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Old 15-03-2021, 07:09 AM
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barx1963 (Malcolm)
Bright the hawk's flight

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We Are Back - Snake Valley Camp April 2021

Hi all
After the drama of the past year, the Snake Valley Camp is on for April 2021. As with everything these days, it is subject to COVID not rearing it's ugly head again, but with things ;looking as good as they do, I am confident we can go ahead.
I appreciate everyones patience but here we go!

The Snake Valley Astro Camp! April 9 – April 13 2021

Camp commences midday, Friday 9th April and concludes midday Tuesday 13th.

The Saturday night “Spit Roast under the Stars” will be on again. Cost will be $10 per head, meat and salads provided

PLEASE NOTE: Fees are unchanged except that for juniors (those who have not turned 18 by 9/4/21) a single fee of $10 will apply regardless of how many nights they stay. Hopefully this will make the camp more affordable for families and juniors.

4 nights of beautiful dark sky away from City glare.
- LIMITED TO 50 BOOKINGS ONLY PER NIGHT-
(plus casual visitors also welcome, if setting up gear a $5- fee will apply)

- The observing field has 240 volt mains Power
- There are 12 bunkhouses (from 2 to 8 bunks) and lots of camping space on the observing field.
- Caravans welcome.
- Hot showers & toilets in a caravan park style amenities block.
- Large dining room for about 60 people
- Recreation room (billiards, table tennis)
- Fully equipped kitchen with all cooking utensils, crockery, cutlery, fridges etc.
- Lake for swimming, fishing, canoeing etc.
- BBQ facilities
*Please note, Bunkhouses CANNOT be booked for one night only.
Exceptions are accepted if you are in a shared bunkhouse with others staying more than one night. Alternatively, the campsite is available for one night if that's all you can stay.

* Alcohol is allowed, but 'drunkenness' or use of illegal drugs will not be tolerated.
* Aerosols of any description (Aeroguard, deodorant etc) are TOTALLY BANNED on the observing field. Stray spray could (and has) permanently damage optics.
* A red light only policy is in place on the observing field after dark. Lap top screens are to be suitably shielded and dimmed. DIM Red Lights (Red LED Head Torches, etc) are acceptable. PLEASE NOTE, a sheet of cellophane taped over a tactical flashlight is not a DIM red light. If a white light must be used, please warn nearby observers before turning it on.
* Persons violating above rules will be asked to leave and will forfeit fees paid.
* We would prefer for the field to be smoke free, please consider those around you

Snake Valley Astronomy Camps are fun, low key, social events. A white light ban is in force (as expected), but due to the nature of our camps, imagers and observers are all mixed in together having a great social astronomy experience.
WHERE IS IT?
The camp is held at Crystal Lake Cabins in Snake Valley. Street address is 554 Linton-Carngham Rd, Snake Valley VIC 3351. If coming from Melbourne travel to Ballarat then take the Glenelg Highway to Linton and turn right onto the Snake Valley-Carngham Rd. The campsite is on your right before getting to the township of Snake Valley. Please be aware that the Snake Valley Observatory run by the Snake Valley Astronomical Association is not the site of the camp.
The Campsite a private business that we hire for the duration of the camp.

THE BUNKHOUSES
The 11 bunkhouses range from 2, 4, or 6 bunks up to several with 8 bunks (4 sets of upper and lower bunks).
They have mattresses, but no bed linen. You will need to supply your own sheets, blankets, doona's, and pillows. Or just throw a sleeping bag on the mattress.

CAMPING
The observing field/camping area is on a very gentle slope to assist drainage, bordered on the west by trees and the road, and on the east by the lake. Plenty of room for a lot of people to camp and set up.
240v power is supplied.

SKY
Very dark. There is a faint light dome visible low in the east, coming from Ballarat, Melbourne and Geelong.

OTHER STUFF
Solar Observing during the day. We will try and organise a workshop or two over the weekend. Will advise details once they have been finalised.

COOKING
The kitchen is fully equipped.
All cutlery, cooking utensils, pots, pans, jugs, you name it, it's probably there!
Microwaves, grillers, enormous gas ovens and stove top, 3 fridge/freezers.
All you need is your food.

SHOPS
There are supplies available locally.
3k - Snake Valley General Store: Basic groceries, petrol etc
closes 12:00 Sat, shut Sunday
5k - Linton Store: Basic groceries, petrol, hot fish & chips, hamburgers etc.
Open 7 days till 8pm
12k - Smythesdale: Supermarket, petrol, shops.
Open 7 days
20 minutes - Ballarat

LOCAL SIGHTS: Nimmons Bridge, Computer Museum, Jubilee Gold Mine Historic Reserve, Sovereign Hill, etc.

FEES
(to allow more people to attend the camp some people may have to share a bunkhouse)
PLEASE NOTE: No booking will be regarded as firm until payment is made.

Membership fee (Compulsory for all staying overnight) $10
Please contact Malcolm Barker via email on snakevalleyastrocamps@gmail.com or by phoning 0448 567 187 or via PM on Ice in Space, user name barx1963 if you have any queries about the fees

Bunkhouses (per person)*
2 nights $60.00
3 nights $80.00
4 nights $100.00
Campsite (per person)
1 night $25.00
2 nights $50.00
3 nights $75.00
4 nights $95.00
Juniors under 18 - $10 regardless how many night or whether staying in bunkhouses or camping.
Children under 5 y.o. - free

Please book in by completing details on PDF booking form available on the website. Please scan completed form and return to us via email tosnakevalleyastrocamps@gmail.com along with a payment receipt (see below).
Please note: The camp will be proceeding regardless of rain, wind, snow or cloud. When booking in, please consider that refunds will not be given if pulling out due to the weather forecast.

If you have any queries or would like assistance with your booking, I can be contacted via email on snakevalleyastrocamps@gmail.com or by phoning 0448 567187 or via PM on Ice in Space, user name barx1963.

Payment details:
BSB 063510
Account 10397720
Please include your name in the detail field when making a payment. If possible email a copy of the payment receipt tosnakevalleyastrocamps@gmail.com
Attached Files
File Type: pdf Snake Valley April 2021 Info.pdf (48.6 KB, 253 views)
File Type: pdf SVAC Membership Booking Form April 2021.pdf (125.6 KB, 124 views)
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  #2  
Old 15-03-2021, 03:46 PM
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Jen
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Woohoo I can’t wait to catch up with my Snake Valley family 🤗🤗🤪🤪🤩🤩
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Old 15-03-2021, 06:42 PM
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pfitzgerald (Paul)
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+1 to that Jen (...and a huge thank you to Malcolm and the team for organising it all).

Paul
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Old 15-03-2021, 07:32 PM
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Big Dave (Dave)
Telescopes keep me poor

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Im in, now who is bringing the Pav
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  #5  
Old 15-03-2021, 07:54 PM
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The_bluester (Paul)
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Toph and I are up for three nights. Having to delay the camp is fortuitous for us as it puts it in the middle of the school holidays.
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Old 16-03-2021, 08:51 AM
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Andy01 (Andy)
My God it's full of stars

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Lock it in Eddie
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Old 16-03-2021, 04:40 PM
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Karlz (Karl)
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I think I might have to book in for next year to come see the excitement.
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Old 18-03-2021, 08:58 PM
TwistedRider (Drew)
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Yeah!!!!
Both Chris and I will be coming.

Week done to Malcolm for keeping the dream alive.
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  #9  
Old 20-03-2021, 09:15 AM
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barx1963 (Malcolm)
Bright the hawk's flight

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Bookings are coming in!! We have a couple of new names and great to see the "usual suspects" getting in.

Cheers
Malcolm
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Old 21-03-2021, 08:48 AM
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pfitzgerald (Paul)
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Pavs are under control Dave - no need to panic!

I'll be there Friday through Tuesday. Just need to get the paper work off to Malcolm this week.

Paul
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Old 28-03-2021, 07:23 PM
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erick (Eric)
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I cannot come this time. Being school holidays I'm committed (happily) to time with grandchildren and that cannot include a star camp. Oh well, next time. Have a great time everyone. Eric
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Old 29-03-2021, 07:23 PM
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OK - paper work is in so it's official - I'll be there.

For those more knowledgeable (that's the biggest word I've used in a while!)than myself I am hoping to bring a Meade LX750 mount, tripod and 152 refractor that was donated to my new school - unfortunately there is an issue with the mount. When doing a star alignment the mount will (apparently) only rotate through 90 degrees. Is this indicative of a software issue or a hardware issue? I'm hoping that some of you going to SVAC this April may be able to help me out in getting the mount going - it has been well looked after and is otherwise in excellent condition. I have its manuals and cables.

Any thoughts much appreciated - it looks like the domains for the old LX750 users have long gone so no help on that front.

TYAIA

Paul
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Old 03-04-2021, 11:04 PM
TwistedRider (Drew)
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So no one is buying new gear this week right?

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Old 05-04-2021, 01:09 PM
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Count me in!
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Old 05-04-2021, 08:12 PM
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Starrymessenger (Ste)
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Yup

I’ll be there, with the spit for Saturday evenings meal, and my eBike, and chess set......there IS some rain and cloudy weather forecast at the moment.... but I’ll be there till Tuesday..😊😊😈😈🥰🥰🔭🔭🔭🚵🏻🚵🏻
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Old 05-04-2021, 08:34 PM
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3 more sleeps woohoo 🤗🤗🤪🤪🪐🪐🤩🤩
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Old 08-04-2021, 07:54 PM
TwistedRider (Drew)
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It's the night before Christmas...err...Astrocamp.

Hope everyone has almost started packing!

See you all on site tomorrow!
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Old 08-04-2021, 08:31 PM
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The_bluester (Paul)
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Well in to packing, holy smoke I bring some stuff!
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Old 08-04-2021, 10:13 PM
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🤣🤣🤣
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  #20  
Old 09-04-2021, 01:41 PM
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pfitzgerald (Paul)
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Looking at the forecast for tonight I'll go watch my son play footy for Monty and I'll see you all around lunchtime tomorrow.

...I don't think two 'small' pavs will be enough - so I'll be bringing three!
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