Bretti Reserve Sept 2013

[Arthur Alchin]

:welcome:

Seems to be a lot going on for a lot of astro folks over the next few months so probably the next time we can get an Astro camp together might be September.

The new moon in September falls on Wednesday the 5th so maybe a sejourne starting the 4th till the 8th might be a goer if if suits most of us.

The venue this time: Bretti Reserve so it will be very cool and you will need the usual winter gear. We do the big camp fire thing so if someone has a chain saw it would come in handy.

I believe there is a new amenity shed up there but as I haven't seen it i can't comment but i will take a trip up before that weekend to sus it out. For those who haven't been before the skies there are majestic with very little if any sky glow.

It's is a great place, about 3 hrs drive from the central coast (heading NNW).

Comments welcome from everyone.

Ps won't be around for the may pony club, I'll be viewing the northern skies from London (someone tell me there's no sky glow there :) )

Arthur

[absolut]

Bretti sounds awesome!

I'd love to come along! I'll be a first timer for that one too! :D

The cold doesn't scare me, I've lived in Canberra! :lol:

Rob

[Arthur Alchin]

That sounds great Robert, watch this spot, I'm sure there will be more responses soon.

PS my kids live in the ACT and we visit regularly, I know what you mean, was an old Goulburn kid myself

[MortonH]

I hope to make this one.

[MortonH]

I hope to make this one.

[Arthur Alchin]

That would be great Morton, will keep the fingers crossed eh :)

[Inmykombi]

Pencilled into my Diary.

mmmmmmmmmmmm Camp fire cooking and dark skies mmmmmmmmmmmm

[Arthur Alchin]

need to try and have a post every week or two to keep the thread alive everyone, Good luck.

Bon Voyage

[absolut]

I agree!

I'm going to need to put in for the holidays in the next few weeks...
I've talked a photography nerd friend of mine into coming as well! :D

How firm are we looking for the event at this stage?

Rob

[Arthur Alchin]

Sorry about the delay, am currently in Paris and just checked my iceinspace for the first time in days.

Every one of these weekends we have organised has occurred Robert without a hitch, bar one but at the last minute we snagged an alternate venue which was great also, one which we have used at other times.

Loo forward to catching up :)

[Arthur Alchin]

:):welcome: these "camps" that show on this forum are open to ALL from wherever to attend, even though the thread is usually started by the "Pony Clubbers" the camps are for all to attend, a way of meeting fellow astro hobbyists (like ourselves) from all over.

Please feel free to join the thread :)

[Allan]

I will be there, sounds like a great spot. I will need definite dates so I can organise the time off. Will there be some more information forth coming on here? I know very little about this one. Cheers

[Arthur Alchin]

Welcome aboard, as the camp gets closer the thread usually becomes far more active.

Bretti is a great spot about 30kms up the thunderbolt way from Gloucester. It is a free spot and all camping gear is needed. When there we are blessed (for the want of a better word) with a clean, fresh, and very cold water river and toiets.

Suggesting setting up camp on the wednesday gives us up to the sunday which covers the new moon well. (5days, 4 nights). The people who attend are a great and friendly bunch who are not adverse to to the odd BBQ and ALE. We usually set a traditional camp fire that burns like the olympic torch for the duration.

A few of us take generators (yes very quet ones:)) so we can charge batteries etc. please feel free to post any questions on the thread as i am sure they will be answered by one of the regulars. The spot is about 10 acres.

Im quite happy for folk to ring me for info but not until after next weekend as i a currently in Paris and the call costs are expensive.

Phone 0400372813 (after next weekend)

[Allan_L]

Geoff(1), Geoff(2), and I went to Bretti Camp in May for a few days after the eclipse. (No that is not in reference to the title ;))

YES.
The GOOD news is that I can confirm there is a NEW Amenities Shed. Very Nice. Caters for wheelchair use, and people on crutches. It even has a water tank connected to a hand washing basin. It is still a pit toilet design. But very modern. :thumbsup:

The BAD news is that it is right at the base of the entrance - that is: as far as possible from where we normally set up camp. :shrug:

But of course, the UGLY old toilet shed is still there, close at hand to where we generally camp. :D

[Arthur Alchin]

Well
placed for your bike travel, might have to take the pushies again or go around by boat

[churto]

Sounds like a great place for camp and some star gazing... hope to see you then.

[absolut]

Looking forward to it!

Building up my photography setup, hoping to do some nightscape/timelapse at the camp! :D

Bikes sound good, I'll bring mine along! :)

Rob

[Allan_L]

Just came across these photos from a previous trip.
Looking southwards
By day, and
By night.

(I think that's an emu, on its head)

[davenn]

hey Allan

gosh is that Sydney skyglow in the distance ? :D

I really need to start getting to the occassional starparty around the countryside. Have been here too long not to have got to know a few fellow astronomers personally

Dave

[glend]

I will try to get along to this event. I see on the info for Bretti that it is dog friendly, are dogs allowed at these IIS events or are they seen as a danger to peoples equipment setup?

[Rick Petrie]

Hi Glen
A few of us have taken our dogs to these events before.
Providing that the owners are responsible for their dogs behavior and restraint around others equipment,(and particularly at night) I don't think it would be a problem at all. We should have our little guy with us also.
See you there.:)

[Allan_L]

Hi Dave,
Hope you can make it on this little trip.
No, we don't get much if any skyglow at Bretti at all.
I think there was a little cloud low on the horizon and some lightning off in the distance that night.
When the weather co-operates the sky is very dark there.



Hi Glen,
Hope you can come.
The farmer next door often runs a few horses and/or cattle on the field at Bretti. I don't know if this will be an issue for your pooch? But other campers have dogs there occasionally, without incident. There is certainly plenty of open space for it to run around (although preferably not at night time :) )

BTW: This is not a sanctioned IIS Event as such. It is just a bunch of us, getting away with similar interest. No rules. No Formalities. But general courtesy and mateship are appreciated.

See you there.

[Arthur Alchin]

Am also crrently planning to spend november new moon at Chaffey Dam if anyone is interested

[glend]

I thought it worth bumping this thread back up. This location seems to almost guarantee dark skies without skyglow, but I could be wrong about that given the mine operations to the south. Anyone who has been there before care to comment on relative darkness of this site, say compared to the Pony Club which seems too close to Sydney to me.

[Allan_L]

I am (planning on) going for a drive up to Lake St Clair tomorrow (Sunday 14July) to check out the camp ground there.

Just northeast of Singleton it is probably a 2 hour drive from the Central Coast (maybe 3 hours from Sydney?)

We Plan to camp there overnight.

Anyone else been there?
Any reports?

It may be a bit too commercially developed for our Astronomy needs, but Jo wants to take a look anyway.

[Inmykombi]

Let us know if its any good Allan.

[Allan_L]

Well, it is a beautiful secluded spot.
The caretaker says they have had Astro groups there before on a semi regular basis.
And the facilities are quite good.
but at $22.50 (off peak) for an UnPowered site, I think it will only be for the dedicated few.
Other than the price, it is a similar setup to Chaffey Dam (but half as far).
The price does include "free" hot showers and "free" electric BBQs.
But I don't see it becoming a regular.

Couldn't comment on the skies as it was overcast all night.:(

But it was a pleasant trip.

Edit
Oh! They do have a small number of Powered sites for a few dollars more, but these are not on the waterfront.
And a light at each of the office and amenities blocks (2) are on all night, but these are all in one area (near powered sites).

[jakob]

Thanks for the report, Allan.
I bear this in mind for an outing.

[Arthur Alchin]

Thanks for that report, a sopt ive heard of but not visited. Although i have been to Glenbourn which is a little futher on.

And Glend

As regards dark skies at Bretti, yes we are regulars there,, maybe 1-2 x yearly and skyglow has never been an issue.but the sky being so dark is as we cant see to walk around and kick our toes :)

[Inmykombi]

Its getting closer, and I am looking forward to a rest from work. Campfire cooking, good company and some nice weather should enable us to relax as we normally do. Roll on September....

[Arthur Alchin]

Anyone that has a chain saw they can bring to camp it would be appreciated. Need lots of firewood

[Inmykombi]

I don't even have a sharp set of Steak knives Arthur....sorry....

[Allan_L]

I think I can borrow one for the trip.
Unless anyone else has already arranged for one?

[GTB_an_Owl]

Soooooooo!

date revision or postal voting?

geoff

[absolut]

Stupid elections... :screwy:

I'm thinking we pile into a few cars and just go absentee vote in Gloucester?

Or postal voting... Gloucester is pretty close though... :D
http://www.aec.gov.au/Voting/ways_to_vote/#absent

I'm planning on a short trip to vote and probably grab some lunch/supplies.

Rob

[glend]

The date/s has to stay the same from my perspective, as I have made plans to be there from Wednesday the 4th - but then again I don't have to vote (Canadian citizen, permanent resident in Aus, can't vote).

Can't you vote in advance, postal? Probably much less hassle than trying to get to a polling place.

[Inmykombi]

Postal vote is the go I think. That way no precious relaxation time is missed.:D

Only one Moon cycle to go folks.

Thanks for that link to the AEC Robert....

[Allan_L]

yes, Geoff, I agree!
I already applied for a postal vote today. www.aec.gov.au
Not wanting to risk forgetting to vote in middle of camp.

Looking forward to it.

BTW I am off to sunny Victoria for a couple of weeks as of tomorrow.

al

[Inmykombi]

I also applied for a postal vote today.... Enjoy your trip Alan.

[Arthur Alchin]

Yep count down for those interested in the end of winter camp out

[glend]

For those that have been there before, is there Telstra network coverage at the Reserve?

[Allan_L]

Hi Glen,

No Telstra coverage at the reserve.
We often go into gloucester, its about half hour south.
Coverager kicks in about half way there.

[Arthur Alchin]

Yes I think it is only 18 sleeps away, you beaut

[Allan]

Got my roster yesterday, just as I asked for. Planning on a Thursday to Sunday session. Can't wait, there's nothing better than a dark sky and lots of telescopes. :)

[Arthur Alchin]

Get to check my roster on Monday, there will be hell tp pay if its not as I requested

[absolut]

Hey,

I can't wait!

True story: my work is doing the physical move/merge with the new building while I'm on annual leave for Bretti/other things. :lol: What a pity I won't be around to be nagged every 5 mins about stupid stuff!! :D

I'll be at Bretti from Wed to Sun. Wednesday arvo is a good time to show up?

Rob

[glend]

I am heading up on Wednesday, its not far for me, was planning on getting there around 2pm...ish. Working on the camper today trying to get all the Darling River dust out of it.

[Inmykombi]

Hi Robert and Glen. Wed arvo would be a good time to roll up. I plan on the same.
As long as I can get the tent and all accessories set up before dark , and get a campfire going for some cooking or just for the billy....
Roll on dark clear skies....

[Arthur Alchin]

I hav e a roster made in heaven, will be leaving home about 800 and arriving about midday. Maybe a nice cuppa in Gloucester on the way.

I will try for the cleared area near the far river where the cause way is, is that ok with everyone??

Think that there may be some non astronomers amongst us who want to. Share the experience, I have told them about after dark ettiquette and a they have been before anyhow, all good

[absolut]

Hi,

I'm not sure if there is another thread for this: How well is the Bretti site sign posted or which landmarks should I be looking for?

In other news, has anyone had any feedback on the postal vote applications? I relented and decided I'd give that a go, but I haven't seen any change in my application's status yet.

Thanks
Rob

[Allan]

Hey Rob, if you need another option, I am going to do an absentee vote. Voting stations open on the Monday before the election, so you could find your closest station and vote before you leave for Bretti.

[jakob]

Hi Robert, I've just received the voting papers today.
Applied on the 18th.

Bretti reserve is signposted, just follow road to Walcha.
:welcome:

[Allan_L]

Hi Rob,
I got my postal vote papers today too.

Road to Bretti:
From Sydney, take F3 and follow Pacific Hwy to the Buckets Way.
Follow The Buckets Way to Gloucester then just a little further, through Barrington, turn right onto Thunderbolts Way.
After about 30k, you cross a stream (one of many), and start up a steep hill. About 100m up you will see a "REST AREA ahead on Right" sign.
Directly opposite the entry way, there is another smaller rest area sign pointing the way in.
On first inspection, it just looks like a farm entry, but pull in and you will see the Maximum Free Stay 30 Days sign, and the camp ground spread out below, between the two rivers ( Barnard, and Little Manning - I think).
We camp down the far end, near where the rivers meet, and there are no trees.
GPS co-ordinates S31*47'22"; E151*55'07".
See you there !!! :) :) :)

[GTB_an_Owl]

I got my papers to-day too

geoff

[Inmykombi]

I too received my postal voting papers today.

I am getting sick of work and need a good rest.

[absolut]

Sure enough, letter from the AEC in my mail today! :thumbsup:

Thanks for the navigation info, I was debating if Bucketts way was going to be the best route, but as I look at the map, the roads further north linking from the pacific highway look alot less desirable, so I'll stick with the Bucketts way. :D

Only 2 weeks to go!!... :eyepop:

Rob

[GTB_an_Owl]

-1 at Bretti at 4am in the morning and 1 degree same time Thursday morning

geoff

[Inmykombi]

That temperature is OK by me.
We thrive in low temperatures at Bretti, as long as we can warm up near a fire and enjoy a coffee and a glass of port....in that order....:D

oh.... just cracked 2000 posts.....:P

[Allan]

Excellent, another port drinker. I'll bring a tasty selection.

[glend]

Ha ha I am bringing port as well, just to keep the chill off the old bones.

[Arthur Alchin]

Wow, sounding good, might have to gring some also. Do like me single malt whisky but might see if I can find some nice port and musket in the collection to bring up.

Maybe some disposable glasses? Don't worry about garbage bags i have heaps.

And"cold" what in hell's that??? So superficial ��

I get to try out my new home made 0 to 24 watt fan assisted anti-dew tube warmers

[Inmykombi]

mmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm sounds nice....( couldn't think of anything sensible to say for post number 2001....:P )

[Rick Petrie]

Great news Geoffro on reaching 2000 posts.

[glend]

Reading Arthur's post on the directions, and having not been over that road before, I need a little clarification on the turn off the Pacific Hwy, is the preferred route the Bucketts Way junction just north of the Medowie Rd, before Karuah? That route goes through Stroud, Stratford etc to Gloucester.
It seems shorter than going on to Nabiac on the Pacific Hwy and then through Belbora to Gloucester.

What is the Bucketts Way like to travel, I did a quick search, admittedly old info from the caravaners forum seemed to suggest that its badly potholed. Anyone have experience on that road to share? My scope has to travel in the campertrailer which is the reason for my concern.

[GTB_an_Owl]

yes - that is the way we go Glen

i wouldn't say it was potholed - but it is bumpy in most places

geoff

[GTB_an_Owl]

bought 4 x 2000kg 4x4 electric scissor jacks ($90 each) from aldi this morning to use as leveler's for the van

be interesting to see how they go - heavy buggers

fit out of the van is coming along nicely

geoff

[absolut]

The roads around that area had been neglected a bit for a long time, I believe they are in the process of resurfacing some sections. I hope they are on top of that, the roads over Nabiac site are all patches and very little original surface in some areas... I would be surprised if the Bucketts Way would have been ignored in these upgrades - it is sign posted as a tourist route. I think we'll be good turning off near Karuah. :thumbsup:

Congrats on the 2000 posts, we look forward to te next 2000! :D

I must admit I haven't had any port for a very long time! I may have to pick up a bottle from somewhere and refresh my memory (or kill it...) :lol:

Can't wait!!
Rob

[Inmykombi]

Hi Rob, We usually pick up supplies from Gloucester at the Supermarket / bottle shop.
It's a good place to stop and stretch the legs and pick up anything that was forgotten while packing.

see ya there.

[jakob]

So did I , but only bought 2, that's eough to stop the shaking.
Can't wait to get there!
:hi:

[GTB_an_Owl]

yes i'm looking forward to the trip too Jakob

geoff

[Inmykombi]

Might be a good idea to get some new cables and connectors for your scope's Argo too Geoff.

[GTB_an_Owl]

no urgency Geoffro

while all you blokes are drinking your Port - i will be using your scopes :D

geoff

[Arthur Alchin]

According to the 10 day forecast from The Weather Channel. The closest 2 towns we can get a prediction for are Tocal and Scone. For the 4 th of September Tocal is predicted to reach 29 degrees whilst Scone is 31 degrees.

Early prediction I know but hey, it's something to go on

[Allan]

I'm going to put a passcode on my scope.:D

[GTB_an_Owl]

Arthur

here is the 7Timer forecast for Bretti for the week we are there

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

better bring lots of Port

geoff

[Inmykombi]

I dunno. I still cant understand those 7 timer charts.

It looks to me like a Chook has run across an ink pad and then danced on some paper....:shrug:

[GTB_an_Owl]

I will have to give you lessons Geoffro

the one down the bottom with the pretty clouds on it is the 2nd week forecast - starts on wed 4th at the moment
the forecast has changed 3 times since i added it to the page
wouldn't put much faith in it at this stage

geoff

[Inmykombi]

Maybe a Chicken scratching would be more accurate.:lol:

[GTB_an_Owl]

maybe, where or how, the chicken was scratching might have more to do with it Geoffro

geoff

[Arthur Alchin]

Like a few hat i have heard from, the excitement level is rising quickly. So for the forecast is looking good but it is always taken with a grain of salt.

Will be arriving early to mid morning Wednesday to set up camp. Am looking forward to catching up with everyone's and meeting up with the new guys, welcome aboard guys, hope you enjoy the camp as much as we do

Will be setting up near the far causeway ( as long as it is vacant) not expecting many to be there as it is still cool up there although i will. He taking the swimmers just in case

[glend]

Arthur I have seen a report from some caravaners that warn about cows wandering across the causeway from the homestead on the far side in the early morning. Have you had that experience, and if so do scopes need to be secured each night? I just need to know whether I need to bring my hand truck to move the dob of can leave it setup in its popup cubicle.

[GTB_an_Owl]

given that we will probably be "circling the wagons" - i think the Port Drinkers might be more of a risk than the cows Glen

are we doing the Twin Servo's on Wed morning?

geoff

[Arthur Alchin]

We have had a few trips there and have never had a problem with the cows, horses or donkeys. They tend to be a little shy so have in the past kept their distance,

I will be setting up my 16" Dob and its not easy to move so hopefully everything will be good.

We think we had a problem with a bushranger one night early last year but he is in gaol now, so all is good there also

Geoff and I are leaving between 0500 and 0600 so I think the first stop will be Gloucester for coffee not the twin servos this time

[Allan_L]

The cows are curious critters.
One tripped over a tent rope (ripped the peg right out of the ground) one night. Rocked the van. But I was there alone that time.
But they are not always let out into the camping area.
But when they are, I usually don't leave the scope in a vulnerable position.
And I actively try to discourage them approaching where I can.

But actually, most of the guys leave their scopes set up overnight, and I do not recall any problems.

[Allan_L]

I look forward to "The Convoy".
I hope we can.


:rofl::rofl::rofl: too true :rofl::rofl::rofl:

[Inmykombi]

I wont be at the twin servos Wednesday morning.
I have decided to get away early ( sunrise or so ) and get to Gloucester by around 9-ish for some food shopping and a cuppa.

Arthur is doing the same, so don't wait for us at the "twins".

Look forward to catching up with everyone.

[Allan_L]

Well, I am very disappointed. :sadeyes:
I could have been at the twins by then!:P
But wasn't even invited.:mad2:
(There may be a reckoning, when the Apple Charlotte is divied out)

OK, so does anyone else want to meet at the twin servos on F3 on Wednesday morning. So we can travel together.
May be a good idea for first timers.

If we meet there, say 9:30, avoid the rush hour traffic, it is no more than 3 hours to Bretti from there. We are there in time for lunch.
Or stop for lunch at Gloucester and pick up any extra supplies.

[GTB_an_Owl]

i'm with you Al

9 / 9-30 twin servo's

weather isn't looking too bad at the moment - just make sure your dew heater batteries are charged

geoff

[glend]

They are south of me, and I was going to try and get away by 9am or as soon as the rubbish collectors come round - which varies. I hadn't planned on stopping at Gloucester as I will be fully stocked for the trip. Are you going to be on a UHF channel?

[jakob]

My planning is a bit random, so don't count on me for a convoy
:hi:

[Arthur Alchin]

We usually travel on channel 8 so it's is good place to start.

Will have the radio on all day

[Allan_L]

As I recall, Jakob,...
last convoy, you turned your squelch control way up, and filtered us out? :lol:

Hi Glen,
Yeah, Arthur usually uses channel 8 (on Simplex, even though it is a Duplex channel). There is often other traffic, like road crews.

However, the official channel for travellers convoys is 18.
I suggest we use this from now on.

Allan

[glend]

Aha, the Grey Nomad channel.

[GTB_an_Owl]

didn't know they had one!

i generally use the truckies channel 29 while on the highway
(you almost always know where you know who is hiding)

i will have to learn how to monitor two channels

geoff

[absolut]

Hi,

I'm looking to get away from here (Manly) rather early - guessing anywhere between 5:30 and 6:30am... if I leave any later I'll be in the morning traffic for an hour before I even get to the pacific highway... :lol:

I'll keep an eye out for the "convoy", just try not to squish my poor little suzuki alto :eyepop:
Best guess it will take me around 4.5 to 5hrs and will get me to Bretti around midday with a stop for a meal and a break somewhere.

Everyone drive safely! :thumbsup:

Rob

[GTB_an_Owl]

so you have an "Itsy" too Rob

geoff

[Inmykombi]

Sorry Allan, when I spoke to you a few days ago, you told me you were trying to get there a few days earlier than the Wednesday....

I just wanted to get up there early in the day and make the best of my much needed time off from work.

Looks like I bring my own Apple Charlotte if I can find one....:sadeyes:

[GTB_an_Owl]

Geoffro

added a new bit to the Bretti forecast that might be a little easier to understand

geoff

[Inmykombi]

Where is the " new bit " ????
Do I look at your old post for the info ?

Geoffro.

[GTB_an_Owl]

yes Geoffro

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


but maybe you shouldn't look :scared3:


geoff

[Arthur Alchin]

Think there may be a fog and dew issue this week so if your have heaters wouldn't leave them at home.

The only consolation is that the overnight temp is looking good so the dew mightn't be that bad.

[GTB_an_Owl]

do we need a roll call and time of arrival so we (the early birds) know how much room to take up?

geoff

[Arthur Alchin]

Arthur, Roy and Geoff (in my kombi) arrive about mid morning

[Inmykombi]

Yes, a roll call would be great, so us early birds can make sure there is space for others.
Depending on other campers, we will make sure there is room for others in our group and also enough room for scopes and fun and games etc.
Bring boomerangs, Boce balls, kites, helicopters....and any other daytime activity toys you may have to enjoy the daylight hours.
Fingers crossed there are not too many other non-astro campers there to spread us out.
3 sleeps to go, and I am winding down work until Monday the 9th.

And Geoff, maybe I shouldn't have looked at the cloud forecast....:(
Although I am hoping the " Chicken scratches " may be inaccurate.
Camp cooking and good company will be on the agenda if weather is not co-operating.:)

Geoffro.

[absolut]

Hey,

I can't wait!! Bought my non-perishables today, I'll pick up fresh food along the way north.

I'm working on arriving by noon. Just watch for the white car that escaped someone's matchbox car collection! :lol:

I think with my enthusiasm levels at the moment, 3 more "attempted" sleeps would be more accurate!! :lol:

Rob

[glend]

I will probably be there around noon on Wednesday. I will need room for my campertrailer to fold out, and the annex. No toys but will have my Labrador, but he probably would not chase others toys - bad hips stop that.

[GTB_an_Owl]

Soooo! i guess your not sleeping in the Alto Rob :D


geoff

[GTB_an_Owl]

well we have to have ONE cloudy nite to drink all the Port you blokes are bringing Geoffro


geoff

[absolut]

lol,

Not without a comprehensive course on self origami under my belt!!

I have a 4man tent, small table, couple tarps, solar panel, 10" dob and myself... so I don't take up that much room... not sure if I'll manage to get a small shelter for my table/cooking or not.

I have been known to snore, but I usually sleep on my side these days, so it isn't an issue.

[absolut]

Oh,

I can bring some cards and a cribbage board if anyone else knows/wants to learn the game...

[glend]

Surely in an area the size of Bretti we can have enough room and separation so that snorers are not an issue.

[GTB_an_Owl]

drink enough Port and sleeping won't be a problem Glen :lol:

geoff

[Allan]

That's funny, I just remembered something. I was in the tent next to Rob at IISAC. Let's just say this time, I will wait for you to pitch your tent, and then I'll find a spot away from the snoring.:D

I am going to try to cut my America trip short by a day and get there on Wednesday now. It's looking like Wednesday and Thursday may be the only good days for the weather.

[glend]

The seven day forecast for Gloucester looks pretty good with only Saturday having a chance of a shower approaching 50%. Let's be positive.
I agree Wed, Thurs, and Friday look to be the pick of the period, but remember we have been sitting under a massive series of high pressure systems for the past month and most lows are getting pushed down and through pretty quick. Let's see what the four day chart looks like on Tuesday.

[jakob]

Mid afternoon for me.
Keep level, firm, non slippery site for me!
:hi:

[Allan_L]

One Apple Charlotte has been ordered for pick up Wednesday morning.
(Fresh is Best).

Packing in progress.

I have borrowed a small Chainsaw. Is it still required?

Expect to be at Gloucester for lunch. (Last taste of civilisation).
Then Bretti by 13:00. (Barring GPS Errors :rolleyes: )

I will be looking for that level site too! (no electronic scissor lifts on my van)
see ya :hi:

[GTB_an_Owl]

only ONE Al!

what is everyone else going to eat?

we still meeting at the twin servo's?

geoff

[Allan_L]

Oh, I was thinking about that too Geoff.
The pastry pick-up is Charmhaven.
That will then mean all the way back to Tuggerah to get to the Twins.

If there were some newcomers who wanted to travel with us, different matter.
But we both know the way.
So I don't see the point really, if its just we two.
Do you agree?

Still leaving about the same time, and travel on UHF Channel 18.
Hopefully catch up on route?



First in...
Oh, I might buy a second one, (if available)
But I don't count more than 9 of us at this point, so one would nearly suffice.

[GTB_an_Owl]

ok Al

no Servo it is

might catch you on the way up

geoff

[Fizics]

Count me in for a couple of nights. Should arrive early Wednesday afternoon. Just got to swap skis for scope and add one tent to car.

[Arthur Alchin]

Will be leaving the humble abode about 0500 Wednesday.

Yes please to the chain saw Allan, just in case. I have a couple of litres of 2 stroke fuel if needed.

Also did someone mention Cribbage???? Yes please, love it ��

Will have to go back to Newcastle for a couple of hours during the camp for a funeral. Then back up to Bretti if someone can keep an eye on my gear for me.

[absolut]

Ok, I'll pack the cards & board.
It'll be interesting playing someone outside the family for a change!! :D

On the subject of packing, I've managed ok so far, just need to put the esky and some supplies in tomorrow morning. Not sure I'll have much breathable air left... but that is why they invented roll down windows. :lol:

If all goes to plan I'll be on site somewhere around 12-1pm.

Drive safe!!
Rob

[GTB_an_Owl]

95% packed - only clothes and last minute things to go

BUT!

i now have to clean up all my tools and mess in the backyard from the van upgrade

Al - if the cake shop has a couple more apple charlot's - get them and i will pay you for them

geoff

[Rick Petrie]

Still not able to make it guys.
On south coast enjoying some dark skies but would rather be at Bretti.
Hope you all have a fabulous time and the weather gods are favourable.
Will catch up soon at next meet.
Cheers Rick

[GTB_an_Owl]

i bags Rick's share of the apple charlot!


geoff

[GTB_an_Owl]

done!

only clothes and pillow (don't forget yours Geoffro) and grog to go in in the morning

geoff

[absolut]

Just checking GPS for Bretti:
31deg 47min 29sec South (-31.791561)
151deg 54min 56sec East (151.91574)
That sound about right? :question:

[Allan_L]

Sounds about right, Rob.
My exact GPS reading (on my last campsite) was
31*47'22" (-31.789444)
151*55'07" (151.918611)

cheers

[Inmykombi]

Oh yes, Pillow....Thx Geoff.
All packed except for the cold food stuff from the fridge and freezer.
I will pick up ice and the last minute forgotten stuff from Gloucester.
I may pick up some firewood too somewhere if I can find some.
Safe travels to all. See you there.

[Allan_L]

WooHoo! :cool::party:
One small sleep and I am off.
All but packed.
Note to self: Don't forget pastry pick up.
Hope to be entering F3 (@ sparkes Road) about 9:00.
Will be scanning channel 18 for friendlies.

:campfire:
...Ahh! the serenity .....

[absolut]

Thank you one and all!! :thanx:

It is great to meet everyone, except that Allan guy, geez.... he needs a more original name I think :P :lol:

Apple Charlotte, port, mostly perfect skies, best camp ever!! :thumbsup:

Arrived safely home and now I've unpacked the car I feel a nap coming on!

:D

[GTB_an_Owl]

sorry to have to tell you Rob - BUT Sat nite was BRILLIANT!

another great trip away with great company and good conditions.

thanks to all for such a good time

geoff

[Arthur Alchin]

My apologies to rick and Lynn, Geoff, Jacob, Allan and Glenn. It was rude of me, forgot to say goodbye today before I left, mind was somewhere else and only remembered when on the road.

Was a great few days, another to be organised soon, but definitely Chaffey in the Feb/ March time slot

[absolut]

It's ok, I had 3 amazing days and nights! :D

In other news I've posted a few images from Bretti:
http://www.iceinspace.com.au/forum/showthread.php?t=111836

Enjoy!

[Inmykombi]

What a great camp this was.
4 nights observing completed until late hours.
My scope stayed on its tripod for the entire duration of the camp.
What a Cracka of a night last night was ( Saturday night ) . No Dew early on and only a little after Midnight.
Apple Charlotte over 2 nights was fantastic....

The River was cold though, but refreshed me on the hot days.

And who will forget the Constellation SCUTUM after our exploration of its finest.:lol:

Thanks to everyone who made this time away so much fun.

Lets do it again !!!!

[glend]

Who would have expected 30C days, I came prepared for cold.

And don't forget the Grus Quartet all standing proud in a widefield eyepiece last night - certainly the highlight of the trip for me. Best viewing of the trip.

I found this photo of the Grus Quartet online( NGC7552, 7582,7590,7599).

http://www.pampaskies.com/gallery3/var/albums/Deep-Space-Objects/Grus_Quartet.JPG?m=1376067863

and no, what we saw was not that highly magnified but you get the idea.

[Fizics]

Great camp guys even if I could only attend 2 nights. Glad the last 2 were clear for you. Thanks to all.

[Allan_L]

Ditto to all of the above.
Great camp.
Great weather.
Great company.
Great viewing.
above average swimming.

Nice to meet newcomers, Rob Glen.
Good to see returning Allan and John.
Hope to see you again soon at Mangrove Mountain, Bretti, Lostock, Chaffey, or where-ever.
Thanks to Arthur for organising.
Thanks to regulars Geoff1 Geoff2 Jakob
And a special thanks to Ric and Lyn for bringing the SAT so I could watch my Roosters stumble across the line ahead of Ric's Rabbitohs ! :thanx:

As it turns out, I was lucky to make it home!!! ... but thats another story for another apple charlotte and another camp :rolleyes:

[Rick Petrie]

Nearly didn't make it, but whilst on the south coast, Lyn suggested we go up to Bretti. (what a good idea!!!!!!)
As it turned out, women are always right, and we had a really good time catching up with all the regular suspects and the weather and skies could not have been better.
It was good to meet Rob and Glen and glad you guys liked the weekend away.
Thanks to all again for what turned out to be a cracker of a time away.

[Inmykombi]

Don't tell us you borrowed that same GPS again :question:

[jakob]

Me too, had a great time.:party::party:
Thanks to all the contributors.
:thumbsup::thumbsup::thumbsup::than ks:

Got my camera back today.:):)

Looking forward to next camp to hear of the new 'Allan' adventure!

[glend]

SO....when is it, I'm ready to go back now.

[Allan_L]

Good thought Glen...
me too ...
,,,except for two things...

It is Full Moon
and
School holidays :family2:

(we generally try to avoid both of these, and caravan club rallies)

but keep watching this forum

[Inmykombi]

You have us waiting with great anticipation to hear about your (mis) adventure now Alan .

[glend]

I am keen to get back up to Bretti to try out my new 16" dob under those very dark skies.

Looking at the 2013 Guide I see that the first weekend in November (say 1st-3rd) coincides with the New Moon (on the 3rd), with the moon failing to rise at all during darkness from the 1-4th. That seems like an excellent time to be at Bretti. That weekend is maybe the last chance for 2013, no school holidays, and it will start getting really hot come December, and the holiday period is a no-no anyway.

So I am planning to go up to Bretti that weekend and would like some company. Any interest? :welcome: