Looking at the latest extended forecast for the Gloucester area (see the link at the bottom) it would seem that this coming week from the 2nd (Wednesday) of March through the 7th (Monday) is looking fantastic for clear skies. Let's keep an eye on it, as the following week beyond the 7th is looking rainy again ( but probably too far out right now to be certain). The moon is not a factor for most of the nights from the 2nd, as it is rising later (at 12:30am on Thursday the 3rd) and later each day and just a waning sliver. Are people in a position to be able to go earlier to get this clear sky window if it firms up? I can certainly go then. Perhaps for some who are working it might be a long weekend type trip from Friday to Monday, but let's see how it looks on Tuesday the 1st. I am prepared to go up this coming week as early as Wednesday if the weather window is there. However, I would not want to go by myself. Sorry if this suggestion upsets previous planning, we are all at the mercy of the weather, and nothing is ever certain in that regard.
For the weather guru's like Allan_L and Geoff, what do your 'bones' tell you about the weather pattern coming up.
For the weather guru's like Allan_L and Geoff, what do your 'bones' tell you about the weather pattern coming up.
I am not the guru, but I follow the tips Geoff has passed on...
So, my "bones" interpretation
Weds 2/3 to Tues 8/3
For Bretti..
Clear fine days quite warm, low 30's, dry.
Sun setting around 7:30
moon rise after midnight, waning.
Clear nights, warm, high humidity, dew.
So around 4 hours good observing but Dew amelioration equipment a priority.
For comparison...
Chaffey Dam
Similar, slightly worse, some inconsistent cloud, humid, not so good.
Glen Riddle reserve
Worse still, hot and wet, more cloudy, with some clear spots
I have a family thing on Thursday so I don't think I can leave until Friday (am) at the earliest. Is there anyone else planning on going up on Friday or before? I know Rob mentioned a possibility, and Kevin is heading up on Saturday? I think it's a good idea to try and 'occupy' our favourite area before any weekend grey nomads arrive, which could be Friday afternoon.
For those that are unfamiliar with Bretti, we tend to favour the flat area down at the far eastern end (from the entrance), between the old green toilets and the fence overlooking the river; this spot is well away from the area (and trees) where the caravan people usually like to park on the north side.
I have a family thing on Thursday so I don't think I can leave until Friday (am) at the earliest. Is there anyone else planning on going up on Friday or before? I know Rob mentioned a possibility, and Kevin is heading up on Saturday? I think it's a good idea to try and 'occupy' our favourite area before any weekend grey nomads arrive, which could be Friday afternoon.
For those that are unfamiliar with Bretti, we tend to favour the flat area down at the far eastern end (from the entrance), between the old green toilets and the fence overlooking the river; this spot is well away from the area (and trees) where the caravan people usually like to park on the north side.
Not wishing to disrupt any plans already afoot, but just to let you know
I was planning to be heading up to Lake Keepit on Wednesday for a quick go look see, with John.
Commercial accommodation available and bush camping (suitable for tent motorhome etc and dog friendly partly).
Not so cheap, but variety of accommodation and facilities, and more westerly location. https://www.inlandwaters.com.au/park...keepit/camping
THEN
Considering a Bretti break, later next week.
Edit: Change of forecast for the worse.
John and I are deferring our reconnaissance trip.
Last edited by Allan_L; 01-03-2016 at 11:41 AM.
Reason: edit change forecast
I'm committed to Bretti for this one. I will be heading up early Saturday, unless I manage to get myself packed and ready by lunch time Friday. Tuesday is my go home day.
Hi all
I am tied up this weekend with a wedding to go to.
I can get away to Bretti Wednesday the 9th (new moon)for a few nights.
It's been a while so I guess the weather report closer will sway me one way or tother.
I will Try for Bretti on Sat but definitely be there on Sun am. I aim to stay as long as the batteries hold out - possibly 5 days. Look forward to seeing whoever is there.
I will Try for Bretti on Sat but definitely be there on Sun am. I aim to stay as long as the batteries hold out - possibly 5 days. Look forward to seeing whoever is there.
Ulrich
Ulrich, we have ways of charging them. Your welcome to use my solar charging system, or the generator.
Glen
I was planning to be heading up to Lake Keepit on Wednesday for a quick go look see, with John.
Commercial accommodation available and bush camping (suitable for tent motorhome etc and dog friendly partly).
Not so cheap, but variety of accommodation and facilities, and more westerly location. https://www.inlandwaters.com.au/park...keepit/camping
THEN
Considering a Bretti break, later next week.
Edit: Change of forecast for the worse.
John and I are deferring our reconnaissance trip.
Just in case you missed my edit,
due to deterioration in forecast conditions, we have agreed to defer the Lake Keepit reconnaissance trip to a time when we may better be able to evaluate the observing environment under good conditions.
The forecast for Bretti remains the same for this coming weekend and into next week, at least according to Accuweather. Days will be warm to very warm with temps of 31-33C nights 17-19C. Sunny and clear.
A reminder that camping at Bretti is basic, no fees free camp, there are two toilet buildings one basic long drop and a newer one which is much nicer. Bring toilet paper. Bring enough drinking water for your stay, there are two rivers there that you can use for washing/showering water but it would need to be boiled for human consumption but i'd avoid that anyway. You can swim in the rivers. Bring shade if you have it, ie a tarp, awning, gazebo, etc. :-)
Rob and I will be going up Friday am, Kevin on Saturday am, and Ulrich on Sunday, I think Nobby will be there on Monday, and Allan_L is a possible that week sometime. Plenty of room for many more. Don't waste what looks to be a great weekend to visit a dark site.
Just wanted to let you know that Bretti Reserve (in addition to Port Macquarie) has been added as a forecast meteogram location to Cloud Free Night - new Australian weather forecast website. Thread and comments available here:
Heading uo to Bretti tomorrow morning, should be there around noon. Hope the rest of the 'declared' ones make it as the weather looks wonderful into next week. I am purposely only taking one scope, the 10" f5 newt so I can maximise my imaging time and enjoy some visual as well.
Just wanted to let you know that Bretti Reserve (in addition to Port Macquarie) has been added as a forecast meteogram location to Cloud Free Night - new Australian weather forecast website. Thread and comments available here:
That's great Robert, maybe put a marker on the map as well?
Agreed Kevin.
But as Robert has not been back on site since posting, I sent him an email thanking him and suggesting the same (marker on map).
I also asked if some of our other sites (like Pony Club) may also qualify for inclusion in his site analysis.
Hope it was not out of line.
