Chaffey Dam weekend

[Arthur Alchin]

:welcome: Getting in early for the diaries :lol:

Chaffey Dam via Nundle (about 4hrs 30 min drive from central coast) for the week 6th- 10th March 2013.

Before it gets to cold. All camping gear needed (motorhome and van friendly). There are toilet blocks and $1 showers. Nundle township is about 10 kms away for supplies and a nice pub.

Camping is within 30m of the waters edga and swimming,, fishing, boating etc are all on the card. The cost is $2 per person/ night or $5 per car/ night.


As usual bring all your own gear but there will be generators for battery charging etc ( bring your own charger to plug in that is).

Try and keep the thread alive, this is the type of camp enjoyed by the central coast and others for a couple of years now. All are welcome.

This event doesn't coincide with any other major astro event in NSW that week

[Allan_L]

Thanks AA
Date noted.
Interest registered.
Now to get the SWMBO to change her holiday plans (which clash)

[Arthur Alchin]

I did say Asttro event not SWMBO event which can be much more catastrophic if crossed. BTW my new scope is brilliant, just needs to see the dark of night as yet

[Allan_L]

Yes, but our plans at the moment include us both being in Victoria at that time, you see.

So I need SWMBO approval to nudge that a week or so.
Better still, I need to get her to suggest it! :question:




Are you bringing it up to the PC this Saturday? :xmas:
I can't wait to see it - (and through it) :eyepop:

[MortonH]

Jeez, just looked up Chaffey Dam and you're almost at Tamworth!

Probably too far for me but where exactly is the camp site so I can see it on Google maps?

[Arthur Alchin]

The camp sites are around the perimeter of the dam, a swath of land about a kilometer or more long. It is about 10 kms out of Nundle on the road to Tamworth.

The extremes some people will go to in search of dark skies and good times is amazing. Would love to catch up with you there if you were to make it.

I will be leaving home at between midnight and 0200hrs on the wednesday morning so i can get there early and secure the "best" area for us to all get the best horizon.

Comments anyone???

[Deeno]

Looks good!

Going to try and make this one. Maybe the last opportunity before the new bub arrives.....

[Allan_L]

WOW!
Congratulations Deeno.
Is this the official announcement?
Best wishes to the growing family!

...and Hope to see you there in March.

[Inmykombi]

Congratulations Deeno. Wow another little one...:family2::family:
All the best to you and Amanda....




I have the date in the diary and will look forward to it.

I want to try out my new ( 2nd hand ) van which will need to be run in for its first camping trip.

[Arthur Alchin]

It will be great to catch up Deeno if you can make it. I know the distance is a little further but i think the skies worth it.

I will have to take fishing rod and the inflatable boat and motor for this one. :lol:

[Arthur Alchin]

Don't forget to transfer this event to your new diaries.

It's only 10 weeks away which gives us Heaps of time to concentrate on appeasing the galaxial weather gods and hopefully coercing them into rewarding us with favourable seeing and transparency for the event

Take care and have a great new year:)

[Arthur Alchin]

:welcome: Just 8 weeks tomorrow and counting down, yippee :rofl::rofl:
Will try and keep the thread alive

Maybe an informal head count to let the others have an idea who may be coming. : Me for one

[jakob]

It in my diary!
:):):)

[Inmykombi]

Really looking forward to this trip.
Does anyone have any photos of the Dam and camping areas ?

[jakob]

'Honey based Mead' should have some!:hi:

[Deeno]

May have a few next week....

[Arthur Alchin]

haven't but you get a very good close up shot on Google Earth, top photos :)

[Rick Petrie]

Stopped in at Chaffey Dam on our way back from Manilla/Tamworth between Christmas and New Year and took a few shots around the dam in various locations maybe suitable for setting up at.
It was quite busy at that time of year but should be OK around March.
It is a great spot.

[jakob]

Thanks Rick,
Looks greate, looking forward to the camp!

:):):)

[Inmykombi]

Excellent Rick, thx for posting those photos.

Looks like a great spot, where we can camp near the amenities or slightly away from them and get some nice dark skies.
I am still trying to talk Karen,and trying to convince her into coming along and enjoying the company as well as a relaxing holiday.:rolleyes:

Looking forward to it....:thumbsup:

[Arthur Alchin]

They are great shots Rick, really looking forward to it.

[Arthur Alchin]

Yeah everyone, just over 5 weeks to go. Getting excited: you bet :rofl:

[Arthur Alchin]

Well with any luck at this hour in 4 weeks time I will be setting up camp at Chaffey Dam. I think that means 27 sleeps away. A bit like counting down to Christmas (only better :lol:).


Got my shroud made ( unavailable from AstroZap). Making up all the accessory electrics and heaters, going to be well prepared I hope :thumbsup:

[jakob]

:thumbsup:o:thumbsup:

[Arthur Alchin]

21sleeps to go guys

[Inmykombi]

wooo hoooo.

[Inmykombi]

15 sleeps if I am correct.

What plans do we have for driving there ? Are we all leaving early ?
Are we leaving together or separately ?
Sounds like a bit of a drive to get there, so an early departure may be wise.

[GTB_an_Owl]

i will be driving there in my brand new (USED) van (hopefully)

which brings me to the point that i need to talk to you Geoffro about the pros and cons of van types - so when you get a few minutes Geoffro, maybe you could give me a ring


geoff

[elfinke]

Cheffey Dam is just down the road from me (relatively speaking). Weather permitting, you guys'll have a blast out there!

[Arthur Alchin]

To elfinke: will we be lucky enough to meet up with you???? I think I can speak on behalf of all the guys when I say we enjoy meeting up with our fellow skywatchers from other districts, especially when we visit your regions.

Geoff: I want to ge there very early, hopefully before sunrise so I can see if there are any lights that we need to avoid setting up near. Roy (my nephew) and I plan on leaving the CC just after midnight, possible as late as 01:00hrs. Sto at scone for Macca chino. :)

[Allan_L]

I told Jo it was only a couple of kilometres from town.
(I thought someone told me that?)
anyway, she has found it is 15 kilomtres, and that nice stroll now looks lost.
Not a happy camper :help:

[GTB_an_Owl]

i would think there will be a car available for shop visits Al


geoff

[Rick Petrie]

Tell her not to worry Al as Lyn will probably be wanting to day trip to the shops etc. :) as well as strolling around.;)
As Mr Owl has said, there will be cars available if needed.

[Arthur Alchin]

Yes Allan, you need a car for going to town? No problem. I think I'll be taking the push bike also, only 14 Kim's to Nundle (?mocca ?beer)

[jakob]

Can't wait to get there.
I found this entry in a Camping book.
I,m considering a stopover at Lake Liddell and leaving Tuesday, a day early.

See ya there!:hi:

[Allan_L]

YES have stayed at Lake Liddell when I was working at the Power Station.
Its a bit run down last time I was there.
But there was hot water showers free and good water sport facilities.
(Shame there is a bit of light pollution from the power station etc).
But careful positioning may overcome that if you want to observe.

I will consider going there too. Shorten the next days travel etc..
Sounds better than leaving Maccas at 1am. (With Jo= NO chance!)

[gmbfilter]

Been working flat out on my scope.
Hope it will be ready in time....dont want to be scopeless anymore!

[Inmykombi]

Arthur, the hill just North of the Main camping area looks nice and high for observing.
It looks like it could be far enough away from other campers lights as well, if they camp near the amenities that is.

What do you and others think ?

[Rick Petrie]

Geoffro, from memory the highest point open to the public is near where you are saying but I think it is bushier than it looks on Google Earth and not a big level area.
I think the other hill to the NE is not open to the public (if it is the one I'm thinking). I think this is the hill that the caretakers buildings are on.
Hope I am wrong regarding the site you refer. The most level area with the best horizon from memory, is just west of the amenities, however the light at the amenities needs fixing. ;);)
If the water level is up, it would be nice to camp near the waters edge in the SE corner to the north of the amenities building as this area is quite level, and short stroll up the hill to amenities. But happy to be anywhere the consensus is.:)

[Inmykombi]

Thanks Rick.
Its hard to tell on Google Earth.
As long as we can get away from light from other campers and light from the ammenities block, and have as fair horizon, I will be a happy camper....
Oh and a bakery / pie shop within walking distance would be great....
I dont ask for much do I ? :P

Do they have water available from taps for cooking etc ?
Or do we need to bring our own ?
Water from the dam would be ok for showering I assume

[jakob]

Geoff
Have a look at my earlier post.
The place we are going is called Bowling Alley Point Reserve,
the attachement shows all the facilites awailable which includes Water and 1$ showers!

See you there!
j.:D:D:D

[Inmykombi]

Thanks Jakob.. Loads of facilities there.
What about the pie shop ?:D

[Rick Petrie]

I think a mobile 'pie shop' will be there hopefully.
It's called 'Al's travelling apple charlotte and latte coffee wagon':lol:

[Inmykombi]

I've seen that Van at other locations.
The foods OK, but the bloke serving ???? well that's another story. ;)

I might stock up on Apple Charlotte ( multiple ) before the trip.
Traditional ones....with no cream :rolleyes:

[Rick Petrie]

Yep, he's definitely dodgy but we will help him with those pies though.

[Arthur Alchin]

Will take some stuff to erect a light screen between us and any light. Ideas anyone???

[GTB_an_Owl]

i can bring my black table cloths

geoff

[Arthur Alchin]

That would be so good Geoff, good thinking

[Inmykombi]

Maybe a spare tarp or two if anyone has any..

[GTB_an_Owl]

now i wonder who would have some spare tarps :shrug: :P :shrug: :rolleyes: :question: :poke: :D

geoff

[Rick Petrie]

I know........"Asymmetry Man":lol:

[Inmykombi]

I didn't want to point the finger Geoff....;)

[Inmykombi]

I just got off the phone with a lady from the information Centre, somewhere near the Dam.
She gave me a whole lot of information about the Dam and after speaking with her for about 15 mins. I found out the following.



The Dam is approx. 90 odd percent full at present. good for swimming and fishing.



We can camp anywhere around the forshore of the Dam, we only need to travel the distance to the amenities block if we need them.



She said that at present there are only about 1/2 dozen campers there.



They don't expect many this time of year between School holidays.



It is thought that the lights around the amenities are " sensor " lights to conserve energy.



Camping grounds don't get mushy when it rains as there are plenty of grassed areas for camping.



We should get fuel before we get to Nundle as its a bit Dodgy there. We should get last fuel at Willowtree or Wallabadah.



Woolamin is only a few K's away for essentials such as milk and bread etc. if we need it.



We can camp away from the ski boats that set up near the dam wall apparently which may be noisy as well.



I have a phone number to ring when there if need be for more details.



The area is said to be Beautiful at present with only a few periods of rain recently which has greened the place up a bit.

I hope this helps.

Long Range weather forecast predicts Rain unfortunately, according to Weatherzone.
Keep an eye on this site....

http://www.weatherzone.com.au/long-range-forecast/28-day-rain/nsw/northern-tablelands

http://www.weatherzone.com.au/long-range-forecast/28-day-rain/nsw/nw-slopes-and-plains

Getting excited now:D

[GTB_an_Owl]

ok folks

7Timer for Chaffey Dam

http://weather.gtbastrowise.com.au/index.php/7timer-chaffeydam

looking ok at the moment


geoff

[Inmykombi]

Am I reading this wrong. ?

It looks like mostly rain to me on 7 timer ....

[Rick Petrie]

Nundle is about to get some good rain, so I suppose the dam level should be close to full by the time we get there.
I think from 7 timer and weatherzone the weather is clearing by next week so keep our fingers and toes crossed. I'm confident it should be good.:thumbsup:

[GTB_an_Owl]

dewy and cloudy after midnite most nites Geoff

but that might change for the better

geoff

[Inmykombi]

Does anyone know if there is firewood there for the BBQ's ?, or do we need to bring some along for the duration.

[Rick Petrie]

From memory Geoff, I don't think there is firewood provided or much available, unless we find any trees down or isolated stumps to drag to a campsite. No doubt Arthur (Atlas) will find some aka Bretti,:P but generally there is not much lying around. I don't think this time of year it will be that cold that a fire will need to be burning all the time, but it would be nice to sit around a campfire at night.:) My trailer normally would be available to take some up, but unfortunately I don't have it at present.

[GTB_an_Owl]

7Timer :mad2: :( :mad2: :shrug:

Soooooooo what is plan B ?

geoff

[jakob]

Go south-west?
Bathurst - Parks - Wyangala Dam - Carcor Dam?
:question::question::question:

[GTB_an_Owl]

Yes - well i am open to a change of direction

geoff

[Allan_L]

We are still planning on heading north.
Going to Muswellbrook Tuesday (Jo instigated)
Staying at Lake Liddell Tuesday night with Jakob (hopefully).

From there it is only about 2 hours on to Tamworth area so that is still the plan. Weather seems pretty 50/50 to me. Some good days. Maybe one good night.

But happy to consider alternatives if any arise.

Will decide Tuesday.

Hope we can agree on a spot.

[Inmykombi]

Plan B ??????????????? don't know myself....somewhere closer if the weather is crappy ???????????

If the weather is looking bad, my wife ( who is still suffering from the after affects of Glandular fever ) says she won't go.
She doesn't like camping that much, that she will tolerate bad weather in a tent..

[GTB_an_Owl]

Geoff

i don't think we will get wet - at this point in time i just think it might be cloudy at the most 2 nites

the fishing is supposed to be good there - and well - i have to take my new van somewhere

i just hope i can pick it up before thursday

geoff

[Inmykombi]

I must still be reading the 7 timer wring. it looks like rain every night to me until the next morning. ????
Am I reading it wrong ?

[GTB_an_Owl]

probably Geoff

are you following the link i gave?

cloud is cloud (white is better than black)
little blue comma's are dew
lightning bolt is stormy
white bits at the bottom of cloud is RAIN
sun is sunny day
yellow stars is clear nite

that clearer?

geoff

[gmbfilter]

I'm with you Geoff
Sounds great I can't wait

[Inmykombi]

I must be reading dew as rain ????.


What are the little blue drops ? are they rain or dew ?

[GTB_an_Owl]

ok Geoffro

lets take a more direct approach in case your getting a cached result

http://weather.gtbastrowise.com.au

on the left hand side you will find the links to our stargazing sites

geoff

[Inmykombi]

Same, every night except Wednesday shows cloud and wet.
A picture of a cloud with little blue drops....

[GTB_an_Owl]

this is what i see

http://www.iceinspace.com.au/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=133904&stc=1&d=1362305312


that better?

geoff

[GTB_an_Owl]

the little blue drops are DEW Geoffro (not rain)

so wed is fine but dewy

next 3 nites cloudy and dewy

geoff

[Arthur Alchin]

Well at this stage I'm not changing my plans but I can't speak for anyone else. I'm going up north regardless, definitely need the break and if sky watching doesn't happen, something fun will take its place I'm sure.

Anyhow 52 hrs will see me on the road. Have a great night all. If all
Goes well we will have quite a turnip :rofl:

[Rick Petrie]

I still think it will be OK, so you guys, STOP WORRYING. :thumbsup:
I'm sure a good time will be had by all as we have always had.:campfire::astron::fishing::dri nk::zzz::)

.........and it will be clear:P
Now leaving Wednesday morning about 8:30ish

[Inmykombi]

That makes sense now. It looked like rain, but its only dew.

I think I'll go back to my Crystal Ball instead of 7 timer....:P

[jakob]

I'm srarting to pack for plan A :)
All blue Sky here!
:D:D:D

[Arthur Alchin]

That is cool, I started packing a month ago, just the final details to go, like buying a cheap fishing rod

[GTB_an_Owl]

you mean - with all the STUFF you do have - you DON'T have a fishing rod!

amazing!

geoff

[GTB_an_Owl]

well - we have to go to Chaffey Dam now

i have bought my fishing gear

thank you very much - bye bye $100

hope someone knows how to cook fish
(if we catch any that is)

geoff

[Inmykombi]

You do the Catchin' and I'll do the cookin'.

geoffro.

[GTB_an_Owl]

sounds like a deal Geoffro

geoff

[MortonH]

Have a good trip, guys!

[gmbfilter]

Are you also licenced to fish?

[Inmykombi]

I am self licensed to " cook fish ":P

Thanks for the message Morton. I need a break from work.


Geoffro.

[Rick Petrie]

Pensioners do not require a licence. how good is that?:P

[Inmykombi]

Cool bananas. You better catch bucket loads then.:thumbsup:

[Arthur Alchin]

Sure we can't twist your arm for a late commitment to come up?? we are all looking forward to seeing you there :lol:

[Rick Petrie]

I'm taking the double kayak so we'll be able to go out on the dam where all the big ones are Geoff. Do you need a licence to drive a kayak?:lol:

[GTB_an_Owl]

Yes! :cool:

one of the benefits of being a pensioner :fishing:

for FREE

geoff

[Inmykombi]

Not unless it has a 20 HP motor on the back ....:P

[Allan_L]

Hey All!
Today is it!
WooHoo

Packing Now - Leaving Lunchtime Today. :rolleyes:
1x Apple Charlotte (without bl%dy cream!!!) ... on order for pick up on way!
So how many slices?

Staying Lake Liddell Recreation park tonight. Arriving about 5pm (Jakob - you still there tonight too?). :hi:

ETA Chaffey Dam (Bowling Alley Point?) noon Wednesday.

Monitoring UHF40

[jakob]

Having lunch at the twin servos
See ya there!

[Arthur Alchin]

Got the 10 foot inflatable on the trailer, not taking the motor, going to have to use the twin Armstrong

[Inmykombi]

Slices ???? I aint cutting it for no-one....:lol:


I have 2 x Apple Charlotte's as well, so we should be able to eat some everyday....:D

Starting to pack the car now, will be leaving about 7 am tomorrow morning.

[cassiej]

So Jealous about this trip away everyone is doing! Arthur, I have an inflatable too! Mine's and Intex excusion 5, got a little motor for it too but I've just moved on to kayaing :D so much fun!

[Inmykombi]

There's still time to pack the Kayak for some fun on the Dam, and a trip away !:D

Almost packed.
I cant believe I have so much camping stuff, and so little space in my Van :confused2:

[Arthur Alchin]

Same here Geoff, more than usual but leaving stuff at home also that I normally take

[GTB_an_Owl]

looks like i won't get away till friday morning some time

don't pick the new transport up till to-morrow some time
then i have to do some accessory fitting on it and pack it

geoff

[Shano592]

Well, if space is your problem, you can always jettison that nice ... er ... cumbersome JMI case that is always getting in the way ....

Funny thing, I think it would fit my scope beautifully!

[gmbfilter]

I've been flat out
I was hoping to be gone today
Won't get away until Friday AM

[GTB_an_Owl]

at this stage it will be lunch time friday before i get to leave
have picked up the van and almost finished putting the house battery in
(never let anyone tell you it is an easy job)
now have to do the CB and pack in the morning

geoff

[Fizics]

Photos of camp at Chaffey Dam
Great location, fine weather, great company and yes clear skies last two nights. Too good to miss, unfortunately i had to leave midday today.
How many scopes can you see? Are they really dunny tents?
:thanx: to everyone for making this a great event.

John

[gmbfilter]

Johns photos look great
I'm not going to make it
Everyone have a good time

[Allan_L]

Sorry you couldnt make it Geoff.
Maybe next weekend at PC?
We are at Bendemeer heading for Waterfall Way before heading home later this week.
Geoff (owl) arrived yesterday.
He and a few others are staying a bit longer.
Nights have been clear but a bit unstable.
But worth the trip. Yes.
A lovely spot with good amenities.:thumbsup:

[Inmykombi]

Just got home from Chaffey Dam.
3 clear nights with reasonable seeing, and last night which was clear but the seeing was less than good.

Great weather, nice clean cool water for swimming, great company.
Another lovely trip away.

Plenty of stuff to see on the good nights. Milky Way from Horizon to Horizon.:eyepop:

Also saw the Space Station 3 nights in a row.... A first for me seeing it more than once over a week or so.....

Thanks to all for making it a fun trip.

[GTB_an_Owl]

left about 1-30pm and got home about 6-15

now all i need is 2 days to recover

new van went well - just the trick for camping expeditions

what a great site to camp at!

hope we get to go there again

thanks all for a great few days

geoff

[Arthur Alchin]

Thanks for the turn up everyone, great to cat h up with everyone. Sorry about the ones who wanted to come but couldn't .

The weather was great, the sky clear but seeing was less than great. But what the heck, 16 made the 4.5 hr trip and all said they had a great time.

Very soon we will have to discuss the winter trip ? Same venue ? Bretti. And whether its to be June, July or August and how many days. Does it need a new thread

[Shano592]

So ... no fish?

:shrug:

[Allan_L]

Great Trip.
Great weather.
Great nights.
Great company.
Thanks to AA for organising and everyone who made it such a success.
We moved on, as sacrificial lambs, but are still camping.
At Blackmans Point near Port Macquarie.
Home tomorrow.

The Waterfall Way was stunning.

Al

[Rick Petrie]

Lyn and I and Meggs (red dog) thoroughly enjoyed the few days we had at Chaffey Dam with all the crew who went.
The last day/evening was I think the best of all 5 nights, as far as seeing and clarity of the sky went.
Thanks to all who ventured north to one of the best locations you could ask for, with great company as always. Will definitely go again soon just for the laid back relaxing atmosphere of the place. Five fine days and nights was all we could have asked for.:thumbsup:
Cheers Rick:)

[jakob]

I also had a greate time.

Thanks to Arthur for planning it all and the Trailerload of Goodies!:thumbsup:

I'm in Moree recovering in the Hot pools and learning how to process the captured images.
I have a lot to learn!!

I attach a few early samples here:

Till next time J.
:thanx::thanx::thanx:

[GTB_an_Owl]

so have you reported the UFO in the first pic Jakob?

geoff

[Inmykombi]

No fish at all Shane. No-one caught any for me to cook....( what does that say about my cookin":question:

And Jakob, I think that last image is a beauty...:eyepop:

Geoffro.

[Fizics]

Jakob good to see the the results of your imaging. Thanks for sharing them.

[Allan_L]

These are some of the pictures Jo took while at Chaffey Dam.

I have also posted some photos we took of waterfall way, on the way home.
These are in the Terrestrial Images forum.

Al

[Rick Petrie]

Some really beautiful images there Allan and Jo.:eyepop:
Makes me feel like we should have stayed another week. Particularly like the sunset ones which show the ambience of the place. Top stuff.:thumbsup:
Great shots too Jakob. The last one is my pick, a cracker.

[Allan_L]

Thanks Rick.
I subsequently re-loaded them at slightly higher resolution.

And a classic goose walk taken by Jo at Lake Liddell on the way up.
Liddell and Bayswater power stations in the background.

[Shano592]

Was there any problem with mosquitoes?

I doubt it, since they are all at my place!

[Rick Petrie]

Did not see one Shane. But the flies were out in force during the day.
The nights were very pleasant.

[Inmykombi]

The flies weren't hanging around me ????:lol:

[Rick Petrie]

But you could see where they had been.:rofl: