Bretti September

[Rick Petrie]

Just putting out for any takers for a few days at Bretti.
New moon is Monday 10th.
I can only do weekdays from Tuesday 4th to Friday 7th as I have a 21st on the New Moon weekend. Weekend would have been better, but I guess more crowded also.
Moon won't be up till early morning so these days would still be OK.
How is everyone's thoughts?
Weather permitting of course? :astron::campfire:

[Allan_L]

Thanks Rick.
I have marked it on my calendar, and will watch this thread with interest.
Of course, people don't all have to commit to the same spread of days.
For those working, coming up later in the week and staying for the weekend is always a good option. With people coming and going as suits their need.
Needless to say, anyone and everyone is welcome.
For those not familiar, Bretti Reserve is a free camping reserve, 32km north of Gloucester. No permanent lights. Plenty of space. Good dark skies. and not much else.
Friendly, Informal, Relaxed. :)

[GTB_an_Owl]

keen as mustard

will see how doctor appointment go

geoff

[Shano592]

I'm cautiously interested. My latest container of stock will have been unloaded into the warehouse, so I should be able to get a couple of days away.

Allan, you forgot to add that with all of the attributes you listed, it is likely to be cooooold still! :lol:

[Allan_L]

Well, I didn't want to scare off any potential customers.
But yes.
Long range forecast indicates it may get down to 1 or 2 degrees overnight.
Bring warm clothes.
Hot water bottles.

[harwayharry]

Sounds good - finally going to make my return to DS nights after years away, and now will get serious about dusting off the equipment and checking focus etc. Not sure which days yet but will definitely be there. Watching with interest. Thanks all for the posts.

[Allan_L]

Great.
Hope to see you there Wayne.

BTW: your signature reminds me …

There is a golf course in Gloucester, that is sadly underutilised (as I recall).
… not that much to do at camp during the days.

So I am suggesting we all take our golf gear. :)

[Shano592]

The days are for sleeping, if I'm not mistaken....

[harwayharry]

Thanks for the idea - had to give the game up two years ago because of back problems but could come out of retirement for one game I guess (and if I can fit in clubs with the rest of my gear). Talk again closer to the time.

[jakob]

Very interested.
Need to arrange a few things but hope to make it.
:thumbsup:

[Allan_L]

Unfortunately, the CFN (and others) forecast for next week is not promising.
...just saying ...:shrug:
but will continue to monitor. :(

[Allan_L]

:lol: I laugh everytime I read that line.
I may have to adopt it, if that's OK

[Shano592]

It allows me to be happily non-committal, until the very last minute!

And the CFN data is why...

Go for your life!

[GTB_an_Owl]

i'm out!

medical appointment on tuesday and a trip to coffs on thursday

geoff

[Allan_L]

Geoff,
You really need to plan your doctors appointments better.
I refuse to book anything the week before or after New Moon.
The trick is to remember to carry a lunar calendar around with you for reference.
But that's just me. Probably a little too intense. and OCD.

However, it seems that no one is going this time anyway (if weather persists).
Joanne is disappointed (that I am not going away for a week) :question:

[GTB_an_Owl]

i had kept week free Al
was sorting the van out in preparation to go
then a full body scan with my new doctor put the kybosh on it all
found a couple of nasties on my right arm that needed urgent attention
wants to see me tuesday to inspect and redress the incisions
trip to coffs was a surprise too
surely we will get to go away soon!

geoff

[glend]

Sorry to hear of your ongoing health issues Geoff. Nothing is more important.:thumbsup:

[GTB_an_Owl]

yes your right Glen
but at our age it seems to be a never ending battle

geoff

[RB]

Hope all is well Geoff.
Take care buddy.

Catch up with you at the PC next time.

RB

:)

[GTB_an_Owl]

thanks RB

making good progress - only a matter of time now till we get the right answer as to what is causing what ails me

geoff

[Rick Petrie]

Get well soon Mr Owl. Hope all results are good. Seriously doubting if weather is good enough to go to Bretti next week anyway. See you soon mate.

[Allan]

The weather at Coolah is always astro friendly. I’ll be there for a week from the 7th. How about you guys plan on a few nights from Monday the 10th after Ricks party. I always enjoy having you guys around.

[Allan_L]

Ahh! Now there's a thought.
Thankyou Allan, for your very generous offer.
I always enjoy my observing sessions with you.
Just not sure I can make it work this time.
Dental appointment mid week.
I'll get back to you.
Thanks again

[Allan]

Dental appointment! You don’t need teeth for astronomy.

[Allan_L]

:lol: :D:D:D

[Rick Petrie]

Upon studying the weather pattern for Bretti it is seriously looking bad for an astronomy trip. I think much to my disgust I am going to pull the pin unfortunately this time and look at a later time to go. Very disappointing for I was looking so forward to going. 😞

[harwayharry]

Have been getting ready. Removed the rear squabs and flattened the deck in the X-Trail for a trial load - haven't used the X-Trail for this purpose before. Loaded up the disassembled scope together with camping gear, astro gear etc and can say that I will definitely not be packing golf gear unless I come up with another solution or a bigger vehicle.

Haven't yet had a chance to re-assemble the scope and tracking to check it (and me) all out but, in the meantime today have received notice that our planned roof restoration will start on Monday, so I won't be making it this month, whatever. On the other hand, all is not wasted and I will be better prepared for next month. In any case, seeing is looking a bit iffy next week, even above Coolah!!

Good news is that back is sore from efforts but still functional.

Allan: noted your advice about the "cold" at Bretti. I'm a past member of both MAS (MacArthur - Campbelltown) and CAS (Canberra) and have regularly been to DS nights as far south as Michelago running between -7* & -10*. One or Two degrees? Positively balmy mate :)

Then again, it's entirely possible I have re-acclimatised since moving to Port Macquarie and will have to eat my words.

Looking forward to next month or whenever our insane chosen pastime allows us to get together. I recall one year with MAS (Belanglo Forest) when 10 of 12 months were no-go. No wonder we drink.

[Allan_L]

Good one Wayne. Well said.
Yes. Just pulled the plug definitely on this month myself (and Rick).
But we are keen to do Bretti next new moon.

Hopefully there will be more takers and everyone is healthy and available. :thumbsup:
...including me as I have scheduled a dental appointment and a skin cancer treatment for between now and then myself. :eek:

[Shano592]

I think the word you seek there is "over-compensated!" :rofl:

Yeah, Bretti is red-lit for me as well. I'd love to go out and see what great leaps and bounds Allan has made with the Coolah property, but I think it may have to wait a little longer.

Oh well, I'll use the time to go and ruin the egos of a few of the cricket club's bowlers, this weekend. :thumbsup:


EDIT: Here is a crazy thing. BOM forecast for Saturday so far is looking pretty good, locally. If it holds, Mangrove Mountain may be a possibility, yet!

[Inmykombi]

So sorry. I have to miss this.
I just had my right eye lasered for the second time in 3 weeks, to rectify the cloudiness issues with it.
It has helped, but I also badly cut my thumb last week and severed a nerve, so I am out I am afraid.


I am also taking my scope to sydney to have it assessed for a repair this Friday while I have the chance.


I hope you have a great time up there guys. Thx for thinking of us Alan.

[Allan_L]

Still working on it, thanks Allan
Hoping to get up to see you tomorrow (Monday) for a couple of cloud free nights. :thanx:

[harwayharry]

[QUOTE=Shano592;1393209]I think the word you seek there is "over-compensated!" :rofl:

WTF are you on about?

[Allan_L]

Hmm! Yes, fair question.
I was wondering that too.
Shano is a nice guy...
obviously attempting some warm and friendly banter, to welcome the newcomer,
which I fear could have been misconstrued. :confused2:
Anyway
We can have a laugh over it with a beer at Bretti next month.
Hope to see you there Wayne.

[harwayharry]

Sure hope so Allan. Weather permitting? Cautious optimism?

Just for the record

reacclimatize in British
or reacclimatise (ˌriːəˈklaɪməˌtaɪz)
verb
to acclimatize or become acclimatized again
Collins English Dictionary. Copyright © HarperCollins Publishers

Having acclimatised to a move from Sydney to Canberra (10 years) then north coast (11 years) back to Canberra (20 years) now back to the north coast (retired), i think I qualify to use the term - more than once (reuse?).

Let's hope we can find a more invigorating topic - like getting to know you stuff and/or can someone help me learn to drive the push me - pull you version of Argo Navis. I know it is simple because the advertising says so and conversations with the developer reinforced this with me.

BUT I am still puzzled why something so simple requires a manual of a several hundred pages hmmmmmmmm? Whatever I learned I feel sure I have pretty much forgotten after years of non-use. Any takers?

Whoops - just noticed the magic words in your reply post " over a beer" - I'm in.

[Allan_L]

Argo - excellent system, very feature packed.
Supported locally.
I have only recently started using it. :)
But a few of the regulars are experienced hands.

[Shano592]

Yes, hence the ROFL.

I don't bite... hard.

[Allan_L]

Just realised that next New Moon is in the middle of the NSW October school holidays.
Traditionally, this has not been conducive to a great time at Bretti for us.
Just another thing to consider. :rolleyes:

[glend]

Yes I remember well the very large group from Newcastle that took over most of the eastern end near the river junction for what seemed like a long duration stay. They had a massive marquee in the centre, shower trailers with pumps drawing water from the river, a cricket pitch, lots of kids, dirt bikes and powered toys, and lights pointing everywhere. I am sure they had a ball but no respect for other Bretti users. They had filled up all the rubbish bins, and i am glad I was not forced to use the drop toilet. I think we camped up on the upper level to the south and eventually they did go to sleep, leaving their LED yard lights pointed in our direction. Definitely a place to avoid during the spring school hols. Ah the memories.:rofl:

[Shano592]

Oh, it sounds delightful! Not. So... Pony Club then?

How are you recovering, Glen?

[Inmykombi]

My scope is currently in at Skywatcher getting checked and possibly repaired. ( hopefully repaired). A visit to the PC is on the cards for me....