You know you're getting old when.......

[Kunama]

You know you're getting old when you need a bed in your car as you can no longer travel more than a few hours without a nap.....

Just spent the day buying crockery and other 'Lightly Greying Nomad' stuff for my new AstroWagon (AutoTrail FB 7.1m) .... alas, there is no way to fit the 18" Dob into this so there might have to be some changes to my telescope lineup. (Anybody looking for a custom made 18" Dob ). I have worked out that a Mewlon 250 or a 7" refractor will fit under the bed ....

Sorry for the grainy phone pic..... (my DSLR is getting too heavy to wield )

Might need the chainsaw to do some light pruning to get it into Allan's Outback AstroLodge

[Octane (Humayun)]

That is hot.

It even has an STS-type nose.

And here I was thinking that buying a hardfloor campertrailer was a big deal!

Congratulations.

H

[LewisM]

I have a brand new Esprit 80ED that'll fit you perfectly Pops

[LewisM]

I still reckon "The Travelling Astronomers" starring Matt and Brian Cox would be a hit...

[leon]

Beautiful, go and enjoy this vast Country, we have been doing it for years and there is nothing better.

Leon

[Kunama]

Originally Posted by Octane

That is hot. It even has an STS-type nose.
And here I was thinking that buying a hardfloor campertrailer was a big deal!

Congratulations.
H

Thanks H, it has been a long gestation period. Jen's happy with it. I think of the 200mm TEC refractor binoscope I could have bought with the money....

Originally Posted by LewisM

I have a brand new Esprit 80ED that'll fit you perfectly Pops

I may have to take you up on that...

[glend (Glen)]

Very nice vehicle Matt. I reckon a dome on top would be ideal, or a slide back roof. Add some crank down jack stands for stability and a hydraulic pier and your mobile obs is all set.

[Kunama]

Originally Posted by leon

Beautiful, go and enjoy this vast Country, we have been doing it for years and there is nothing better.

Leon

Thanks Leon, we went from tents to 4WDs, then campers etc to this.... might need to build a trailer for astro-gear.

[LewisM]

It's OK Matt, the IIS classifieds will come to you

[el_draco (Rom)]

Originally Posted by Kunama

You know you're getting old when you need a bed in your car as you can no longer travel more than a few hours without a nap.....

Yeee.. haaa! I'm not old, I'm not old....

[RickS (Rick)]

What's the focal length of that thing, Matt?

[Allan_L (Allan)]

Originally Posted by Kunama

.... alas, there is no way to fit the 18" Dob into this so there might have to be some changes to my telescope lineup. (Anybody looking for a custom made 18" Dob ).

Nice pick up
Have you considered a tow bar and trailer?

[Allan_L (Allan)]

Originally Posted by Kunama

You know you're getting old when you need a bed in your car ...

Too true ...
You ALSO know you are getting old when you need a toilet in your car
...enough said...
Welcome to the grey nomad brigade

[issdaol (Phil)]

Originally Posted by Allan_L

Too true ...
You ALSO know you are getting old when you need a toilet in your car
...enough said...

He has probably already converted the drivers seat to a dunny......press a button and the seat opens up beneath him

[FlashDrive (Poppy)]

There,There .... Don't you worry about what those nasty people are saying Matt ...

[rrussell1962]

Nice one Matt. We are a few years off that but have tentatively discussed it. we are still in the 4WD / Tent phase of what you might call remote area camping. 2 trips over the Simpson, Cape York etc. But appealing as a future plan. The issue for us is do we keep the house as a "Home Base" or just cut down and cut loose? Very interested to hear other people's plans and experiences. The telescope is a consideration, I can't imagine life without one in the same way that I can't imagine life without a cat! My current thoughts are an ultralight, very portable 12 inch Dob - I have an Australian maker at the back of my mind! Would beat the Astroscan I have used in the past. Please keep us up to date on your experiences.

[leon]

We all started with a tent my friend and it was a good journey now when you are older and weary you need those creature comforts.

Leon

[rrussell1962]

Yep Leon, I can see how the joy of digging a hole can wear thin!

[LewisM]

Originally Posted by issdaol

He has probably already converted the drivers seat to a dunny......press a button and the seat opens up beneath him

Cut him some slack Phil - he still hasn't finished polishing the chrome to Matt Level

[rrussell1962]

I think my favourite so far was pulling in very late, due to a flat tyre, to Barkley Homestead between Camooweal and Three Ways. It turned out to be State of Origin Night One. Epic toilets. A night to remember. Very drunken night.