Snake Valley Astro Camp Nov 2006

[ballaratdragons]

SNAKE VALLEY
ASTRONOMY CAMP 2006

ONLY ABOUT 12 WEEKS TO GO!!!

As it is getting closer, it is time to start organising yourself for this Novembers SVAA 'Snake Valley Astronomy Camp'.

The dates are November 17th thru 20th November 2006. That's 4 full nights of Heavenly Delights.

12 Bunkhouses are available and there is plenty of Camping space for tents, Caravans etc in the 2 seperate camping areas.

There is power to the viewing area, hot showers, huge fully equipped Kitchen, large Dining room, Recreation room and plenty of space on the viewing area.

Those people who have attended our last 2 Camps can attest to the magnificent dark skies and the great company!

As time gets closer we will be able to confirm who the guest speakers will be and any events and displays that will be happening.

Please respond in this thread about bookings or any questions you may have.

Let's make it a BIG one :thumbsup:

[iceman]

Had a great time last year, even though we only got 1 clear night, it was a good one!

Company was fantastic too!

[xstream]

Sorry we can't make it this year Ken. Have Little Desert on.

I'm sure it'll be another great event like last year.

Good Luck with it mate!

[mick pinner]

Ken, could you PM me price and payment details for a 4 berth cabin for Fri and Sat night. thanks Mick.

[danielsun]

Count me in Ken, I'll be there for the 4 full nights!!!;)

[ballaratdragons]

Excellent Mick and Daniel!!!


P.S. Daniel, you haven't added the fact that you are now an SVAA member in your signature!! Shame on you :lol:

[ballaratdragons]

‘Snake Valley Astronomy Camp’
November 2006 Fees

Once again we have been able to keep the Camp fees extremely low.

Bunkhouses (per person)
2 nights $30.00
3 nights $45.00
4 nights $59.00

Campsite (per person)
2 nights $28.00
3 nights $42.00
4 nights $55.00

Children under 5 y.o. – FREE

Please state how many people and how many nights (and which nights they are), and if you are booking a Bunkhouse or Campsite.

Also

The Saturday Night Banquet will be on again!
The Banquet price will be announced once catering numbers are established.

Please notify me in here if you wish to take advantage of the Saturday Night Banquet, and for how many people.

More information to follow, so check back in here regularly for updates :thumbsup:

[OneOfOne]

I will let the others know this morning, but I expect that Travis and Geoffrey will be coming along again. I will ask him mum, but I don't expect much will keep Mitch away this year either (hopefully we get a few clearer nights and he doesn't head off to bed by 10!).

Can you pencil me in for a bunkhouse of 4 for the whole 4 nights? I will be able to confirm in a few days.

[danielsun]

There ya go Ken, I fixed it !;)

[ballaratdragons]

Those that are booked in already

Me + 2 - 4 nights
Mick Pinner +3 - 2 nights
wombat_in_space + 3 - 4 nights
Danielsun - 4 nights
OneOfOne + 3 - 4 nights
Dave47Tuc + 2 - 4 nights

Total so far - 19
plus local SVAA members

[astrogeek]

I really want to come but it it is smack bang in the middle of my exam period at uni. I might have finnished by then and I might not have, I can't tell until I get my exam timetable (about 3 weeks before). Will that be too late to book a camp site if I am able to make it? Hopefully I can come :) as I had a great time at the meteor night.

[Starkler]

I'm in :)

[ballaratdragons]

Great Geoff! :thumbsup:

Leon, (astrogeek) there is plenty of space for camping so a late booking won't be a problem. It's the bunkhouses that go fast!!!

[astrogeek]

Yeah I figured that so I gave up thinking about a bunkhouse. Camping isn't great but it will have to do seeing as I can't be certian about if I can make it. Hopefully I will be able to come though, even if just for one night :)

[ballaratdragons]

INFO FOR NEWBIES!

For any new members that are wondering what 'Snake Valley Astronomy Camp' is all about, here is a thread from after last Novembers Camp. We had another one in March too but I haven't tracked that thread down yet.

Folks came from several States to attend and had a blast!

Hope you Newbies can join the Camp this year! (and old members that couldn't make it last year) :thumbsup:

http://www.iceinspace.com.au/forum/showthread.php?t=5075&highlight=snake+valley

[Tamtarn]

Hi Ken

We'll be coming for 4 nights. Just have to work out if we'll get a campsite for a caravan or get a Bunkhouse. Will get back to you soon on that.

BTW have sent a money order today for our membership. Sent to the P.O. address.

Looking forward to the camp and meeting everyone :hi:

Barb & David

[[1ponders]]

Wish I could make it Ken. You guys have a blast! :2thumbs:

[ballaratdragons]

Barb & David,

That is excellent news!

Please let me know whether you want a camping site or a bunkhouse as soon as you know.

Your caravan may be more comfortable. Neil enjoyed the comfort of his at last camp. But you may not want to haul it all this way.

[ballaratdragons]

One of our Guest Speakers (David Girling) has booked in. :thumbsup:

[Tamtarn]

Having found out there is a " No Pets " rule at the camp we now won't be able to make it as we have no one to look after our old dogs at home.

We'll try and get there on one of the days so as we can meet everyone.

Barb & David

[ballaratdragons]

Barb & David,

Good News!
I rang the owner of the Camp and explained your situation, and that your dogs are obedience trained etc etc, and he said that because our groups at the Previous Camps have been excellent and he has never had a problem with us, he will allow you to bring your 2 dogs! :thumbsup:

But that doesn't mean everyone should start bringing their dogs along :lol:

I'd love to take mine to Camp, but they are fine at home.

[Tamtarn]

We can't believe you went to so much trouble for us Ken we really appreciate it. :bowdown:

One of our dogs needs special medication daily so we can't travel without her so it means a lot to us to be able to bring them with us. We look forward to catching up with everyone and experiencing the great dark skies of Snake Valley.

Will you please pass on our sincere thanks to the camp owner for doing this special favour for us.

Barb & David

[bird]

Hi Ken, and everyone. I'll be coming for the 4 nights, could you please book me into a bunkhouse if there is still room? It will be good to catch up with everyone again.

Thanks,

Bird

[ballaratdragons]

That is great Bird :thumbsup:

You are now booked in.

[janoskiss]

Ken, if there is any bunkhouses left then put me down for one for the 4 nights. I'm happy to share. Otherwise campsite. PM/email me with payment details.

[ballaratdragons]

Those that are booked in already

Me + 2 - 4 nights
Mick Pinner +3 - 2 nights
wombat_in_space + 3 - 4 nights
Danielsun - 4 nights
OneOfOne + 3 - 4 nights
Dave47Tuc + 2 - 4 nights
Tamtarn (Barb & David) - 4 nights
Rumples Riot - 4 nights
Bird - 4 nights

Total so far - 23
plus local SVAA members

[leon]

Hi Ken

I'll be there three nights, Friday, Sat, and Sun, cant make it for Monday.I'll be camping out, so pick me a good spot mate. :lol: :lol:

There will only be one of me, and i would like to partake of the Saturday night Feast

Cheers Leon :thumbsup:

[ballaratdragons]

Numbers are starting to grow :thumbsup:

Those that are booked in already

Me + 2 for 4 nights
Mick Pinner + 2 for 2 nights
wombat_in_space + 3 for 4 nights
Danielsun for 4 nights - PAID
OneOfOne + 3 for 4 nights
Dave47Tuc + 1 for 4 nights - PAID
Tamtarn (Barb & David) for 4 nights - PAID
Rumples Riot for 4 nights
Bird for 4 nights - PAID
Leon for 3 nights
Janoskiss for 4 nights
Twokids + 3 for 2 nights
We still have some Bunkhouses left!

and lot's of Camping Space!

[ballaratdragons]

I am starting to get PM's from some of you asking how to pay for Camp.

This year to simplify matters for the organisers, Darren (Wombat_In_Space) will be collecting the Camp fees.

You can PM him and he will supply the banking details or any other payment methods available.

Obviously we prefer fees to be paid as soon as possible so we can confirm & allocate spaces. :thumbsup:

Thank You

[Twokids]

Hi guys,
I have talked my partner into coming along so can I please book a campsite for the Friday and Saturday night for myself, partner (Michael), 6 year old (Chloe) and 3 year old (Aiden).
Looking forward to another fantastic weekend, though this time I had to convince my partner that I wouldn't be too tired to do family stuff during the day :whistle:
Could you please pm me the info on how to pay the fees.
Thanks,
Jodie

[ballaratdragons]

Hi Jodie,

Excellent that you are all coming this year!

As for payment of fees, see the post above yours. Darren is collecting fees.

I have marked you down for a campsite.
How many (and which) nights are you booking for, and will you be booking in for the Saturday night feed?

[mick pinner]

we will book for the saturday feed too thanks Ken.

[janoskiss]

Feed Mee Too Pleez! :D

[bird]

Want food... want food... I'll take up the saturday food offer too plz ken. Not sure who I have to pay for this?? Ken or Darren? Or do I pay on the spot?

cheers, Bird

[Wombat_In_Space]

Once we work out the cost we will let you know.

[ballaratdragons]

UPDATE

Those that are booked in already

Me + 2 for 4 nights
Mick Pinner + 2 for 2 nights
wombat_in_space + 3 for 4 nights
Danielsun for 4 nights - PAID
OneOfOne + 3 for 4 nights
Dave47Tuc + 1 for 4 nights - PAID
Tamtarn (Barb & David) for 4 nights - PAID
Rumples Riot for 4 nights - PAID
Bird for 4 nights - PAID
Leon for 3 nights - PAID
Janoskiss for 4 nights
Twokids + 3 for 2 nights

Also attending:
Anthony Baker + 3 for 4 nights
Angus McIntosh for 4 nights
Dave Johnson for 4 nights

We still have some Bunkhouses left!

and lot's of Camping Space!

Come along and enjoy 4 nights of Dark Sky Experience! :thumbsup:

PLEASE NOTE:
YOU DO NOT HAVE TO BE A MEMBER OF THIS FORUM TO COME ALONG!!! OUR ASTRO CAMP IS OPEN TO ALL. NON-FORUM MEMBERS CAN EMAIL US USING THE SNAKE VALLEY ASTRO ASSOCIATION LINK BELOW.

[Dave47tuc]

Hi all,:)
Last year this event was a great success. I’m a little surprised not as many as one would think want to come along. You can learn more in 4 days at this event than a year on forums. If time is a problem try to get there just for the Saturday and Sunday, will be worth your time.
Because its hands on you get a real feel for what’s good and not good about scopes etc.;)
Last year I ran a few what constellations is that in the sky.
These helped many people and I can do that again if required.
You can have many discussions on what you may or mite not like in a scope or eyepiece. :help:

If someone wants a work shop on anything astronomical please ask and we can see what we can do.

Many thanks again to ken and this year Darren for organizing this event. :thumbsup:
There many IIS members from Victoria now so people come along and make it as great a weekend as you can.;)
Regards. :)

[janoskiss]

I notice some people have paid up already. Darren, have you worked out the cost yet?

[Starkler]

I plan to pop up for a couple of days. Which days will be dependant on the weather forecast :whistle:

[xstream]

I agree with Dave's sentiments entirely. Unfortunately I and Anna cannot make it because we are going to Little Desert this year but if it wasn't for that, we would be there with bells on and helping with the organisation.

So for those Victorian and South Australian members for that matter any members that aren't doing anything, do yourself a favour and get there.

You won't be disappointed.

[iceman]

I agree, any starparty is a great learning experience, and a great socialising experience.

Even though 3 nights were clouded out last year, we still had a great time socialising and enjoying each others company.

Snake Valley is a great place and Ken will make everyone feel very welcome.

[gaa_ian]

You Bet they are Mike !
We are having our GAA Astrocamp 2006 in 2 weeks time up here (22nd & 23rd).
Heading further out bush where the skies are darker !
IIS members are welcome to come along ;) , just in case someone is "passing through"

[janoskiss]

I remember just one all-cloudy night last year but I also remember some of the best skies ever at Snake Valley. And best seeing ever, truely exceptional! Last year for Mars opposition, and again this year for Jupiter opposition: steady with astonishing detail at 300x!

Both times, the fantastic seeing came very late in the night around 3-4am. First the heavy dew hits, but you are given plenty of warning to arrange for protection of your optics by Bird's mobile forecast station, and then about 1/2 hour later, the atomsphere becomes as still as space and high power images through your scope transform from fuzzy smears to incredible wealth of detail. Seeing exceptional seeing is amazing! Truely an :eyepop: experience.

[bird]

Looking at the ephemeris for mid November I'm going to be trying mainly for saturn, should be nice and high just before dawn, around 40 degrees altitude.

Not a lot else happening in the way of planets otherwise, maybe I'll get to do some DSO hunting in the early evenings :-)

Not sure which mirror I'll be bringing, the 13.1" is still off being re-worked by Mark, and the Royce 14.5" hasn't arrived yet so I'm currently "between scopes". I should have them both by the end of this month. I'll probably bring the 13.1", but I might bring the 14.5" as well (They both fit in the same tube and have the same focal length so they can be interchanged).

cheers, Bird

[davidpretorius]

no eyepieces for you young man!!!

[danielsun]

Steve, i'll never forget that morning at about 4.30am just after packing up my scope the dew cleared and looking through your 8" dob we seen the best views and clearest detail on jupiter i had ever seen ever!!! :eyepop:

[mick pinner]

l could only make the 1 night last year and so true to form that night was cloudy however, to anyone that has not been before the observing is only part of the experience.
the experience and knowledge of the other amateurs and their willingness to teach and advise is invaluable, take advantage you will be glad you did.

[ballaratdragons]

Thank you to Dave, Mike, Steve, Daniel & Mick for your words of praise about the location and friendliness of the Snake Valley Camp.

Your words are certainly encouragement to keep the Camp going for many more years!

[ballaratdragons]

UPDATE

The Saturday Night Banquet has been arranged!

It will be the same delicious gorging feast we had last year:

Roast meats, Baked Potatoes, Salads, coleslaw, fresh Bread Rolls etc in massive helpings!
All freshly cooked onsite by the ladies of the CFA!
PLUS - this year: Desserts of Jelly, fruit, and custard.

Price each: Adults $12, Kids (12 & Under) $8

Last year there was so much food most people had seconds and we were still eating it for lunch the next day!!! :thumbsup:

[robin]

Count me in Ken.At this stage, not sure for how many nights but Snake Valley is callin'.....

[Tamtarn]

YUM YUM :party: :party:

How and when do we pay Ken ?

Barb & David

[Starkler]

And even dinner the next day if i remember rightly :whistle:
Excellent value :thumbsup:

[Wombat_In_Space]

You can pay on the night or via bank details that you paid for the camp.

I can't wait till the camp. :thumbsup:

[ballaratdragons]

UPDATE

Those that are booked in already

Me + 2 for 4 nights
Mick Pinner + 2 for 2 nights
wombat_in_space + 3 for 4 nights
Danielsun for 4 nights - PAID
OneOfOne + 3 for 4 nights
Dave47Tuc + 1 for 4 nights - PAID
Tamtarn (Barb & David) for 4 nights - PAID
Rumples Riot for 4 nights - PAID
Bird for 4 nights - PAID
Leon for 3 nights - PAID
Janoskiss for 4 nights
Twokids + 3 for 2 nights
33South for 4 nights
Starkler
Robin

Also attending:
Anthony Baker + 3 for 4 nights
Angus McIntosh for 4 nights
Dave Johnson for 4 nights
Cheryl & Jess

TOTAL SO FAR - 38

We still have some Bunkhouses left!

and lot's of Camping Space!

Come along and enjoy 4 nights of Dark Sky Experience! :thumbsup:

The Saturday Night Banquet
Price each: Adults $12, Kids (12 & Under) $8

PLEASE NOTE:
YOU DO NOT HAVE TO BE A MEMBER OF THIS FORUM TO COME ALONG!!! OUR ASTRO CAMP IS OPEN TO ALL. NON-FORUM MEMBERS CAN EMAIL US FROM THIS LINK: Snake Valley Astronomical Association (http://snake-valley-astro.homelinux.org)

[ballaratdragons]

Hmmmm, the Edit button has dissappeared!!!

Add 33South (Chris) to the list above for 4 nights :thumbsup:

[mick pinner]

Ken can you PM payment details l PM ed Wombat but no reply.

[xstream]

Done!

[ballaratdragons]

Thanks John.

[leon]

Wombat told me last Sat that he is off line, telstra are delaying his connection.....

[ballaratdragons]

I have PM'd you Mick. Yep, Darren has no net connection yet. He moved and now he is waiting for Telstra to pull their finger out!

[Wombat_In_Space]

Ok I have my Net connection sorted out it should be back in about 3-4 days, I have had to change my provider after 6 years of being with the same company.

[ballaratdragons]

One of our repeat Snake Valley Astronomy Camp sponsors has come through again.

We would like to announce that Australian Sky & Telescope Magazine will be giving a 1 year Subscription as a prize again. http://www.austskyandtel.com.au/ A big 'Thank You' to Greg Bryant Editor in Chief!.

Other prizes this year are 'Roman' Snuggy Jackets for observing on those cold nights sponsored by Roman Camping, http://www.roman.com.au/Frame.asp?CATID=19&cri=%20and%20catid=19%20&product_id=119
and a couple of pair of handy pocket binoculars from SVAA so far.

[janoskiss]

Excellent news, Ken. Good on AS&T! .. and warm jackets are always good too... esp for winter observing in the mountains :cold:

:thumbsup:

[ballaratdragons]

UPDATE

ONLY 5 WEEKS TO GO

Those that are booked in already

Me + 2 for 4 nights
Mick Pinner + 2 for 2 nights
wombat_in_space + 3 for 4 nights
Danielsun for 4 nights - PAID
OneOfOne + 6 for 4 nights
Dave47Tuc + 1 for 4 nights - PAID
Tamtarn (Barb & David) for 4 nights - PAID
Rumples Riot for 4 nights - PAID
Bird for 4 nights - PAID
Leon for 3 nights - PAID
Janoskiss for 4 nights - PAID
Twokids + 3 for 2 nights
33South for 4 nights
Starkler for 2 nights
Robin

Also attending:
Anthony Baker + 3 for 4 nights
Angus McIntosh for 4 nights
Dave Johnson for 4 nights
Cheryl & Jess

TOTAL SO FAR - 41

We still have some Bunkhouses left!

and lot's of Camping Space!

Come along and enjoy 4 nights of Dark Sky Experience!

The Saturday Night Banquet
Price each: Adults $12, Kids (12 & Under) $8

PLEASE NOTE:
YOU DO NOT HAVE TO BE A MEMBER OF THIS FORUM TO COME ALONG!!! OUR ASTRO CAMP IS OPEN TO ALL. NON-FORUM MEMBERS CAN EMAIL US AT: ken.james1 @ bigpond . com (leave out the spaces)
__________________

[ballaratdragons]

The list of 'Those that are booked in' above has been amended for the OneOfOne entourage! It's now OneOfOne plus 6!!!

Onya Trevor. :thumbsup:

[OneOfOne]

Now I just have to get the money from them. Hope the weather is clearer....however, if it rains like last year, do you think we could ask for a "rain making" payment from the locals?

[robin]

G'day Ken, i may have a couple more with me now. Perhaps a wifey, son & exchange student.Are there any cabins left?

[ballaratdragons]

Yes Robin,

there are 4 bunkhouses still available. Let me know if they are definates and I will allocate a bunkhouse for you :thumbsup:

[Wombat_In_Space]

UPDATE

UNDER 4 WEEKS TO GO

The cost are as follows:

Bunkhouses (per person)
2 nights $30.00
3 nights $45.00
4 nights $59.00

Campsite (per person)
2 nights $28.00
3 nights $42.00
4 nights $55.00

The Saturday Night Banquet
Price each:
Adults $12
Kids (12 & Under) $8

Those that are booked in already

Me + 2 for 4 nights
Mick Pinner + 2 for 2 nights
wombat_in_space + 3 for 4 nights
Danielsun for 4 nights - PAID
OneOfOne + 6 for 4 nights
Dave47Tuc + 1 for 4 nights - PAID
Tamtarn (Barb & David) for 4 nights - PAID
Rumples Riot for 4 nights - PAID
Bird for 4 nights - PAID
Leon for 3 nights - PAID
Janoskiss for 4 nights - PAID
Twokids + 3 for 2 nights
33South for 4 nights PAID
Starkler for 2 nights
Robin

Also attending:
Anthony Baker + 3 for 4 nights
Angus McIntosh for 4 nights
Dave Johnson for 4 nights
Cheryl & Jess

TOTAL SO FAR - 41

We still have some Bunkhouses left!

and lot's of Camping Space!

Come along and enjoy 4 nights of Dark Sky Experience!


PLEASE NOTE:
YOU DO NOT HAVE TO BE A MEMBER OF THIS FORUM TO COME ALONG!!! OUR ASTRO CAMP IS OPEN TO ALL. NON-FORUM MEMBERS CAN EMAIL US AT: ken.james1 @ bigpond . com or daztoni @ bigpond . com (leave out the spaces).

[Dave47tuc]

Hi all,:)
Only a couple of weeks to go before camp starts. :thumbsup:
Have we got any volunteers for a work shop or 2?:help:
Would like to see one on using Registax and also one on basic imaging?:help:
I will be doing a couple of talks :whistle: (not again!!) so would like to see a few others!!;)
See those going soon.;)

[bird]

Dunno, I'm game to do one on something... I've got some nifty collimation tools, wanna see?

Bird

[Tamtarn]

YES YES YES YES :thumbsup: :thumbsup: :thumbsup: :thumbsup: :thumbsup: :thumbsup:

[ballaratdragons]

PM sent Bird :thumbsup:

[ballaratdragons]

The Leonids Meteor Shower is forecast to be a good display during Camp. And from the dark sky the very faint ones can be seen.

[Tamtarn]

Wow !! seems like Snake Valley is going to be a smorgesboard of enjoyment :thumbsup: :thumbsup: :thumbsup:
Can't wait Ken :D :D :D

[ballaratdragons]

During camp:

* Saturn
* Mercury will rank next in brilliance, after Sirius.
* 5.8-magnitude Uranus
* Leonid meteor shower is expected as Earth encounters a trail of dust released by Comet Tempel-Tuttle in 1932
* A very thin old crescent Moon rises just over an hour before sunrise.
* Pleiades star cluster will be at opposition. This occurs each year about the same date, when Sun-Earth-Pleiades lie in a nearly straight line in space.
* Both LMC & SMC high in the sky
* Andromeda Galaxy
* Orion high in the sky

Mars enters the morning sky in November. However, it is very close to the horizon, deep in the twilight, and will be very difficult to observe. On November 20th, Mars is a handspan from the crescent Moon and Mercury, but is only just above the eastern horizon half an hour before Sunrise.
On the 19th, the radiant of the Leonid meteor shower is not far from Saturn.

Uranus can still be (just) seen with the naked eye in dark sky sites by people with good eye sight. Uranus is roughly 2/3rd of the way down Aquarius and right next to the faintish star lambda l Aquarii and doesn't move much this month.

The Leonids will have much better rates this year, predictions for the peak rates lie between 35-150 meteors per hour for ZHR. Unfortunately in Australia, the peak occurs before the Leonid radiant rises, and the radiant never rises very far above the horizon (which results in few meteors). None the less, one could expect an average between 1-2 meteors every 3 minutes or so. The best time to observe in Australia is the morning of the 19th between 3 and 4 am (daylight saving time). The Radiant (where the meteors appear to come from) is not far from Saturn, in the Sickle of Leo.

The Milky Way, Orion and the Hyades will be visible, so it will be a quite nice morning, even if fewer than expected meteors turn up. Outside of the showers, you can still see sporadic meteors in dark skies.

[leon]

Good one Ken, looking foward to it, gee i'm going to be spoilt, first to South Vic, and then Snake Valley, i'll be knackered Mate.

Cheers leon

[danielsun]

DOHHH!!!!!! I have been waiting all year for this camp and Doh! Looks like i might only be able to stay 2 nights instead of 4.
The mrs has been on the waiting list for an op and the hopital has called and said that she is booked in for the 20th nov DOOHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!.Smack bang in the middle of the camp.
I have thought and thought of how i can get around this but it seems that she is just not that keen on catching a cab to the hospital!!:P
Only kidding of course!!!
So it looks like i'll have to go home either sunday arvo, night or early morning depending on how far i can push my luck.
Oh well i suppose 2 nights is better than none and Theresa"s health does come first.

[toetoe]

93.7% certain i will be there for three nights, at the moment it is only myself but i may have one extra to be confirmed. Have to sort things out at work for the other 7.3%.

[ballaratdragons]

Yes Daniel, family first.

2 nights will still be great!



That's good news Pete. See you in a couple of weeks.

[ballaratdragons]

Our Guest Speakers this November camp are:


Dave Girling - "THE CLASSICS", and "Astro Gear Good and Bad."

Anthony Wesley - Collimating, and Registax

Paul Haese - Astrophotography with a Webcam

Our thanks go to them for helping make the Camp a great learning experience and for sharing their knowledge and talents.

[ballaratdragons]

UPDATE

UNDER 2 WEEKS TO GO

The cost are as follows:

Bunkhouses (per person)
2 nights $30.00
3 nights $45.00
4 nights $59.00

Campsite (per person)
2 nights $28.00
3 nights $42.00
4 nights $55.00

The Saturday Night Banquet
Price each:
Adults $12
Kids (12 & Under) $8

Those that are booked in already

Me + 2 for 4 nights
Mick Pinner + 2 for 2 nights
wombat_in_space + 3 for 4 nights
Danielsun for 4 nights - PAID
OneOfOne + 5 for 4 nights
Dave47Tuc + 1 for 4 nights - PAID
Tamtarn (Barb & David) for 4 nights - PAID
Rumples Riot for 4 nights - PAID
Bird for 4 nights - PAID
Leon for 3 nights - PAID
Janoskiss for 4 nights - PAID
Twokids + 3 for 2 nights
33South for 4 nights PAID
Starkler for 2 nights
Robin + 2
Toetoe + 1

Also attending:
Anthony Baker + 3 for 4 nights
Angus McIntosh for 4 nights
Dave Johnson for 4 nights
Cheryl & Jess

TOTAL SO FAR - 45

We still have 3 Bunkhouses left! Each one has 8 bunks in it.

and lot's of Camping Space!

Come along and enjoy 4 nights of Dark Sky Experience!


PLEASE NOTE:
YOU DO NOT HAVE TO BE A MEMBER OF THIS FORUM TO COME ALONG!!! OUR ASTRO CAMP IS OPEN TO ALL. NON-FORUM MEMBERS CAN EMAIL US AT: ken.james1 @ bigpond . com or daztoni @ bigpond . com (leave out the spaces).

[ballaratdragons]

Mick Pinner has asked me for the co-ordinates of the Snake Valley Camp. After telling him I thought that maybe others coming in under 2 weeks time may need them too.

Here are the exact co-ords of the viewing field at Snake Valley camp:

37 degrees 38' 28" S
143 degrees 35' 24" E

[OneOfOne]

Magnetic deviation? Not that critical, but last year I used the same as at home, 12 degrees to the east (when facing south).

[Wombat_In_Space]

UPDATE

1 WEEK TO GO

The cost are as follows:

Bunkhouses (per person)
2 nights $30.00
3 nights $45.00
4 nights $59.00

Campsite (per person)
2 nights $28.00
3 nights $42.00
4 nights $55.00

The Saturday Night Banquet
Price each:
Adults $12
Kids (12 & Under) $8

Those that are booked in already

Me + 2 for 4 nights
Mick Pinner + 2 for 2 nights
wombat_in_space + 3 for 4 nights
Danielsun for 4 nights - PAID
OneOfOne + 5 for 4 nights PAID
Dave47Tuc + 1 for 4 nights - PAID
Tamtarn (Barb & David) for 4 nights - PAID
Rumples Riot for 4 nights - PAID
Bird for 4 nights - PAID
Leon for 3 nights - PAID
Janoskiss for 4 nights - PAID
Twokids + 3 for 2 nights
33South for 4 nights PAID
Starkler for 2 nights
Robin + 2
Toetoe + 1 PAID

Also attending:
Anthony Baker + 3 for 4 nights
Angus McIntosh for 4 nights
Dave Johnson for 4 nights
Cheryl & Jess

TOTAL SO FAR - 45

We still have 3 Bunkhouses left! Each one has 8 bunks in it.

and lot's of Camping Space!

Come along and enjoy 4 nights of Dark Sky Experience!


PLEASE NOTE:
YOU DO NOT HAVE TO BE A MEMBER OF THIS FORUM TO COME ALONG!!! OUR ASTRO CAMP IS OPEN TO ALL. NON-FORUM MEMBERS CAN EMAIL US AT: ken.james1 @ bigpond . com or daztoni @ bigpond . com (leave out the spaces).

[ballaratdragons]

BUY/SWAP /SELL

The Buy/Swap/Sell will be set up in the Dining Hall from 4pm, just in time before the Saturday Night Feast, so don't forget to bring those Astro goodies that you would like to part with. There are several items already on the list.

You can offer up any Astro goodies at the Buy/Swap/Sell: Scopes, Accessories, Books, Magazines, whatever Astro goody you can think of.

Clean out the cupboards and bring your items along! :thumbsup:

[Dave47tuc]

Great news Ken:thumbsup:

I have a few things to tempt people. Eyepiece or two and a few other goodies. Hope everyone cleans the shelves out with a bargin or to.;)

[xraydelta1]

Hi,

I'm with a group that does meteor observing, in most cases from the ASV site at Heathcote. At this stage, we have nothing planned and will know in a day or so whether I and one other will be able to join you at Snake Gully. I will confirm with you one way or the other but I'd say I'm 80% your way so fingers crossed!

Thanks to Dave for the heads-up!

Cheers, Richard

[Starkler]

If anyone is looking for a regreased EQ5 (no motor drives) with steel leg tripod, bring along $250 cash ;)

[ballaratdragons]

That's great Richard.

Plenty of camping space left, and even some bunkhouses still empty :thumbsup:

[mick pinner]

what time Friday will you be there Ken?

[ballaratdragons]

from 2pm, Mick.

[toetoe]

No one there before that Ken ?

[Wombat_In_Space]

I will be there from about 10-11am.

[ballaratdragons]

I will probably be there about 10am myself but back and forth from Camp to our Clubroom, to home, to Camp, back and forth. I say 2pm coz I have to be there then coz Tamtarns caravan is turning up then.

Someone will definitely be there from 11am :thumbsup:

[OneOfOne]

Ken,

will you be posting a map of how to get there again? I "think" I can remember where to turn off from the main highway on the other side of town...but a lot of neurons have died since then!

[ballaratdragons]

British Paints, Sure can!

[33South]

:lol: havent heard that for a while Rolf

Thanks for the map, be interesting to see how close the ol' Navman gets me based on the Lat & long you sent with the corrected ordinals.

[ballaratdragons]

Our Guest Speakers this November camp are:


Dave Girling - "THE CLASSICS", and "Astro Gear Good and Bad."

Anthony Wesley - Collimating, and Registax

Richard Pollard - Power Point Presentation

Our thanks go to them for helping make the Camp a great learning experience and for sharing their knowledge and talents.

And Special Guest
Sunday 7:30pm - Mayor Lysette Ashford - Our Light Pollution Reduction Proposal

Mayor Lysette Ashford (a keen Amatuer Astronomer herself) has asked to speak at our event to give an update and information on the proceedings of our 'Light Pollution Reduction Proposal' to council. Lysette has taken on the role of the SVAA's council representative.

Oh, and she will be looking thru our scopes no doubt! :)

The full SVAA Camp program will be available in the next day or two :thumbsup:

[janoskiss]

Party on! :party: :jump2: Looking forward to being back in Snake Valley and seeing old and new faces! :) Hope to get there before sundown Friday.

[ballaratdragons]

PROGRAMME

FRIDAY
Meet & Greet
7:30pm – Richard Pollard: 'Observing Meteors: A Beginners Guide.'
Dark – Observing Field

SATURDAY
2pm – Anthony Wesley: Collimation
3pm – Counterweight Toss
5pm – Group Photo
5:30 - Buy/Swap/Sell
6:30 – FEAST
7:15 – 1st Raffle Draw
7:30 – Dave Girling: Astro Gear- Good & Bad
Dark – Observing Field

SUNDAY
4pm – Dave Girling : ‘CLASSICS’ The beauty of the Night Sky
7pm – 2nd Raffle Draw
7:30 – Mayor Lysette Ashford
Dark – Observing Field

MONDAY
3pm – Solar Observing
4:30 – Anthony Wesley: Registax
6:30 till Dark – Astronomy & Space DVD’s presentation on big screen
Dark – Observing Field

TUESDAY
Sleep In
Farewells
2pm - Camp Closed



*There is no need to print this out as the Program will be handed out on arrival at camp :thumbsup:

[toetoe]

:mad2: :mad2: :mad2: I've been looking everywhere but i can't find my name tag from last year.:mad2: :mad2:

[ballaratdragons]

Weather Forecast for the Camp:


Friday, Nov 17
Sunny - High: 20 °C, Low: 9 °C
Warmer with plenty of sunshine.


Saturday, Nov 18
Intermittent Clouds - High: 23 °C, Low: 13 °C
Nice with periods of clouds and sunshine.


Sunday, Nov 19
Sunny - High: 26 °C, Low: 13 °C
Sunny, nice and warm.

Monday, Nov 20
Partly Sunny - High: 26 °C, Low: 12 °C
Partly sunny and pleasantly warm.


Tuesday, Nov 21
Mostly Sunny - High: 23 °C
Mostly sunny.

[Dave47tuc]

:prey: lets hope this will be the case Ken:D

[ballaratdragons]

HAL2001 (Henri) and his wife are also coming along to Camp too. Onya Henri :thumbsup:

It's not too late to book in and enjoy up to 4 great days and nights of Astronomy Smorgasbord!

Some bunkhouses still available, and lot's of camping space.

COME ALONG!

*see Camp Program in a post above.

[Tamtarn]

Only 24 hours to go :jump2::jump2:

Hey Ken ....Scope or Skis :D:D

[HAL2001]

The iceman could not have picked a better name for this web site.
I'll be bringing my clogs just in case.

BTW my wife's name is Rita and we look forward to a great "banquet" oops "a great couple of viewing nights"

See you all there

Henri

[ballaratdragons]

You won't need skis. It's gonna be a warm weekend. Wierd huh!



Hi Rita, see you soon :)

Food? Did somebody say Food? :lol:

[ballaratdragons]

UPDATE

The latest name to add to the growing list of people coming to Camp is Bert. :thumbsup:

Still a couple of bunkhouses left

and Lots of Camping Space!

[mick pinner]

l just learned that Paul (RR) will not be attending, he will be missed.

[ballaratdragons]

Yes Mick, at the last minute Paul is unavoidably unable to come over. He will be missed.

He has booked into the next March Camp already :thumbsup:

[Wombat_In_Space]

Please look for these signs which will be place at intersections where you will need to turn to get to the Astro camp, the signs will be in place for those coming from ballarats direction there will be three on the route to the camp and the final one at the entrance to the camp.

For those coming from other directions the is good signage to Snake Valley.

[robin]

See you all on saturday folks. Bummer about Paul not coming, hes' a great guy.

[robin]

Incidently, the local news tonight said it would be ZERO degrees in Ballarat on fri night!

[ballaratdragons]

That's wierd Robin. All the weather websites I use say:

Friday - 20 & sunny
Night - 8 & clear

Saturday - 25 & sunny
Night - 14 and clear

Sunday - 28 and partly cloudy
Night - 12 and clear

Monday - 25 and mostly sunny
Night - 12 and mostly clear

[robin]

:) Yeah, weird alright, thats what they said on ch9 news at least. I prefer your forecast better!

[Tamtarn]

Thanks for the signage Darren, it will certainly help.

Hope you have had a Happy Birthday.

Barb & David

[bird]

Well I'm on my way down - got away at about 2.30pm from Canberra, stopping over in Wangaratta tonight. Should get to the camp about lunchtime tomorrow...

Of course it's a lovely clear night in Wangaratta :-)

Bird

[janoskiss]

Very professional Darren! :thumbsup:

[ballaratdragons]

Just to let people know that haven't been to Snake Valley Camp before, and are coming this weekend, there is a fully equipped kitchen with every imaginable cooking utensil, 3 fridges, mattresses on the bunks, Recreation room with pool table, a small lake for swimming, canoeing, fishing, big dining room, and a BBQ. There is bushwalking too.

All you need to bring is your food (except Saturday Nights Feast), and your bedding (doonas, blankets, pillows etc). Oh, and any astro gear you want to bring :lol:

If you want, you can bring your canoe, kite, totem tennis set, bushwalking gear etc.

[ballaratdragons]

OK, I'm going offline now to get some sleep. Camp starts in about 10 hours.

No doubt there will photos in here very soon. I'll sneak back from Camp every now and then and post some pics :lol:

Those that are coming: Get to bed! You've got a long drive! Keep safe on the roads, and please beware of the kangaroos around here. :thumbsup:

[iceman]

Have a great time guys, wish I was there!

[xraydelta1]

Any chance of a campfire? I'll bring the marshmallows... (seriously, roasted marshies are delicious).

After the PowerPoint on meteors I'll show you a couple of nice bits of freeware so bring a USB drive and you can take a copy home. I'm bringing a cople of movies: 2001 and a bootleg copy of Kenny... that I found. Actually, it followed me home.

Cheers, Richard (MPAS)

[xstream]

Have great time guys, Anna and I wished we could of been there again this year but at this very moment she's on the theatre table. :(

Clear skies and a successful camp to you.

[iceman]

Hope Anna is ok, John?

[xstream]

Thanks Mike, she'll be fine I'm sure. :thumbsup:

[cahullian]

have a good one guys. hope it is a little clearer this year than last.

Gazz

[HAL2001]

Richard,

Will a 1 GB flash drive be sufficient or do I need to bring my 80 GB drive??

See you on Saterday.
Henri

[robin]

We've hit the weather jackpot for Snake Valley. Conditions are looking excellent for the entire weekend.

[janoskiss]

Shh. just quitely... :jump2: :jump2: :party: :party: :D
see you in a few hours.

[ballaratdragons]

Hi all,

Just a quick visit, then back up to camp for Birds Collimation class.

Oops, forgot to bring the camera back with me. :doh:

We are having a great time and the weather is magic :thumbsup:

Back to Camp now, see ya. :hi:

[Orion]

Hi Ken,
Great to hear that everyone is having a great time.
Hope the weather holds out.