Pony Club Tonight?

glend (Glen) · #1 01-04-2017, 04:17 PM

This is no April fool joke. The sky seems to be completely clear, at least up here, and there is only a small sliver of Moon setting at 10pm. For those desperate to get out under the stars tonight might be your chance.

Allan_L (Allan) · #2 01-04-2017, 04:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by glend

This is no April fool joke. The sky seems to be completely clear, at least up here, and there is only a small sliver of Moon setting at 10pm. For those desperate to get out under the stars tonight might be your chance.

Are you planning on going up Glen?

glend (Glen) · #3 01-04-2017, 05:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Allan_L

Are you planning on going up Glen?

No Allan, my mount is on a pier and takes too much effort to dismantle, i will be imaging from home. Sorry if it was misleading, I only mention it because you guys were talking about the Pony Club at coffee last week. It just seemed like a good opportunity given the conditions if anyone wanted to go.

Allan_L (Allan) · #4 01-04-2017, 07:24 PM

I was considering it, once you mentioned it.
But looks like no one else is interested/free to go.

Inmykombi (Geoff) · #5 01-04-2017, 07:38 PM

Just saw the post and its too late for me to go, as I have committed to going to ricks for a squiz thru a grab and go while its clear. sorry all.

Allan_L (Allan) · #6 29-04-2017, 12:40 PM

Looks like tonight is going to be OK for a session.
Anyone else interested?

Planning on arriving around 5:30.
ALL Welcome.

Bring warm clothes, multi layers, ski gear, or Freezer suit.

Will check back again about 3 to make a final weather check and Go / No Go decision.

sharptrack2 (Kevin) · #7 29-04-2017, 01:10 PM

Unfortunately, I've been railroaded into a last minute birthday party. If the skies are anything like last night I certainly won't be the life of the party... maybe they'll get mad and kick me out...

Wishing the best for those who get out there tonight.

Inmykombi (Geoff) · #8 29-04-2017, 02:36 PM

Hi everyone, I am extending an invitation to those who want to visit the PC tonight to now try a new Venue.
I visited the Central Coast Soaring Club today, and spoke with a few people there and I was told we are welcome to try the Airstrip again the see if it suits.
In view of the fact that the PC now has extra light from a property next door, it may be worth once again trying the Airstrip for a darker Site.
I was told we are welcome to visit and try it out again and we can access the entire Airstrip to find a great location.
The Soaring Club has asccess from Bloodtree Rd Mangrove Mountain, about 1/2 way along the road between George Downs drive and Wisemans Ferry Rd.
Its also a little closer for some than a drive to the PC.
I plan on getting there around 4.30 when the Club members are packing up for the day.
It would be nice if those who wish to try this new place could also be there to meet a few members of the Soaring Club and suuport our Interest in Astronomy.
I know its late notice, but it would be great to try it out on what looks to be a good night under the stars.

Please note that the entry to the Soaring club carpark is small and easy to miss while driving along Bloodtree Rd. However there is a Sign Showing the entrance to the filed which has good access for all types of vehicles.

hope to see you there.
Geoffro.

Allan_L (Allan) · #9 29-04-2017, 02:55 PM

Thanks Geoff,

I am packed and eager to give it a try.

Jakob has indicated he is coming as well.

Joe was keen for a night out, hope he sees the change of venue.

I will try to get there before 5.
Allan

Allan_L (Allan) · #10 29-04-2017, 03:02 PM

Google map Link

https://www.google.com/maps/place/Bl...16732?hl=en-AU

jakob · #11 30-04-2017, 10:09 AM

Was a great night, thanks to the organisers.
Very enjoyable, clear sky and good company.
Must do it again.

glend (Glen) · #12 30-04-2017, 10:50 AM

That is great to hear Jakob, i was wondering how you got on.

Allan_L (Allan) · #13 30-04-2017, 11:21 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jakob

Was a great night, thanks to the organisers.
Very enjoyable, clear sky and good company.
Must do it again.

Was great to get together again.
A good turnout for a new venue.
I think everyone enjoyed the evening (even though there was no apple charlotte).

Now lets look forward to May new moon at Bretti.

glend (Glen) · #14 30-04-2017, 12:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Allan_L

Now lets look forward to May new moon at Bretti.

It's on my calendar. Fingers Crossed.

Inmykombi (Geoff) · #15 30-04-2017, 12:20 PM

Thx to everyone for coming to try the new site with very very short notice.
I hope no-one missed the post and ended up at the PC without a key.

John and I drove to the North End of the Runway when we packed up and the horizon is not quite as low as the South end of the Runway due to higher tree lines, but it is darker with now street lights visible and no lights from anywhere that we could see.

I may try the North End next time to see how it looks over a full night.
Although There will have to be a formal letter sent to the President, of the Soaring Club to express our intentions and then see what happens next.

Thx to everyone who made the effort to try it, I hope you enjoyed it.

Geoffro.

GTB_an_Owl (Geoff) · #16 30-04-2017, 03:57 PM

looks promising then Geoff?

geoff

Deeno · #17 30-04-2017, 05:21 PM

Interesting that the Airfield has come up again. Last time it was considered they wanted payment to use their field. Has there been any mention?

Inmykombi (Geoff) · #18 30-04-2017, 06:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Deeno

Interesting that the Airfield has come up again. Last time it was considered they wanted payment to use their field. Has there been any mention?

Hi Deeno, Long time no see.
No mention of payment so far, however I would be happy to throw a few bucks their way each visit as a thank you gesture.

This happened really quickly on Saturday and it was not planned for a long time.
I was just working on the property next to the Airfield, and went to visit a guy I know who flies there, as I knew he was there.

We were talking about the site and I just waved the Flag for the Observing Group, as the PC has more light now days.

So changing the venue was a last minute decision to try it and get an opinion from everyone. I think its an OK site for local observing....

Hope the Family is well too buddy.

Maybe see you sometime again.

Allan_L (Allan) · #19 01-05-2017, 08:54 AM

It wasn't as dark as the PC (in my opinion), wrong side of the hill I suspect.
But it did seem a lot friendlier.
And there was plenty of space to set up next to your car.
Trees weren't an issue (IMO).

North end might be even better.

Shano592 (Shane) · #20 02-05-2017, 03:03 PM

Hi Deeno, nice to hear from you!

I thought it was a nice location. The trees at the southern end were low enough to give a really good southerly view, and the northerly view was very low due to only a slightly up-running runway. I agree with Allan, that it probably wasn't as dark as the PC, but not by a lot. One thing missing was high-beam traffic. I think there was a big flood of spotlights on one occasion, on the western side behind the trees, but only for a minute or so. Where we settled was very well sheltered from the light of cars.

I think it got down to about 8 degrees on Geoff's LX-o-meter, 10 degrees on my app. Little wind, but a moderate amount of dew. The grass was silvered as I was leaving, from the dew in my headlights.

What was a big plus... was a phone signal all night! Another thing missing from the PC.

I certainly don't mind a honorarium for the Soaring Club, as it is their lease we are looking to piggyback onto. As long as it is a per-person fee then I'm fine, and not a set amount per viewing night. That could get expensive, if only 2 or 3 show up...