Hi guys. My training is almost finished, I have got my simulator check ride next Friday. Then my life will be back to normal again. I have got my roster and have 2 weeks off over the August new moon so I am looking forward to Bretti.
I bought a suit off Geoff and a very warm sleeping bag at the Kathmandu sale so I am now impervious to the cold, just what you need at Bretti in winter.
Yes, 2 telescopes and a dog is at the limit for me too and requires a bit more care in packing the car. I have used the NP101 a few times under dark skies now and it is really impressive. The almost 5 degree field of view with the 31 Nagler is pretty cool. I will definitely bring it along for anyone who wants to have a play.
I have ordered some Brandon and Takahashi eyepieces I want to try out as well, so I will look forward to that at Bretti.
Just a quick check as to what is kosher for one of these weekends.
I'm guessing I should leave the fire wood at home ?
Also, I'm a hammock camper when there is an option.
Would anyone know if there are suitable trees in the general vicinity for me to hang or should I bring the tent ?
G'day Brett. Is it a heated hammock? It's going to be pretty cold at night. We setup well clear of the trees to get the clearest view, but there are trees off in the distance if you're keen. We all use tents or motor homes for the fancy people.
Camp fire smoke and optics don't generally play well together, so the guys don't usually do the fire thing. We warm up the insides with port and whiskey and the like. It's a lot of fun.
cheers Allan,
I kinda figured that for the fire.
Glend also shot me a pm.
I didn't want to be the only guy without fire wood if it was needed.
The hammock isn't heated but I like the idea.
It's not your average hammock set up and I've had it down to around 0c (good to -10c or so) and been snug as a bug in a rug.
Tent it is though. Will be easier to drag the scope into the tent than have it swinging with me in the hammock.
I'll be sure to pack the sambuca to warm the cockles.
I'm crossing my fingers and toes that the planets aline and I can make the trip.
I'm very much looking forward to it.
Regarding a fire, sometimes we have a fire during the day, and let it die down at night, I do love a campfire to cook with, so I will be bringing some wood along. It's also nice to warm up a bit on a cold day / evening. No new flash camping accessories this trip. Just the usual hot water heater for a hot shower....
I will try to get up there on the Wednesday morning early to make the most of a few days away.
Wish I could get to Bretti this time but will not able to make it. Seems July through to October end of months is booked out with other events. Middle of month ok.....oh well guess the moon won't change cycle for me.
Seems it will be a great camp.
Just three weeks to go to till the Bretti End of Winter Dark Site Trip!
Still plenty of time to do that scope/mount maintenance you have been putting off, buy that new EP, upgrade your power system, get that bit of extra camping gear, and top up the LPG tank, etc.
There will be IIS members at Bretti for most if not all of the New Moon week (24th -31st), so come along when you can make it.
If anyone is considering a new sleeping bag for the trip consider the bags minimal temp, normally on the label, needs to be rated down to at least -3 or 4, even then I would consider an extra blanket or two.
The lowest temp we have experienced up there is -2 to -3 and it's nice to have a bag that keeps that on the outside. Beware of the bags in the department stores, they are usually summer weight bags.
I also have a cheap blanket that is doubled over and sewn across one short and one long side making an envelope that you can slide into then into the sleeping bag: comfort, that's what I like ����
If anyone is considering a new sleeping bag for the trip consider the bags minimal temp, normally on the label, needs to be rated down to at least -3 or 4, even then I would consider an extra blanket or two.
The lowest temp we have experienced up there is -2 to -3 and it's nice to have a bag that keeps that on the outside. Beware of the bags in the department stores, they are usually summer weight bags.
I also have a cheap blanket that is doubled over and sewn across one short and one long side making an envelope that you can slide into then into the sleeping bag: comfort, that's what I like ����
Mines rate at -6 and it is so nice ������
I agree Arthur, I got mine from Rays Outdoors, and it is very nice.
AND a cheap, old fashioned HOT Water Bottle makes an amazing difference on a cold clear night.
(And for lateral thinkers: one of the Katoomba guys also uses a hot water bottle with his eyepieces, to keep them above ambient and free from dew)
Jakob has told me through a PM related to imaging that he is going to try and get there for some of the days. Rob seemed to indicate back in post #110 that he would be there at the end of August, hopefully he will post up on that. What about Shano he's always saying he's interested.
Back on an earlier theme, I have noticed that Wyong Camping Warehouse Store is closing down.
Everything in store is 30% off.
This includes tents (only few remaining), sleeping bags, and camping equipment and apparel.
It is located in Howarth Street Wyong, near Wyong railway station.
I had a look yesterday, and stocks are visually depleted already.
But I could not find anything I didn't know I needed
