51 from the Little A'Le'Inn, we took a road that parallels the ET Highway.

We stopped to get some gas, cold drinks and a bag of ice in the small town of Rachel, NV. We were ready for the long drive. 

Right before the gas station, however, was one more irresistible stop, the Area 51 Research Center.  I recognized the web site name on the fence sign outside the trailer as one of the best I'd seen on the net regarding the topic of Area51: ufomind.com. 

It may even have been this web site that caused me to drive all the way out here to take my chance at a UFO encounter. 

The nice guy running this place (I didn't ask his name, is this Don Emory? Is it an alien?) seemed to know TONS. 

Unfortunately, I was too excited to actually drive out to the base. I should have spent more time here and asked way more questions. 

One thing I wish I'd asked was "Are people still seeing ufos and when might be the best time to go out and watch?"

Above the desk, near the front door, was a very nice panorama of the base. This was the photographic print version of the base that I'd seen so far only on the web. I took a few pictures of this picture with my macro lens to compare to others I'd found on line. 
 

Click thumbnails and other photos on this page to enlarge.

The Area 51 Research Center attendant showed us where work was being done at the base as evidenced by satelleite photos. According to web sites on Area 51, based on current treaties, it is legal for other governments to photograph Area 51 from space. However, it is illegal for US citizens to photograph the base.

Apparantly many people work at Area 51. The secrecy reminds me of Willy Wonka's chocolate factory. ( Imagine the bus door opening and Umpa Lumpas with strange alien orange faces shuffling off. ) Then again, I don't suppose they are making chocolates in there.

Who, or whatever works at Area 51, here is a picture of the bus they take to work.

Notice the darkened windows. 

Our new friend said his son had spent time with at least one of the guys that worked at the base. He didn't have any inside information, however, because his son knew not to ask the guy about his work. Everyone knew the people working at the base weren't allowed to talk.  

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