Calling Victorian Astronomers

[barx1963]

As a lot of you may be aware, the Snake Valley Camps that ran from 2005 to March 2014 ceased after the March camp last year. I along with a small group of attendees, are attempting to revive this wonderful camp so Victorian amateur astronomy doesn't lose one of our most enjoyable experiences.
The Snake Valley Camps have been renowned for being welcoming of new astronomers, both visual and imaging and for being less formal than other camps.
Our first Camp under this new structure is being held on the weekend of March 20-23 for 3 nights. Full info can be found on the posts in the Star Parties section of IIS here http://www.iceinspace.com.au/forum/showthread.php?p=1152567#post115256 7 along with forms etc. to book in.

We have selected the date not to clash with the ASV's Messier night that is held the weekend before and we are over the actual new moon weekend so the skies will be as dark as they can be (weather permitting!) right through the night.

These are great camps for newcomers to our hobby, in fact if you are not camping or staying overnight and not bringing gear to set up there is no charge, and only $5 if you do bring gear, so a great way to "dip your toes" in the astro camp world. If you choose to stay it is a fantastic way to meet new people and see a range of gear in operation. We will be conducting a short "Sky Tour" for an hour or so on the Saturday night using at least one big scope (20") and hopefully a few others for beginners.

While we have a few registrations and more are coming in, we really need to see a reasonable number of attendees to make these camps viable long term, so if this does interest you, please consider it. I can be contacted on 52 313 048 if you have any questions or PM me or email to snakevalleyastrocamps@gmail.com

Cheers

Malcolm
Snake Valley Astro Camps Inc

[Renato1]

It may boost numbers if you clarify whether there really are troublesome snakes there.
Cheers,
Renato

[barx1963]

LOL Renato!:P
No there are not troublesome snakes there, at least I have never seen any. There is however wildlife, swans, roos etc, even spotted eagles soaring above the bushland over the other side of the lake.

Malcolm

[The_bluester]

Just checking my calendar, the real fun killer would be if i am on call at work that week.

We may have one by then, is the cost for a caravan the same as a campsite?

[barx1963]

Yes Paul, camping price applies to tents or vans.
Hope you can make it.

Cheers

Malcolm

[The_bluester]

I will check on the calendar, given the cost I am a bit inclined to book just in case.

[Renato1]

Thanks Malcolm, that sounds like an extremely pleasant location.
Cheers,
Renato

[Tamtarn]

Congratulations Malcolm for reviving Snake Valley Camp. We attended back in 2006/07 and had a great time.
With 43 attending this year you have done a fantastic job :thumbsup:

We wish everyone clear skies and loads of fun :astron: :stargaze:

David and Barb

[erick]

From 2007:
Q. Err, how many snakes do you usually find in Snake Valley?
A. Only the occasional one that you would expect in any country town. Snake Valley is named after the winding shape of the creek 'snaking' through the Valley. :D

Never saw a snake in the years I attended the camp.

(but crocodiles in the Lake? :eyepop:)

[Akwestland]

Whilst we would have loved to be there we have already spent some time tonight viewing Jupiter and the 4 moons, it is a great night here.

We would have loved to attend Snake Valley and applaud the organisation team on this event. Maybe next year for us.

Hope it all is going well there.

Cheers,
Andrew & Kim.

[leon]

I am sure you are only joking about the Snakes at Snake Valley.

It was so name not because of unusual snake numbers but because of the winding Valley that this small town lies in, resembling a Snake, hence Snake Valley.

Leon

[Andy01]

That was an awesome weekend! 2 perfect clear nights and a great turnout in a veryvrelaxed environment. Bring on the next one in Nov. Btw VicSouth is on nov 6-9 and new moon is Nov 12 so maybe the following weekend?
Cheers and thanks to all the organizers for a great job well done :)
Andy

[Suzy]

If I'd seen this earlier, I would've popped it on our facebook page; may have helped to let people know and get some extra attendees.
You're doing such wonderful work Malcolm, go you! :thumbsup:

[barx1963]

Thanks Suzy
It was an awesome weekend and plans are already in hand for the next camp so I will let you know.

Cheers

Malcolm