It's on again!! The 17th SV camp.

[mill]

17Th Snake Valley Camp.

A small video made by Ken from previous camps.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GeuNwcZsHjY

28th February - 4th March 2014
Booking in at the bottom of this page.

​
4 nights of beautiful dark sky away from City glare.
- LIMITED TO 50 BOOKINGS ONLY -
(plus casual visitors also welcome)

- 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.
We have previously lost bookings due to bunkhouses being used for only one night when people wanted to book them for 3 or 4 nights and couldn't because of the 'one night' stayer booking it first.
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' will not be tolerated. Offenders will be asked to leave.
* Aerosols of any description (Aeroguard, deodorant etc) are TOTALLY BANNED on the observing field. Stray spray could (and has) permanently damage optics.
​
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.
Red Lights (Red LED Head Torches, etc) are acceptable.

THE BUNKHOUSES
The 12 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.
​
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)

Bunkhouses (per person)*
2 nights $60.00
3 nights $80.00
4 nights $95.00
Campsite (per person)
1 night $25.00
2 nights $50.00
3 nights $75.00
4 nights $90.00
Children under 5 y.o. - free
Saturday Night Feast - adults -$20.00 - under 15 yo -$15.00
The fee for the Saturday night feast goes to assist the local CERT Team. (Community First Responder Emergency Response Team).


Please book in with name:
Bunk or tent:
How many ppl:
How many nights:
Which day's:
Feast yes/no:



Hoping to see you all there,


Martin.

[Greenswale]

Yahoo, here we go again!

Please book me in:

Bunk room
1 person (me!)
4 nights
and YES! to the feast.

Thanks Marty!

[mill]

Thank you Wren :thumbsup:
You are booked in.

[desler]

Darren

4. Nights

Bunkhouse

Sat feast: Yes please!


Thanks Marty!

Daz

[barx1963]

Please book in with name: Malcolm Barker
Bunk or tent: Bunk
How many ppl:1
How many nights:2
Which day's: Friday and Saturday
Feast yes/no:YES!!!

Malcolm

Is it March yet??

[mill]

Darren and Malcolm you are both booked in :)

[Nico13]

Book me in Martin.

How many = 1, me.
3 nights Fri, Sat, Sun
Camping
Sat Night Feast, Yes Please.

Nico.

[Astroman]

At this stage I am a go for launch. Will keep you updated if things change...

Please book in with name: Andrew Wall
Bunk or tent: Tent
How many ppl: 1
How many nights: 4
Which day's: All
Feast yes/no: Yes.

[gazob]

Please book in with name: Garry Stone
Bunk or tent: Tent
How many ppl: 3
How many nights: 3
Which day's: fri sat sub
Feast yes/no: Yes.

[mill]

Your both booked in :)

Martin.

[desler]

Man,

I'm booked in.... but cmon, lets do it...... Is it March yet????????????????


Daz

[danielsun]

Cooool!!
Yep, book us in. That's 3 of us, me (Daniel) , Andrew and Ryan.
All 4 nights
Bunkhouse please.
And Saturday night feast, Yes please.

Cheers Daniel.

[mill]

Do what Daz?? :P

Ah yeh you are booked in Grasshopper :)

[Jen]

Wooohoooo I'm with you DAZZA IS IT MARCH YET ?
Just try and keep me away hehehehe never.......
Yep count me and Drew in for the whole 4 nights, sat nite feast etc etc.... :)
Oh I'm going to cabin it this time I'm starting to accumulate too many toys and running out of room in the car hahahahah a :)

[Marios]

Please book me in:

Camp site.
1 person .
3 nights, Friday, Saturday, Sunday.
and YES! to the feast.

Regards Mario

[mill]

Jen and Mario, you are both booked in.
PS Daz and Jen it is IS IT FEBRUARY YET !!!!!!!!!!!

[Jen]

Hehehehe February even better lmfao :)

[byronpaul]

Martin,

book me in please

No of ppl: Just myself
Nights: 3 (Fri, Sat, Sun)
Type: Caravan
Feast: Yes


Counting down the days already !!!!!!

[mill]

You are officially booked in now Paul :)

[desler]

Finally, Jen's coming and the emoticons are flying left right and centre!!!!!!
The universe has found balance!


Daz

[Jen]

:P :P ;) ;) :D hehehehe now no more bike riding without your training wheels from now till then dazza buahahahaha we don't wanna miss out on another camp do we lol :lol::P

[Rod]

Hi Martin,

Please book me and David in:

Bunk or tent: one bunk (me) and one tent (David)
How many ppl: 2
How many nights:2
Which days: Friday and Saturday
Feast yes/no: yes

Thanks

Rod

[mill]

Hi Rod,

You and David are booked in :thumbsup:

Cheers,
Martin.

[mill]

John you are booked in.
Rob you are tentatively booked in.

Martin.

[04Stefan07]

Hey there.

Wanted to express my interest as I still need to confirm the people and days I can come down. Please book me in for the following (subject to change):
Bunk/tent: Tent
How many ppl: 3
How many nights: 2
Days: Friday and Saturday
Feast: No thanks!

Thanks!

[mill]

Hi Stefan,

You are sort of booked in :P

[stevous67]

Hi,

I'm a newbie to the event. Big Dave has invited me, and clearly everyone loves the event. The video is very helpful.

Please book in with name: Steve M
Bunk or tent: Tent
How many ppl: 1
How many nights: All
Which day's:Feast yes/no: Yes

See you there

Steve :thumbsup:

[mill]

Hi Steve you are booked in :)

[04Stefan07]

Haha thanks mate!

I can confirm the days, however the people will either be 2 or 3 including myself.

[mill]

Stefan, the booking is now confirmed :P

[rcheshire]

Please book in with name: Rowland
Bunk or tent: Bunk
How many ppl: 1
How many nights: All
Which day's: All
Feast yes/no: Yes

Thanks Martin.

[mill]

Rowland you are booked in :thumbsup:

[Big Dave]

Hey Stevo party time!

[traveller]

Looks like I won't be able to make it :sadeyes:
Clear skies to all you lucky people and enjoy the feast :cheers::stargaze:
Bo

[Uberazza]

Please book in with name: Azza Johnson and Garry
Bunk or tent: Tent
How many ppl: 2
How many nights: 1
Which day's: sat
Feast yes/no: No Thanks.

[mill]

Here is the address and some pics of the location in Snake Valley.

It is on Linton-Carngham road (you will see it :P).

[stevous67]

Cheers Davo!

Steve:thumbsup:

[rcheshire]

Thanks Martin.

[Astroman]

What time on Friday are we allowed to check in?

[mill]

From about 3 Pm Andrew.
Looking forward to see you there :thumbsup:

[Astroman]

No worries Martin, look forward to going. Holidays booked in at work now :)

[Paddy]

Hi Martin - bit slow booking in this year - hope there is still space

Patrick Kavanagh
1 person
2 nights (Fri,Sat)
caravan/camping
Feast Y (vegetarian)

Cheers,

Patrick

[Jen]

Yayyyyyy :) not long to go now wooohoooo :)

[Forgey]

4 weeks!! the count down begins.

[byronpaul]

Getting excited as it's not far away ..... will have to start packing soon to figure out how to get all my gear there.

I bags a visual spot next to Malcolm and Patrick ... and not too far from Wren although he likes to get bogged :lol:

All going well I should have a new 16" toy that I'll need those "experts" to point so I can look through it and see stuff :thumbsup:

Can't wait !!!!!

[Greenswale]

Paul, I know the perfect spot for you - the southern platform in the lake.

I'll take a punt (Hahahahahahaha!) that you won't get bogged out there.

[byronpaul]

Saw that one coming ..... The renowned SV banter has started already :D

[barx1963]

Dob corner is starting to look alright, 2 16s, a 20 and Wrens 14 should make it nice and busy.

Is it February yet?

Oh and Paul, not sure about the "experts" tag, after an ex is a has been and a spurt is a drip under pressure!!:P

Malcolm

[Paddy]

Lots of big scopes, yum!

[mill]

Patrick you are booked in :thumbsup:

[Jen]

Hehe hey don't forget johnny will be there too :) I'm squeezing in between you guys woohooo look out imagers us visual observers are about to take over muahahaha :p

[niko]

Paddy...vegetarian....? Has this always been the case? It seems like it might be a new aspect. Anyway, nothing wrong with that, kinda like visual observers I guess.

And Jen....I think you might have to be declared a hybrid - part visual part imager..... <wracks brain for suitable label that is "mongrel"......>

[Jen]

Haha yes paddy always request a vegetarian dinner if you wernt so hungover from your naughty friday nights you would notice these things hehehe :p

Well I class myself as a wanna be imager hahaha :) it's never going to happen with johnny I have worked that out finally lol and omg I can't get the processing crap around my head lol
Ok yeah call me a mongrel lol lol we still gonna take over you imagers hehe :)

[Jen]

Hehehe :rofl::rofl:

[Astroman]

So is there set locations on the oval for imagers and visual only? been a little while since I have taken gear to the SV Camp..

[Jen]

Yeah the visuals usually go down the back and the imagers stay up the front with the naughty boys so we can keep an eye on them hehe :) and me well I just like to annoy everybody with my wanna be tactics as I'm a confused visual and imager mongrel and plonk myself in the middle of all of them with my bright lappy lights hehe :rolleyes: ;) :P :D
:scared3:

[mill]

Nah Andrew,
Just setup in between the visual folks and set your lappy as bright as possible.
That will make the blobs they normally see, full color instead of grey :rofl:
Seriously now, imagers are normally sitting closer to the tree line and the visualists are situated on the pontoon in the lake so they can't complain about the heat coming off the grass :lol:

[mill]

Jen i can rig Johnny so it will stop for visual observing :P

[Jen]

:rofl::rofl: lol lol yeah what Marty said :) :lol:

[Astroman]

Ok so pretty much where I used to park then :D Will work it all out when I get there... If it was anything like last time, I will be there at 10am :D Not likely though, I'll be doing some metal detecting on the way through to break up the drive....

[niharika]

Hi Martin - please book me in

Rakibul Syed
1 person
4 nights
camping
Feast Yes

Regards,
Raki

[alexV]

Hi Martin - please book us in

Alex & Fuad
2 person
2 nights
camping
Feast No

[mill]

Raki and Alex you are both booked in :thumbsup:

[Astroman]

WOW looks like a great turn out so far... :)

[mill]

A bit over 40 ppl at the moment Andrew :D

[Jen]

:clap::clap::clap:

Wooooohooo it's February :) just saying :P

:cool:

[Alios]

Please book in with name: Alois Dvornik
Bunk or tent: tent
How many ppl: 1
How many nights: 1
Which day's: Saturday
Feast yes/no: No
:thanx:

[mill]

Alois you are booked in :)

[mill]

Only two more weeks :eyepop:
For Jen only: Only two weeks to go ;)

[Jen]

:D :D :D woohoooo omg it's time to start packing I think lol :P

[Forgey]

OMG so much to organize, so little time!

[Uberazza]

Are myself and Garry booked in? got no confirmation.

[mill]

Yep you are both booked in :)

[Astroman]

It is with great regret, that I am going to have to cancel my booking. My car hit a big area of flooded road and is now dead. Hopefully it can be fixed, but it means I wont be able to afford the trip.

Have a good time guys.

[Jen]

Oh no hope you get ya car fixed real soon :shrug:

[Astroman]

Actually put a hold on that cancellation for a few more hours..... Just working something out

[Jen]

Beg borrow or steal as long as you get there hahaha

[Astroman]

Ok glad to report that you can cancel the cancelation. Car was able to be fixed reasonably cheaply. Was very lucky.

[barx1963]

Good to hear Andrew!!
Looking forward to meeting you on the field.

Malcolm

[mill]

Guess what Andrew, i didn't cancel it at all :P
Was working all day :)

Two and a half weeks to go !!!!!!!!!!:eyepop:

[Jen]

Wooohoooo :thumbsup:

[Astroman]

Well thought ahead then Martin. I got the day off at least. Lol.

[Astroman]

9 days to go!!! Just saying....:thumbsup:

[Astroman]

Also, any one of you awesome people be able to help me collimate my 8" f/4 Newt properly? I think I have it close but would like a experts opinion. Although I have collimated my f6 scope quite easily, I am finding using my Cheshire and Sight tube on the F4 a bit of a chore... Not sure what I am doing wrong, I think it looks right but looking at OOF stars etc.. it just doesn't look right..
:)

[alistairsam]

I'm hoping I can make it atleast for one night.
Andrew, check the centering of your secondary with a ruler, affects star at corners in an F4 easily. Then the cheshire.
no doubt the experts on site will sort it out.

Cheers
Alistair

[Jen]

See paddy he is the collimating king :)

[04Stefan07]

Did everyone just use garbage bags to cover their telescopes when it started raining last year? I need to prepare!

[Greenswale]

Now Stefan, you aren't thinking that the weather will be lousy????!!!!!!!

Bunnings stock inexpensive waterproof drop sheets, many sizes. Great for dobs. Wrap your device and use bungees to hold the sheet in place.

[barx1963]

With my dob I bought a $40 shower tent from Rays which just slips over the top and makes a nice place for my table and charts when I am observing.

Malcolm

[Jen]

:D really that's cheap Malcolm I wouldnt mind getting one of those too are they easy to out up :) it's a pity I don't have Rays here dam it

[mill]

Jen, Anaconda sells them too for $49.99
Or else PM me and i can get you one from Ray's

Martin.

[Jen]

Awsome thanks Marty I will have a look around here first if I have no luck I might take you up on that offer I will give u a buzz :)

[barx1963]

It was on special at the time. And from memory now I think about it, it may have been closer to $50!

Malcolm

[Marios]

Hi Guys

Be sure those shower tents are water proofed you'll find most are not. I had to spray mine down with a silicon water repellent like Selleys Watershield, I cant return a gift after all. :)

[04Stefan07]

I'll have a look into getting something.

Also I think people had extension cables plugged into a mains coming out of the ground?? Or am I making that up?

Does that mean I can bring a 25 metre cable plug it in and bring a 4/6 port adapter to plug my phones, laptop, etc in??

Sorry if this sounds really dumb, I want to be prepared!

[04Stefan07]

Is this it?

http://www.anaconda.com.au/Product/Camp-and-Hike/Tents-and-Shelter/Pop-Up-Toilet-and-Shower-Tent

[barx1963]

Yeah similar sort of thing. As stated they are not really waterproof, more just a added precaution. If electronics were involved would want more protection.

Malcolm

[04Stefan07]

I am pretty sure I saw a mains socket in the middle of the field.

[barx1963]

Check with Martin and Ken but they layout a series of cables, mainly for the imaging guys so I haven't needed to worry about it.

Malcolm

[mill]

There will be plenty of power on the field Stefan :thumbsup:

[04Stefan07]

Cool I will bring a long extension cable and 4-6 outlet sockets.

Need to keep the mobiles and laptops charged! :)

[Jen]

Yep I will be on the field hehehe :)

:cool::cool::cool:

6 more sleeps wooohooooo
No I'm not counting at all :D

[roddz]

Hi could I book a camping site for one for friday and saturday night, with feast.
Bit confused though, How can the 17th SV camp be on again?
Wasn't the last one the 16th?
(Sorry I'm from Geelong)

Thanks
Rodd Westwood
ASOGy biscuit

[Astroman]

hehe!

[Astroman]

My Observatory looks bare now :( Scope is all packed up and ready to go already :D didn't want to miss anything...

[barx1963]

Well I have finally had the scope out for the first time since having to make some quick repairs to the powered ground board.
Luckily all working OK so should be good for Snake Valley!

Is it Friday yet???:question::help:

[mill]

Hi Rodd you are booked in :thumbsup:

[niharika]

Hi Martin, due to family reason I will be overseas. Please cancel my booking under the name Rakibul Syed. Was hoping to meet you guys but unfortunately that will have to wait till next time.

Regards,
Raki

[Jen]

Malcolm does that shower tent have a floor :question:

[barx1963]

No it doesn't Jen. That is one of the advantages of it. At a camp when you pack up for the night you just unpeg it and slip it over your scope and peg it down again.

Malcolm

[Jen]

Dam your quick :) how's that for service :thumbsup: thank you :D so you just put it over a tarp on the ground then yeah :question: we have the same one here for $89 :mad2:

[rcheshire]

Hi Martin. I will not be able to stay the night of the 3rd. Just 3 nights now 28, 1 and 2, due to last minute work commitments.

Rowland.

[Marios]

The extended weather reports appear to be improving all the time.
:prey2::stargaze:

[mill]

Changed your booking :)

Martin.

[Jen]

Oh no Rowland you do know that the last night is always the best dont you hehe :)

[rcheshire]

Thanks Martin - apologies for the inconvenience



I do... and the thought crossed my mind:sadeyes:

[Forgey]

Guess what it's almost Friday!! :D

[Big Dave]

Getting Ready; RC Batteries charged- What else do I need?

[Jen]

Don't forget the big pav spoon Dave hehe :P

[stevous67]

Okay, but which Mac'ers are we meeting at? 1pm?

Davo? It seems you're known as a Pav magnet...you're not the only one! :D

Stevo

[04Stefan07]

Friday weather is looking good!

Martin, what time can we turn up on Friday?

[stevous67]

Can someone mark where the property is on one of these maps, and where the entrance is please? I'm guessing there will be plenty of signs, but its just nice to know where it is. The Snake Valley website map seems to show the site on the right side, but google says its on the left side [odd numbers left side]/

If someone has time - can you mark out roughly where the field is too?

Thanks guys,

Steve

[JohnG]

You have marked the SV Astro Society site, here is the SV camp site.

Usually people start arriving from about 1300 on the Friday, Ken has plenty of signs around the place with directions.

Cheers

[stevous67]

Ahhh Ha!

That now makes sense - thats a real lake. Nice looking location. :eyepop:

Thank you John.

Regards,
Steve

[JohnG]

That's it, the entrance to the Observing Field is to the right on that photo, the entrance you see is in to the hut area. When you get there you won't miss it. :thumbsup:

[Forgey]

I think its this one Steve.

[stevous67]

BP & McDonalds, Rockbank

Thx Paula. That's about an hour from my place. Great.

Bye,

Steve

[04Stefan07]

There are fridges for everyone to use yeah and kettles?

Wouldn't mind bringing some prosciutto down :p

[JohnG]

The amenities block has a fully equipped kitchen with everything you might possibly need, plenty of fridge space and electrical items. :thumbsup:

Cheers

[mill]

Forks, knives,plates,cups,saucers etc are there too :eyepop:
Oops!! Forgot spoons :P

[traveller]

And if you forgot any tools or need anything fixed, Martin is your man ;)

[Paddy]

Two sleeps to go and the weather's looking good!:2thumbs::cool::party::party:

[danielsun]

Yep, weather is looking great!

Marty, Just letting you know that my boys will only be staying for the two nights weekend only instead of the full 4 nights due to school commitments.
They are not happy about that.:lol:

[mill]

So that will be Friday and Saturday i guess :P
Ok i changed it :)
See you tomorrow.

[Astroman]

:cool: :cool: :cool: :cool: :cool: :cool: :cool: :cool: :cool: :rockband: :cool: :cool: :cool: :cool: :cool: :cool:

1 Sleep to go :) Car is packed, just a few little things to put in there tomorrow :)

Managed to get myself an AC adapter for the 1100D now woohooo can image all night now...

[danielsun]

Yep, thanks Marty, (sorry probably should have given a bit more info) yep,fri and sat nights with feasts and all but I will still be there all 4 nights. :thumbsup:

[byronpaul]

Outside packing car and caravan and looking up at the heavens ..... pretty good night tonight even with all the light pollution of Melbourne.

Can't wait for some nice dark Snake Valley skies :D:D:D ..... getting ichy feet thinking about it.

Have a safe drive everybody !!!!

[barx1963]

Yep all packed. Work tomorrow and then the off. Should be there a bit after 7pm.

See everyone there!

Malcolm

[04Stefan07]

Wanted to say thank you for hosting another camp. My dad and I had a great time. We met many new people and its great to share our passion of Astronomy with great company.

I wanted to say a super thank you to Patrick and Malcolm (hope I got your names right) for helping me collimate and align my telescope. I am still purely a beginner and great to learn from the pros! Also thanks to Mario for letting me use his zoom eyepiece, that thing is bloody fantastic! Saves a heap of time switching between eyepieces.

Cheers,
Stefan. :D

[Marios]

My pleasure Stefan even thought the weather didn't play ball we still made the best of it. Hopefully in the new moon we can all have a go at the Heathcote site. :)

[04Stefan07]

Yeah that would be really good!

[barx1963]

Stefan
Good to meet you and your dad, hope you enjoyed the camp. Patrick and I think we had your collimation as well sorted as we could. I was still not sure that the secondary is in the correct position though. It may be a worthwhile exercise to have a go at the procedure here http://www.astro-baby.com/collimation/astro%20babys%20collimation%20guide .htm as I have found this to be a valuable guide to basic collimation. Don't worry about the offset bit, in your scope it will make absolutely no difference!

Malcolm

[Greenswale]

Things are really looking up tonight. Sky is as clear as, forecast it excellent. Its gonna be good!

Even better, we found the pavlova at the back of the fridge, and we are all on a sugar high. Grouse.

[Jen]

Omg this pav's so fricken good :P :P

157854

[barx1963]

The sound you can hear is my teeth gnashing!!

Malcolm

[Rob_K]

Like to add my thanks to the organisers (especially Martin!) & for the hospitality, even though I was only able to make it for the one night. Great fun, great to catch up with people.

A few rough shots attached:

1. Malcolm with his scope. Not bad, could do with a bit more aperture... ;)
2. Martin doing an ancient Dutch traditional dance in an attempt to entertain the troops during cloudy periods. You can see the excitement he generated in the appreciative audience, well done mate! :P
3. Niko & Daniel in the kitchen, think they're Daniel's boys???
4. Daytime view of part of the observing field.

Cheers -

[rcheshire]

Yes... thanks again Martin and team for a great camp. Clear skies...............

[Jen]

Today's sun sketch :)

157928

[barx1963]

Hey Jen
Nice sketch!

I was just too tired to make it back there tonight so I have setup at home for a nice relaxing night.
It is looking lovely here so hope the Monday night SV record continues for you there.

Cheers

[Paddy]

Many thanks to Martin et al. for another fantastic SV camp. Shame about the weather for the nights that I was there, but the company was great and I really enjoyed the conversations and the laughs. Looking forward to Nick's next acquisition :rofl:. A bit disturbing to see how much I could improve the Lunt filter's performance by double stacking it - oh well, some more $$$ gone.

Pleasure to be of help Stefan - hope the result is good.

Love the sketch Jen. The first is very like I saw the sun, but you must have seen more deeply than I for your high power version. Also looking forward to some of the time lapses.

[Jen]

:thumbsup: thanks Paddy and Malcolm :D
And yep once again the weather gods kept its usual last night reputation right on the money clear skies all night :) its now 6am and the suns about to rise so I'm sneaking off to bed for a little while before the dreaded pack up time begins arrrrhhh :)

[Moonman]

:eyepop:Well done on keeping the kitchen clean and tidy!

Hope all had a good camp. couldn't make the trip from Tassie:thumbsup: this time but hopefully with holidays in November will see you all again later in the year!

[Astroman]

I got home just after 2pm, after leaving at just after 7am... Everyone was asleep :/ I did notice that Martins scope was still going though, but not sure if he was, it parked it'self a little later on though... Would hate to see dew drip onto the sensor :o

Thanks for a great camp, sorry to hear a couple of others didn't make it, was looking forward to catching up with them again... not sure when I will be over again, we will see. Would love to have something like this for all the SA guys on the forum, I know a couple of really dark sites, but gaining permission would be difficult.

Was great catching up with the regulars again, including Jen, always a pleasure... Don't forget to get your son to listen to some Joe Satriani :)

Thanks again guys.. esp Martin, Darren etc.. for a good show, even though the weather gods weren't so nice but it was just great throwing stories around, getting some ideas on upgrades etc...

Oh! this camp was the first time I had ever looked through a solar scope... I know I would be hooked if I didn't have other commitments and the scopes weren't so expensive... drool...

[desler]

Another SV camp comes to pass!

My greatest thanks to Marty for taking charge. The army of helpers were wide and varied.

Whilst the weather played its' part as usual; the company, conversations, laughs and sometimes tears are just the best medicine in this ever stressful world!

Stomach muscles are sore! Had the usual Monday night seeing to get some images on the CCD.

Of note, was the quietness of Niko, once JohnG sorted everything out for him. The time-lapse instructions provided by JohnG and the usual swapping of skills and recently acquired knowledge by all and sundry which helps us all along in the astro journey!

Unfortunately, I only got to swim in the lake this time, not rescue downed planes, (I'm disappointed Wren!) but enjoyed the company of Paul, Big Dave and Paula! Maybe next group photo should be 20 meters from the end of the pier!

Safe travels home everyone!


Is it November yet?

Daz

[Forgey]

Once again great camp despite the night cloud. As usual many laughs and fantastic company.
Thanks Martin and everyone else who helped organize and run things. For those that has timelapses going can wait to see them hehe.
Thanks to Dave and Paul for showing me how take flats with the light box.

[mill]

Two pictures from Monday night :P

The three stooges aka Leo trio.
And the bug nebula.

[Astroman]

So what was your scope doing pointing at the sky in the morning then? it looked like it was pointing towards M7

[mill]

It was pointing at the bug neb :P

[danielsun]

Great to see everyone again and as usual had lots of laughs and a great weekend. The weather teased us for the first few nights to give us a taste of what was to be a ripper Monday night.
A big thanks to Marty and Darren for taking control and making it another memorable camp and to John G for helping me out too.:thumbsup:
Cant wait till November!

Cheers Daniel.

[Astroman]

Great Pics Daniel, was good catching up again.

[leon]

Seems like a great camp once again, glad you all had a ripper time, some great pics as well.

Leon

[danielsun]

Thanks Andrew, Yep was great catching up.:thumbsup:

Nice results Marty.:thumbsup:


Here are a couple more snaps including (Pic 4) some gate crashers from MPAS.:D

[rcheshire]

Love that first Milky Way Daniel.

[04Stefan07]

Nice sky shots!

[traveller]

Nice photos of the Milky Way Daniel.
Hope to see you all in November.
Bo

[Paddy]

Nice photos of the people too Daniel! Especially like Nick's centre stage pose in the group shot:lol:

[desler]

Great pics from both Daniel and Marty!

Is it November yet?

Daz

[Greenswale]

Yeah, you'll need another bath by then Daz. The lake will probably have recovered come November. Hahahahahahahaha!

[Jen]

Hi guys 8) wow another camp done i think i have made a full recovery :) and as you all know I love these camps to bits and once again it did not disappoint even with the stoopid clouds hanging around I still managed to keep myself entertained lol :o :o as I knew Monday night would be a cracker of a night :) woohooo I got a little more sleep this time round as I got a cabin this time best thing ever haha :) I got 16 hours sleep all up woohoo the drive home kept me entertained and awake as It was like I was being a storm chaser all the way home pouring rain and lightening, dodging fallen down trees all over the road in some places. Yes there was a few people that I really did miss this camp but was great to catch up with the regulars and there was also a lot of new faces that I tried to annoy :p I hope I havnt scared them away too much haha it was nice to finally put a face to the MPAS crew ( funny bunch ) and omg Steve I couldn't help staring at your beautiful eyes all camp haha dam I bet you were fighting off the ladies back in the day :p
Learning how to do timelapse's and stacking images was fun I think I was a pain in the arse of a student though lol I tried to do some stacking last night and failed badly lol I couldn't even understand my own notes buahahaha :-\ I need more lessons ( Marty and Paula were not patient teachers) lol lol ;) oh well next camp master classes will be back lol
I love my shower tent best purchase ever thanks Marty :) kept my lappy and books etc dew free all night yayyyyy now i can really get into my sketching without everything getting wet :) and the car battery lasted me the whole weekend woohoo :)
On monday night i had a great time with Wren challenging some new things to look at and comparing the two dobs I really enjoyed that thanks Wren you have made me need to spend more money and you have now got me into writing a diary each observing night it is a great idea hehe
Once again lots of laughs, great company I love my astro family a big round of applause to all that pulled together to make things run nice and smoothly I don't think I have ever seen the kitchen stay so clean lol lol
Niko you were way to quiet this time round I need to trip some of your wires next time hahahaha your pics looking good buddy ;)
John I'm glad you changed your mind and came to camp I think you looked like you were really enjoying your self good on ya buddy xo
The only thing I hate about these camps is that I never got to say good bye to most of you :( you all do the sneaky pack up and leave during the only little time that I actually sleep lol lol mmmmm maybe I'm seeing a pattern here lmfao Dazza you owe me lots of hugs next time :-* is it November yet :)

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[Jen]

More pics :)


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[leon]

Nice report Jen, :thumbsup: and some wonderful captures, :thumbsup: I have looked over all the pics and it seems like you must be thirsty all the time, every pic Jen with can in hand. LOL.:scared3:

Leon :thumbsup:

[traveller]

Great photos Jen,
Watch out November ...
Bo

[Jen]

Yes Leon some things just don't change do they hehehe it's hard work out there you know lol except I didn't have a ciggy in the other hand this time round as I have been smoke free fir 12 months now woohooo
:D

[leon]

Well done, about the Cig's :thumbsup: you must feel heaps heathery, seems like you had a great time. :)

And no, it is nowhere near November, :P

Leon :thumbsup:

[Jen]

Thanks yeah I feel much better except giving up the ciggies has now made me fat grrrrrr but I'm working on that one too :)

[Paddy]

Nice pics Jen!

[mill]

Yeh your personal trainer will kick your butt :P

[desler]

Yes, very good pics Jen, And not a red light and ghostly selfie in any of them! Hahaha

Hugs saved for November sleepy head!

Daz

[danielsun]

Hey great shots there Jen!:thumbsup: Your widefield work is coming along nicely.;)
Hey have you managed to get your timelapse together?
Should come out great with your camera facing South East with the rising milky way.;)
Found a few more snaps.:)

Cheers Daniel.

[Varangian]

Are the mozzies really bad there at night, what with the lake and all?

[rcheshire]

Daniel appears out of nowhere, camera in hand and has refined the art of surprise...

Jen's widefields are very good.

[Jen]

Thanks guys I'm in love with my pics this time round I'm really enjoying playing around with the Polarie and my new 10x22 canon lens its beautiful :)
I havnt tried a time lapse yet as I didn't think I had enough pics to do it with I might give it a try :)

[danielsun]

:D Yeah , sorry Rowland, I probably sprung up on you a little too quickly then.:D :lol:

[GeoffW1]

Jeez Jen,

When I can eventually get to meet you, I want to introduce you to my friend the comma

Cheers

[Astroman]

She did manage to use 2 in there :rofl:

[Jen]

:lol: lmfao thanks Geoff I will look forward to meeting comma :rofl:
Hey I did use one full stop in there :)
Ya can't blame a girl for trying I was very tired and a little excited still I think I love these camps :P there's no time for commas