The Next Snake Valley Astro Camp! November 6-9 2015

[barx1963]

The Next Snake Valley Astro Camp! November 6-9 2015

6th – 9th November 20145
Camp commences midday, Friday 6th and concludes midday Monday 9th
As at the March Camp, if there is sufficient interest we may be able to extend the camp for an additional night and pack up on Tuesday 10th.

Booking in at the bottom of this page.
PLEASE NOTE: We have kept fees the same as past years, but we have introduced a membership/registration fee of $10. This enables attendees to be registered as members which makes situation clearer as far as any potential liability for injuries, damage etc.

3 nights of beautiful dark sky away from City glare.
- LIMITED TO 50 BOOKINGS ONLY PER NIGHT-
(plus casual visitors also welcome, if setting up gear a $5- fee will apply)

- 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.
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' or use of illegal drugs will not be tolerated.
* Aerosols of any description (Aeroguard, deodorant etc) are TOTALLY BANNED on the observing field. Stray spray could (and has) permanently damage optics.
* A red light only policy is in place on the observing field after dark. Lap top screens are to be suitably shielded and dimmed. Dim Red Lights (Red LED Head Torches, etc) are acceptable. If a white light must be used, please warn nearby observers before turning it on.
* Persons violating above rules will be asked to leave and will forfeit fees paid.
* We would prefer for the field to be smoke free, please consider those around you

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.

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.
OTHER STUFF
A “Beginners Sky Tour” will be held on Saturday night
A Lucky Door Prize (1 year subscription to Australia Sky and Telescope) will be drawn on Saturday
Solar Observing during the day

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)
PLEASE NOTE: No booking will be regarded as firm until payment is made.

Membership fee (Compulsory for all staying overnight) $10 ONLY PAYABLE FOR FIRST TIME ATTENDEES, IF YOU ATTENDED THE MARCH 2015 CAMP, THIS DOES NOT APPLY.

Please PM me if you have any queries about the fees

Bunkhouses (per person)*
2 nights $60.00
3 nights $80.00
Campsite (per person)
1 night $25.00
2 nights $50.00
3 nights $75.00
Children under 5 y.o. - free

Please book in by completing details on attached form. This is available in Word and PDF format. Please scan completed form and return to us via email along with a payment receipt (see below).

If you have any queries or would like assistance with your booking, I can be contacted via email on snakevalleyastrocamps@gmail.com or by PM.

Payment details:
BSB 063510
Account 10397720
Please include your name in the detail field when making a payment. If possible email a copy of the payment receipt to snakevalleyastrocamps@gmail.com


Hoping to see you all there,
Malcolm

[Greenswale]

You bewdy! I'm in for three nights.

Perfect weather guaranteed!

[Wombat_In_Space]

At this stage I am in for three nights. Ok holidays applied for and approved so I can now do 4th night if it is on. :cool:

[Jen]

:thumbsup::thumbsup::thumbsup: Woohooo I'm in for all three plus Monday night if we get the numbers :) I still have lots to learn :)
I will have the usual excecutive suite with spa and lake side views thanks :)
Is it November yet :)

[The_bluester]

Be a couple of days before I can do anything about it but I am in for Fri-Sat-Sun nights in a bunkhouse. Just chasing up who I can drag with me and if they can stay at least two nights.

Change of plans, I was going to be going on long service leave in January but now I am going at the start of November so for once I don't have to worry about work getting in the way!

[niko]

I'm in for all nights (including the Monday if we have numbers). Will be camping

[The_bluester]

In and paid for three nights. I have put "Pending others" in the notes as I am booking for a bunkhouse and expect to have at least one other person for at least a night or two as well.

[rcheshire]

In for all nights including Monday if it comes off.

[Jen]

Woohoooo oh yeah that's three for Monday night the clearest night of them all :) :) :P:P

[Greenswale]

Four! (For Monday night, that is!)

[Jen]

:party::party::party:

[byronpaul]

Gee Wren ..... Quick Draw McGraw in getting your Rego in :)

Malcolm, I'm in for the main 3 nights (Fri ~ Sun).

This will be my first decent chance of visual since last Camp, so I'm counting down the days.

Looking forward to catching up with everybody.

Paul

[Paddy]

Woohooo!

Count me in for Friday and Saturday, camping.

[rcheshire]

All paid up?

[Andy01]

Looking highly likely to add two more bodies to Bluesters' cabin booking :)

[The_bluester]

Great stuff, I am much less sure about the last two or three for a cabin with us, but I am trying.

[barx1963]

Hi guys
Bookings are starting to trickle in. So far we have

Wren
Duncan Hamilton
Paul Milvain
Warren and Pam Maag
Rowland
Paul Byron
Malcolm (me)

We also have the following that are coming and I am waiting on formalities
Paddy
Jen (and Drew?)
John (xstream)
Andy plus 1
Niko
Darren (Wombat in Space)

Hopefully i haven't missed anyone?

Cheers

Malcolm

[Jen]

:cool::cool::cool:

[barx1963]

Thanks Jen
On a couple of other notes. As some of you may be aware, Barry is a member and past President, of the Ballarat Observatory. Would anyone be interested in a quick field trip maybe on the Saturday to have a look around the observatory?

Malcolm

[Jen]

Yes count me in :) :thumbsup:

[The_bluester]

Ditto, have been meaning to arrange myself a look for a long time.

[xstream]

Malcolm,
Put me down for Friday, Saturday & Sunday nights in a bunkhouse please.

Cheers,
John.

[The_bluester]

OK, at this point, looking like myself, Andy and his +1 and possibly one more for the bunkhouse. The other two I was hoping for are tied up on the weekend.

[barx1963]

Thanks Paul!

[multiweb]

Hi Malcolm, I've emailed you the completed booking form for 3 nights. Bunking Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Let me know if it's all ok. Thanks. :thumbsup:

[Jen]

Oh yayyyy I finally get to meet the frog woohoo :)

[multiweb]

Woohoo!

[barx1963]

Thanks Marc. Form received!!

Malcolm

[barx1963]

OK some more to add
Wren
Duncan Hamilton
Paul Milvain
Warren and Pam Maag
Rowland
Paul Byron
Malcolm (me)
Marc (multiweb)

We also have the following that are hopefully coming and I am waiting on formalities
Paddy
Jen (and Drew?)
John (xstream)
Andy plus 1
Niko
Darren (Wombat in Space)
Emma (emmzy)

Cheers

[JohnG]

I will be coming, will be camping and if there are enough interested, will stay the extra night, will submit the forms soon.

Photoshop for Jen again..... :lol:

Cheers

[barx1963]

Excellent John!!

Malcolm

[Jen]

Woohooo more photoshop for Jen :) :) and yes Monday nights looking good :)

[multiweb]

+1 for Monday night if it happens. :stargaze:

[supernova1965]

Count Pam and I in for the observatory tour

[danielsun]

Hi all, Yeah I'm definitely in along with Ryan and just waiting for Andrew to decide if he's in or not.
So at this stage you can put me down for 2 or possibly 3 of us for two nights so far and in a bunkhouse but will confirm and submit form shortly.
Will be great to catch up with all again.:thumbsup:

Cheers Daniel.

[xstream]

Your shout for Dolcetto, Daniel. ��

[Nico13]

Hi Malcolm,
Put me down for three nights plus Monday if it goes.
Camping.
I may bring Carol up for the last night Sunday/Monday? if the weather is good.
Cheers, paperwork to follow.

Ken.

[barx1963]

Thanks Ken!!

Malcolm

[barx1963]

As an added attraction fo the Snake Valley Camp, I have just purchased an Orion EQ-G mount (exactly the same as the HEQ5 Pro apart from badges and colour) so there will be a comedy show while I attempt polar aligning.
Should be good for a laugh!!

Malcolm

[Greenswale]

So, you will be fitting a telescope to it first?

[The_bluester]

Can't be any more comedy than me aligning!

Doing pure visual I think I will just use Alt Az mode this time around. It does keep the eyepiece in much nicer places even with an SCT.

[barx1963]

Yes, still working on that, only the Lunt on it so far.

Malcolm

[barx1963]

Hi Guys
Just a quick update on numbers. To date we have

Duncan Hamilton
Wren
Paul Milvain
Warren and Pamela Maag
Rowland
Paul Byron
Myself
Barry Coverdale
John Glossop
John Gurkin (xstream)
Andrew McCann
Neale Walters
Marc Aragnou

Are all confirmed and paid up

also we have

Darren (wombat-in-space)
Jen
Nico
Paddy
Danielsun + 1 or 2 kids
Andrew Campbell + 1 other
Ken Nicholas
Thomas Phan and Hang Tran
who have told me they are coming but I do not yet have paperwork or $$$

If I have missed anyone, please let me know!!

Obviously we are still a couple of months out, and there is usually a last minute rush.

Quite a few have expressed interest in the Ballarat Observatory visit, so I will see what I can do about setting that up and update you all.

Cheers

Malcolm

[barx1963]

Hi guys
A quick update on something. We have a website!!
It is very basic, but has the info people need. It can be found here http://www.snakevalleyastrocamps.org/

A big thanks you to Andrew, Big Dave, Daniel and Ken Nicholas for allowing me to use their images.

Cheers

Malcolm

[Jen]

Woohoooo :) :)

Is it November yet :)

[The_bluester]

I am asking that doubly. I go on long service leave for three months a week before the camp!

[Jen]

One more month to go woop woop :) :)

[The_bluester]

Tell me about it!

Getting really busy at work prepping for long service leave. And two days ago the high winds demolished a wall of our garage, and a bushfire was too close for comfort!

Seriously looking forward to some quality time pondering the sky!

[barx1963]

Hi guys
Well we are a month away from the camp and a few things are happening.
We have a couple of activities planned for the Saturday. Firstly, thanks to Barry Coverdale, those who wish can have a quick tour of the Ballarat Observatory. This is a very interesting example of the sort of municipal observatories that were quite common in the late 1800's and early 20th century and well worth a look.
Plan is to leave around 10-30am on Saturday and get there about 11am. Have a look around for an hour or so and that gives plenty of time to have a look around Ballarat or have some lunch in town.
Andrew Campbell is going to give a presentation in the afternoon. This will be based on the presentation that he gave as part of the Astrophotography Exhibition at the Ballarat International Foto Biennale recently. At this stage we are planning on doing that at around 3pm.
Those that were at the March Camp will remember that Pam and Warren Maag kindly put on a "Happy Hour" on the Saturday and they have kindly offered to do so again. It will be just some snacks and dips but a nice chance to relax and chat before getting ready for the nights observing.

As we are an incorporated Association, we are required to hold an Annual Meeting. As all attending are members, you are all entitled to attend so I am proposing to do that at this camp. We will try to keep it quick and simple and quick. A club I belong to prides itself on getting the AGM done in under 15 minutes, so I am hoping to do the same here!
At this stage I am proposing to do the AGM at 4-30pm on Saturday and then get into the Happy hour after that.

With bookings, they have slowed a bit, I am hoping we will get a few more in the next few weeks, if you haven't yet booked in, please do so.

Cheers all

Malcolm

PS Is it November yet??

[barx1963]

Oh and while talking about Andy, it was great to see articles by Andy and Rob Kaufman in the latest issue of Crux from the ASV.
Rob's article was very interesting, detailing some achievements and a couple of near misses in the comet and nova discovery department made with some reasonably basic gear.

Malcolm

[Jen]

:eyepop::eyepop:
Plan is to leave around 10-30am on Saturday and get there about 11am. Have a look around for an hour or so and that gives plenty of time to have a look around Ballarat or have some lunch in town.
:scared3:

Malcolm don't you know what time I get to bed at these camps :rofl::rofl:

[Jen]

189329

Not that I'm counting or anything :) no no no..... Just saying :)

[barx1963]

Love it!!

[The_bluester]

I am actually counting down to a car club event the weekend before SVAC, that Saturday marks the first day of my long service leave and I do not go back until the start of Feb 16!

After that I will count down to SVAC!

[Wombat_In_Space]

Less than a month to go, be good to meet some of the new people and catch up with old friends from the early days of the camp. Also be good not to do any of the organising this time. (Less stress on me :D)

[Jen]

Darren we can soon find something for you to do if you like hehehe :)

[Wombat_In_Space]

No I am right, I want to enjoy this one.

[barx1963]

Hi guys
Just thought I better update the numbers. At this stage we have

Duncan Hamilton
Wren
Paul Milvain
Warren Maag
Pam Maag
Rowland
Paul Byron
Barry Coverdale (bringing his new 16" scope!!)
Malcolm
John Gurkin
Andrew McCann
Neale Walters
Marc Aragnou
Thomas Phan
Hang Tran
Jenny Bryent
Drew
Darren Quinert
Jamie Pole
Josh Pole
Paul Litchen
All the above are fully paid
Other bookings we have awaiting finalising are
Paddy
Danielsun
Andrew Campbell
Ken Nicholas

John Glossop looks unlikely at this stage due to a family health issue, but in view of his long term commitment to this camp I am holding a booking open for him (he has paid) until we know for sure.

So numbers are around the 26 mark, if you know anyone else who is interested, tell to get their booking in soon!!

Cheers

Malcolm

[Jen]

Gee there is a few names I'm not familiar with.... Woohooo more noobies for Jen to annoy :) :) but there is a few missing too :shrug:

Is there any other photoshop experts that can teach Jen a few more tricks I'm a good student honest hehehe :) John I have been waiting for ever for round two bugger I hope things are well with you and the fam xo

[dmurton]

Malcolm,

Two more names to add to the list

David Murton & John Pullan

All nights and bunkroom please. Will get the paperwork done tomorrow.

Cheers

David

PS Hope everything is alright with John.

[byronpaul]

Malcolm,

just confirming that we have Paddy's Registration and Fees, so he's fiirmed. I'll forward documentation this evening.

Numbers are looking good :)

Paul

[barx1963]

Thanks Paul and David

Cheers

Malcolm

[Jen]

Woohooo :)

189607

[Julian]

Put me down for 3 to 4 nights in a bunkhouse.

Any saturday Sunday feed on at all?

Thanks

[Julian]

is anybody from Melbourne going up to snake valley astro camp able to give me a lift up and back from Doreen South Morang area, as I need to take blankets and some extra stuff with me, which I can't travel on the train with,
Happy to pay half the petrol up and back

Cheers

[pfitzgerald]

Julian

Please send me a PM with contact details - I'm in Mill Park and thinking of heading up.

Paul

[Julian]

Hi Paul, just Sent you a PM with my details

[barx1963]

Hi guys
After a bit of thought and checking we have decided to extend the camp to Monday night.
I know this is late notice and I do apologise for that, but it was important that we knew that we could have people to do certain roles over the extended time period. I have to be in Tassie that day so cannot attend beyond the first 2 nights. Paul and Niko are able to be there at this stage so all should work out.

So if you are interested, just let me know. We may have to sort the $$$ at the camp at this stage.

In other good news, John Glossop is now able to come to the camp. I seem to remember that someone was keen to get some more image processing lessons?

Cheers

Malcolm

[Jen]

Woohoooooo :) :) :)
:party::party::party::party::party: :party:

[Atmos]

I probably should check to see if I can make it for the Sunday/Monday night. I am out on the Saturday sadly but I'll have to recheck my calendar!

[barx1963]

Hmmm... thought that might be the reaction!!

[The_bluester]

I am in from Friday through Sunday nights but I am not at all sure about Monday night at this point.

[Andy01]

Friday & Saturday only for both myself & Paul Litchen. My son's 7y/o birthday party starts at 1pm sunday & I'll be divorced if I'm not there!

[The_bluester]

Ouch!

I am not brave enough to start looking at the long range weather yet. Here is hoping for conditions as good as early this year.

[Jen]

I have been feeling quite unwell for the last six months or more now, and within the last month it's decided to raise its ugly head twice as much :( (yes I know why did it take so long to sort it out, cause I hate doctors/needles and I'm a chicken lol) they have found a nasty bug has decided to embed itself into the lining of my stomach and is having a great old time in there for god knows how long :shrug: and my blood tests are telling me I have pancreas disease :sadeyes: which I have to go and get More tests and a CT scan on the Monday of camp :mad2: so I am going to jump up and down and throw a tanty at the hospital today to get in much sooner so they can fix me ASAP :shrug: so wish me luck :) feeling positive :)

[barx1963]

Never look at weather forecasts before Astro Camps - That way madness lies!!:P

Malcolm

[barx1963]

Ooh Jen. Doesn't sound nice.
Just remember, your health is important, the stars will always be there.

Cheers

Malcolm

[Jen]

It won't be good for my mental health if I have to miss this camp that I look forward to all year :shrug: fingers crossed

[barx1963]

OK, latest attendees list!!

Duncan Hamilton
Wren
Paul Milvain
Warren Maag
Pam Maag
Rowland
Paul Byron
Barry Coverdale (bringing his new 16" scope!!)
Malcolm
John Gurkin
Andrew McCann
Neale Walters
Marc Aragnou
Thomas Phan
Hang Tran
Jenny Bryent
Drew
Darren Quinert
Jamie Pole
Josh Pole
Paul Litchen
Paddy
Danielsun
Andrew Campbell
Ken Nicholas
John Glossop
Julian O'Donnell
Paul Fitz-gerald
Nicko (Monday only)
Martin

So far for Monday we have
Nicko
Paul B
John Glossop
Rowland
Marc Aragnou
Jen (I believe)
There were a number of others who said they may be OK for Monday, but I will check with them shortly.

If I have missed anyone, please let me know.

Cheers all

[The_bluester]

Good sized list.

Looks like I can borrow a pair of Canon (I think) image stabilised 15 X 50 binos for the weekend as well. That should be interesting to try out, I might have to buy a banana lounge to make looking up easier. We have four pairs at work, three at 15 X 50 and one of 18 X 50. Anyone reckon I should see if I can wrangle the 18's?

[xstream]

Malcolm, I'll also stay the Monday night if the weather behaves but won't make that call until the camp.
I'll also have Edwin in tow with me so that will be another lge aperture scope on the field.
Looking forward to catching up with old faces and meeting some new ones.
See you there guys!

[byronpaul]

John - good to see another big scope for "Dob Corner". So we're going to have at least Malcolm's 20", your and my 18" SDMs, Barry's new 16" monster, and Paddy's "little" 16" .... sorry Paddy I had to get that comment in before camp :P

Jen - give those Doctors hell. Whilst your health is the top priority, Camp won't be the same without Drew, Johnny and yourself. Thinking of you!!!!

Only 2 weeks to go ...... getting really itchy feet :) :) :)

Paul

[Dunc78]

Looking forward to meeting everyone in a couple of weeks. Never been to one of these weekends but they sound great.
I am a bit of a newbie and have just been trying to teach myself astronomy this past year with some success and failure. I own a basic 6 inch dob but looking at upgrading soon so will be good to see a few different scopes in action to help me work out what I want/need. Unfortunately as i am coming straight from work and my car is full of baby seats so i wont be able to bring my scope on the weekend. I will be bringing my binoculars and tripod but if anyone can let me have a few moments on the end of their eyepiece it would be appreciated.
Hopefully my new SLR arrives also before that weekend so i will get a chance to do some nightscapes and astrophotography. Again if anyone wants to give me a couple of photography pointers I would be happy for any advice.
I'm a chef so happy to bribe people with food for some mentoring!!
Let's hope we have some clear skies and a fun weekend!!

[JohnG]

Don't worry about your lack of experience Duncan, there will be plenty of people willing to talk to and show you their scopes and let you look through them, plenty of imagers to help with the dark side as well, just ask....

Cheers John G

[byronpaul]

Duncan,

as JohnG indicated, don't worry about the lack of scope.

There will be plenty of visual scopes down in "Dob Corner". Just come down and join our party.

The imaging guys usual group together up the top of the field, but they normally stroll down for a look see through an eyepiece ..... after they've given up trying to polar align and get all their gear working :rofl:

The crowd at Snake Valley is very relaxed, so as long as you don't shine any bright white light in peoples eyes, you'll fit right in.

See you there.

Paul

[The_bluester]

More than welcome to observe through my SCT as long as you like Duncan, plenty of sky to go around!

I will set up in Dob corner this time with an extension cord to keep my battery going, guess I will go to the top end of Dob corner.

[Jen]

It's amazing what people can do when a crazy Astro chick storms into the hospital with her devil horns sticking out and her evil eyes having a tanty and making demands to get seen to earlier :tasdevil::tasdevil: it really does work :rofl:
My CT scan had been brought forward to this Tuesday :) woohoo wish me luck xo
:wink2::wink2:

[barx1963]

They must all be quaking in their boots at the Swan Hill Hospital tonight!!

Hope it goes well Jen!!

Malcolm

[SimmoW]

Now Uri and are are coming to SV, can't wait! And Jen, I'm bringing along a nice lady friend, Nerida, I think she'll be in the cabin with you, you 2 will get along like old friends I suspect!

[Jen]

Woohooo awesome Simon now I just have to steal a few more Nhill campers hehehe :)

[SimmoW]

That's Great Jen, keep attit! Hope you're feeling better now

[Nico]

Got space for one more nut?

John

[barx1963]

No problem with camping. Cabins are all booked, trying to find who can share so I can free a couple up.

Cheers

[Nico]

Great thanks Malcom, I'll send the proforma am tomorrow. Looking forward seeing everyone else and especially interested in meeting others to share ideas and hopefully gain some valued knowledge along the way.

As Im yet to get my self a simple tent or something, would anyone have a recommendation on a brand/type etc. Besides the scope & mount goes what else should I bring along?

John

:D

[barx1963]

John
The camp has a kitchen with plenty of cutlery, crockery and utensils. Some of the cooking gear is a bit beaten around but still serviceable. The knives are a bit blunt!!
So basically food and drink and camping gear. I am not able to help with tent brands. The one I use is a no name that I bought at Ray's.

You may need a new nickname as we already have 2 "niko's" that come to the camp!!:P

Malcolm

[traveller]

Hi all,
I am down for the camp with my son. Just a suggestion Malcolm, maybe it's time for name stickers (real name and IIS member name) I will hunt around for some stationary :)
Bo

[Jen]

Good idea I think I need to have a big purple one cause no one will guess who I am on the field :lol::lol: :) :) :)

[barx1963]

I was having the same thought. I may have some clear badges with pins that you put a card into, will let you know if I cannot find them.

Malcolm

[barx1963]

Just had a some more bookings come in today.
I am at work so don't have my paperwork with me but we are pretty much full in the bunkhouses.

If you want a cabin, it may be subject to sharing or someone switching to camping.

We have about 45 or so booked in now, will publish a list later.

Numbers for the Monday night are OK, 7 or 8 at this stage. Anyone else wanting to extend?

Cheers

Malcolm

[Jen]

Woohoooo :)
190083

[barx1963]

OK, with some more bookings, we have the following

Duncan Hamilton
Wren
Paul Milvain
Warren Maag
Pamela Maag
Rowland
Paul Byron
Barry Coverdale
Malcolm
John Glossop
John Gurkin
Andrew McCann
Neale Walters
Marc Aragnou
Thomas Phan
Hang Tran
Jen
Drew
Darren Quinert
Jamie Pole
Josh Pole
Paul Litchen
Big Dave
Paddy
Ken Nicholas
Martin
Danielsun
Ryan
Julian O'Donnell
Paul Fitzgerald
Simon Waters
Uri Abrahams
Shazil Shah +2
Raaziya Ahmed
Bo
Ryan
David Murton
John Pullen
John Nicholls
Andrew Campbell

Which makes 44!!
A pretty good result with VicSouth also happening. You will notice a few new names. For the regulars, if you see someone new at the camp, do try to make them feel welcome. I know when I first came to SV back in 2009, I loved the way everyone made me feel like part of the group right from the first night.

Clear skies

Malcolm

[Jen]

We can't make them feel too welcome Malcolm cause they will keep coming back like a bad smell Hehehehe :) :) as long as they don't steal that special spot on the field Hahahaha :)
Can't wait to meet a few noobies for me to harass :) :)
I don't bite :D well not on the first night anyway :P;)

[The_bluester]

Hi Malcolm, I was just discussing space with Andrew and he said he suggested topping our cabin up and looked like there would be five in it (I think we are in a 7 berth)

That would be potentially getting pretty cosy so I will bring my tent and make a space in the cabin.

At this point neither of the friends I was hoping to drag along are able to make it for various reasons so the tent will do me fine. I think that puts Andrew, Paul L, and possibly Uri and Simon in the cabin?

[Jen]

Sorry guys you ain't going to get any peace and quiet at this camp I've been giving the all clear woohooooo so save my special spot on the field :) :)
Is it November yet :)

[The_bluester]

So much looking forward to this, this will be the first "Relax" time of my long service leave (Which starts tomorrow)

Time to go buy nice bottle of scotch to bring with me.

[leon]

Seems like a good turn out indeed, hope the weather Gods are kind for the duration of the camp,

Clear Skies.

Leon

[Wombat_In_Space]

Hope your special spot isn't my old special spot then, But I am willing to share :)

[barx1963]

Hi all
Just letting you know that I am away for a couple of days so will have only limited or no access to internet, so emails may not be answered until Sunday

Any urgent SV issues (and I cannot imagine any issue that would classify as urgent) I can be contacted on 0448 567187

Cheers

Malcolm

[Jen]

:eyepop: woohoooo it's finally November :) :) :) yayyyyy
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[Nico13]

Hey Jen glad to here you have the all clear camp wouldn't be camp without Jen there now would it.
Are you staying the Monday night with a few other crazy's like me?
See you and everyone else in a few days, Start packing the gear tomorrow.

[Jen]

Yep I'm there for the whole four nights Woohooo and look out I'm feeling real good now too yayyyy OMG two more sleeps :) I've started packing up bits n pieces :) see you all soon :)
And to all those that are travelling please be safe xo

[pfitzgerald]

You too Jen - and to all the other attendees.

Gear check and packing tonight - will be leaving for SV as soon as lesson six finishes on Friday.

Paul

[barx1963]

Hi guys
Some bits of news. Firstly my apologies if I seemed to drop off the air for a few days. I had a really nasty bout of bronchitis last week. Very unpleasant but starting to feel better now.
Unfortunately Daniel has had to pull out of the camp. His family has some health issues at the moment, which I won't detail in a public forum. He hopes he may still be able to drop in on the Sunday.
Any way numbers are still good. I am about to start packing myself.

Malcolm

[Jen]

:eyepop: oh no I hope things are ok Daniel xoxo

Malcolm is there any other kids around Drews age going ?

I don't know how to entertain him for four days if there isn't :rolleyes:

[byronpaul]

Jen,

I know Bo is going for 1st 2 nights, so Ryan will be there.

I recall some other kids will be there the Friday & Saturday nights as well.

So we'll have to keep drew entertained after that :P

Daniel - hope all goes well. Will be thinking off you and your family.

Have started the big pack. The caravan if going to be busting as the seems I've got that much to squeeze it. Going visual the 1st 2 nights and probably imaging the last 2 nights so HEAPS of gear !!!!! Just as well SWMBO got the new kitchen this year ..... so I can keep those Astro deliveries coming :thumbsup:

Paul

[barx1963]

Hi guys
I will be heading to SV in the morning. Just a note to say after I leave I won’t be able to respond to emails or IIS PMs so if you need to contact give me a call on 0448 567 187

See you all up there!

Malcolm

[dmurton]

Awesome, only one day to go. Started getting all the gear together last night, and realised I have a heap of stuff that I haven't used in ages. I'll be bringing it all along to SV, and what doesn't go there will go on IIS classifieds.

Look forward to seeing everyone there.

Regards

David

[The_bluester]

While the weather is not looking as promising, I will take what I can get.

I can not make myself complain, we were pretty desperate for rain with only a couple of weeks drinking water left and a pretty low dam for the livestock.

[barx1963]

Weather forecast has dramatically improved in the last 24 hours. Friday is still looking dodgy but guess what? Sunday and Monday look to be the picks!!

Malcolm

[Jen]

Yes the weather is looking better everyday woohoo
190461

[Greenswale]

We need a high pressure area over the field for the weekend. Just as well you are coming, Jen :stargaze:

[Jen]

:rofl::rofl: hehehe rain hail or sunshine you won't keep me away :P
One more sleep Woohooo if I pull an all nighter tonight that means no more sleeps hahahaha see you all soon :)

I'm leaving poor Johnny home this time as I now finally have my guiding up and running I'm going to be with the crazy imagers on the other side of the field hehehe plus I heard there is much bigger toys there to play with :P
Photoshop lessons part two here we come are you ready Mr Glossop :)

190470

[The_bluester]

Here is hoping it cleans up a bit. I have even managed to jury rig a way to mount binoculars on my azeq mount on alt az mode. SCT and binos aimed at the same target.

[Greenswale]

The best camp, ever!!??

Friday night was yuck, Saturday night defied the forecast and was really good, but last night (Sunday) once again defied forecast, providing one of the best skies I have experienced. Absolutely brilliant, particularly for the visual people, please accept my bias, he, he!

Add in the excellent company, splendid venue, relaxed atmosphere and endless discussion on everything imaginable, wow!

A big thanks to Snake Valley Camps, the committee and everyone else. There does remain just one question:

Is it March yet?

[xstream]

Couldn't agree more Wren, where's my observing buddy? The only visual left is me and Paul but hey, it's still November! :eyepop: :lol::lol:

[pfitzgerald]

Bang on Wren - I had a great weekend - so thank you all.

Especially to Malcolm, Paul and the SVAC committee a huge thank you for all the effort that went into the planning and organising for the weekend.

Also to Barry for the tour of the Ballarat Observatory with its 'ancient' 'scopes and stained glass windows (loved the latter!), Andy for his AP talk and advice Saturday night and to Pam and Warren for the cheese and bickies late Saturday.

And finally to Patrick, Wren, Darren, Bo, Julian et al for some great conversations on so many different topics - including how to blow up tree stumps! ;-)

As per Wren's final comment is it March yet? Can't wait until next year. What a great camp.

Paul

[Nico]

Just want to say to you all that I thoroughly enjoyed the weekend, though I would have wanted to stay the extra night if it were not for work commitments! I especially want to thank Malcom and the team for accepting a newbie into the ranks and Marc and Bo for helping me with polar alignment, eventually got there about 10pm, pretty rough though. However I did manage to image the Tarantula. PHD2 + wide field is pretty forgiving :lol:

Now I'm not very good with names or reading name tags for that matter, but to the chaps that provided me with a spare LED screen filter my gratitude goes out to you both. All I had was a bodgy selafane thingo I made myself which would have been tragic if put to use and ultimately end in profanities galore. I also enjoyed talking about this, that and the other during the night.

I'll process what I've got, yes with Pixinsight, and yes will use dark subtracted darks hehe. Probably have them up by the end of the week. I must say though that I would not be able to image this target from the Mel burbs so very impressed with rich star fields.

Looking forward to March 16!
:thanx:

John

[Nico]

What I meant to say was...bias subtracted darks:eyepop:

[Paddy]

Another great Snake Valley camp. Glad you guys got some good viewing last night. As always, great to meet some new friends and to catch up with the regulars. And at least got some observing on Saturday night and some great solar observing.

Thanks again to Malcolm, Paul, Barry and Nick for running these wonderful events.

Thanks also to Barry for the great tour of the beautiful Ballaarat (not a spelling mistake!) Observatory and to Andrew for his presentation of his beautiful images.

See you all next March!

[traveller]

Great to connect faces with names old and new.
Thanks to Paul Fitzgerald for loaning me a dew strap on Sat.
To Malcolm, Paul and everyone for organising it.
Andy for checking my PHD2 drifting
Barry for the Ballaart (I will spell it the original spelling now)
Pam and Warren for Sat Happy Hour
John G for the Sunday morning Image Plus tutorial, and fun banters with Martin, Neal, Nico (too many Nicos...), Jen, John (too many Johns...), Wren, Paddy, David, Jamie and countless others.
Roll on March.
Bo

[Dunc78]

I to would like to echo everyone's comments and thank everyone for a great weekend. I think learnt more in this weekend than I have in the past year trying to teach myself. Definitely feel like i have more of an idea of what i need and what I want to get out of astronomy now. Everyone was really great at making me feel welcome and putting up with my lack of knowledge. Especially thanks to John and Bo for showing me the basics of astrophotography and also i think it was Patrick (sorry i can be as bad with names as i am with remembering my constellations!) who took me on a tour of the night sky. Saw so much more in his giant scope than my baby dob here in the light polluted suburbs.
Hopefully will see you all in March with my own equipment and maybe even feel confident enough to join in the conversations.

[barx1963]

Hi guys
So glad to hear that you are all happy. I thought Sunday night was going to be a cracker. Sad to miss it but maybe will get mire nights in March!!

Malcolm

[barx1963]

Hey guys, also don't forget, we want pictures!! Not just astro shots but also of the camp itself
I will try to pick a few to put on our website also.

Malcolm

[glend]

Wouldn't mind see a photo of Barry with his new 16" dob! He seems pleased.

[The_bluester]

Well there you go, I decided based on the forecast to head off on Sunday afternoon and get a bit of family time, wrong call it seems (The weather never cleared here at Kilmore) Glad it turned out well for those who stuck it out.

A really enjoyable camp, thanks to the committee for making it happen. More thanks to Malcolm for what turned out effectively to be a loan of your big dob on Saturday night, I ended up observing through it for about half an hour. Makes me quite keen to buy or build one eventually. If I start working on my wife now I might be able to get one in about 20 years!

Here is hoping I can make both camps next year too.

Oh, and Jen, I don't think I have heard "Kitty" in 20 years!

[JohnG]

Some images from the field...

[Wombat_In_Space]

I to would like to echo everyone's comments and thank everyone for a great weekend, a special thanks to Malcolm for the foresight to bring back the camp.

After Missing a lot of camps it was great to see new and old faces I will be back.

[multiweb]

+1. It was great to meet everybody. Skies were awesome. Had a lot of fun and a real good time. Thanks to all. :thumbsup:

Couple of pics from Balla(a)rat Obs with a pretty spiffy clock drive. Thanks to Barry for the guided tour of the facilities.

And one shot from the new Mewlon 210 I bought off John G. Beaute scope very well kept and looked after. Very happy with first light Sunday night. Good seeing and transparency.

[Atmos]

That telescope there (towards the end) looks like a cannon!

[Paddy]

Sunday morning.

[roddz]

Another great camp. Thanks Malcolm and others.
While going through my pics from Sunday night I spotted this 5 armed Alien!

[Nico13]

Been running around this week but finally processed a couple of pictures from camp.
Got the family group shot here and a field shot.
Had a good time with great company and at least one exceptional night sky so all good.
Some new faces and the regulars, shame a few couldn't make it but I think all those who attended had a pretty reasonable time.
Thanks to all who set up everything and the few of us who cleaned up on Tuesday morning, all went well.

[Julian]

at least we got your WIFi Servo Cat working, after replacing the batteries in the hand controller, which was good, WOW 47 TUC looked awesome never seen anything like it!! As did many other objects.

[Julian]

Thanks to Malcolm and Paul Fitzgerald and everyone else including John, Paul Byron also for letting me use their scopes.

[Greenswale]

Yep, 47 Tuc, superb seeing, and an SDM with Ethos made for a sincerely memorable view.

I gave up counting the 'WOW!' exclamations. Spectacular!

[Julian]

Sure did,
Fantastic telescopes alright, 31mm wonderful wide angle eyepiece.

Nice meeting you Wren too.

[barx1963]

Hi all
Well I am finally back home with access to the internet. Where we were staying in Tassie last week, I only had very limited access.
Anyway it sounds like all went well. Thank you to everyone who attended and made the camp another success. I hope that you all had a great time.
Big thankyous are due. Firstly to Paul Byron for his cheerful work with me putting it all together and taking responsibility when I couldn't be around. Next to Barry for the excellent tour in Ballarat. Paul, Barry, Nick and myself are the Committee that puts this on. Unfortunately, Nick couldn't be there but has made a strong contribution this year to the Camps we have put on. Others are Andrew for the presentation on Sat arvo, Ken for taking the group shot, Pam and Warren for the "Happy Hour", everyone who contributed at the meeting and a big thank you to everyone who helped with the cleanup on Tuesday. John G apparently did quite a bit of teaching on Sunday so thanks John. Good to see Marc trek down from NSW to join us so thanks for adding a new face to the SV crew!!I have probably forgotten someone, but will cover that with a general thanks to everyone!!

If you have any issues, please let me know. If things don't work as well as we hope, we can't do much if we don't hear about it!!

Cheers

Malcolm

[The_bluester]

I will stick my hand up to say I was really happy with the camp, Friday weather aside, things pretty much just worked, and the few niggles that came up pretty well sort themselves out with the usual camaraderie, usually figuring out how to get power down to one more scope.

The only thing in my mind for future camps would be if we can get the Saturday feast going again that would be great. I would be happy enough myself to pay a little extra for a catered spit roast or similar on the Saturday night but I can not speak for anyone else.

[danielsun]

Hey Great pics and as expected sounds like it was another great camp, they always are and great work Malcolm , Paul, Niko and others for keeping it going. :thumbsup:
Thanks for the well wishes guys and sorry I couldn't make it but it's a very busy time for me at the moment with some family health issues but I was thinking of you guys all weekend.
By some of the pics it looks like there were some nice clear skies there. :thumbsup:
Keep the pics and reports rolling in and hope to see you all in March.

Hey John, (Xtream) it will still be my shout next time for the Dolcetto. ;)

Cheers daniel.

[traveller]

My attempt at the Horsehead and Sculptor (NGC 253). Still learning Image Plus processing (Help! John G!)
Bo

[JohnG]

Practice my friend, practice....:rofl:

[multiweb]

Very good data there. Processing is all the fun. :thumbsup:

[traveller]

Thanks JohnG and Marc, yes processing is the other half of the game...
There wasn't a lot of data, the Horsehead had 16x180 sec subs and the NGC 253 only had 4x180 sec subs...
Bo

[Nico]

After some processing I've come up with this attempt of NGC 2070 aka Tarantula Nebula, well half of it anyway!. I had pretty limited data mostly because I stepped on the USB connection between camera and PC. Did'nt realise for some time and in the process lost many subs. Anyway image consists of 1 luminance sub, 2 of green and blue and one of red. Processed in Pixinsight.

Hope you like it:D

John

[traveller]

Looks good John, and nice to have met you too.
Bo

[xstream]

I'm glad you guys enjoyed the view, the 21mm Ethos certainly takes in a nice fov. :D

[Jen]

:2thumbs::2thumbs:
Wow sorry guys I have been so slack getting my reports in for this camp back to you all, I hope it will be worth the wait hahahaha I have been flat out ever since LOL ;)
Well according to my fit bit I only had thirteen hours sleep once again during the whole camp :eyepop:(yes I was there for the whole four nights hahaha) Soooo it took me about a week to recover then I wanted to get back out under the dark skies with the new information I was taught over the weekend before I forgot and pulled another massive two weekend astro binge with very minimal sleep :help: Which I got my very first pic of Plaeides see pic below woohooo :D
Anyway then my daughter moved back home to where she belongs (yikes) so I had some re-arranging to do around house then she moved out two weeks later on a good note this time yayyy she got a job in melb so off she went then running around after Drew with his MMA gradings and concerts and my gym sessions (which now that im finally feeling much better I have lost 6.6kilos woohooo):D
Anyway my life is now back to normal well as normal as Jens life gets anyway hahahaha :P:P
What an awesome camp once again cloudy Friday night but that’s cool I got to have a few bevvies and catch up with all my favs and make some new friends and let the noobies know who the PURPLE JEN is hahahaha Im hoping I havnt scared them off :question:
Saturday arvo tour of Ballarat Observatory was awesome thanks Baz I even got a selfie with some of those awesome scopes and I touched one too yayyyyy and Wren I really enjoyed our D&M’s in your vehicle there and back soooooo funny mmm chippies nom nom nom.:rofl:
Thanks Pam & Wazza for the yummy afternoon of cheese n bikkies you know you are now expected to do this at every camp now, Andrews presentation was super cool and made me want to spend more money thanks for that hahahahaha And free entertainment from Drew on the electric guitar hes just getting better and better every day (proud mum right here):rockband:
Saturday night was awesome but I had dramas getting going when I finally realised my scope said I was still in Swan Hill grrrrr I finally got going and managed to get only 5x3minute subs of orion for the evening see pic below (not too shabby for five subs if i dont say so myself) then I watched the sun come up hahahaha
Sunday wow photoshop session was in full swing man that is such a complicated program there is so much in there to learn (it still does my head in the minute I open up that program) hahaha but thank you once again John Glossop for your patience and taking out your own time to sit with me to help me get cracking on this new journey of mine heading into astrophotography which im enjoying it so much right now the challenge is very rewarding when those pics pop up on the computer screen woohoooo and thanks Froggy who gave me a few handy processing tips too and everyone else who had handy tips :D
Such awesome fellas :love:
Sunday night what a cracker that was best skies ive seen at SV in a long time, scope and everything was going well, I turned on scope and weeeeee I was off just like that…… my scope was happily doing its thing on NGC/253 & then the horsehead nebula (see pics below) so I got to go around and have a look at the big big scopes with much excitement out on the field (adults only comments inserted here) buahahahaha….. Dave M , Jamie and John got me giggling my head off at something there at one point I lost it LOL (those after midnight giggles are the best) I think Paddy went to bed with Samantha Fox on his mind LMFAO awesome night and I got to watch a beautiful sunrise AGAIN
Monday more photoshop lessons I spent a lot of this camp re-processing and practicing doing different techniques in photoshop and Startools (OMG I love startools) hehehe to the point that some people were getting worried and wondering if I was OK I was a little quiet at times hahahahaha I love these camps so much I want to learn as much as I can when I get to these events cause I don’t have anyone close by to teach me at home unfortunately (astro camp in Swan Hill maybe one day yes yes yes)
Monday night didn’t do its usual thing of being the best night for weather this time round nawwwwww so we had lots of chats and giggles, and had some yummy PAV cheers Jamie most people packed up except for me of course I wasn’t giving up, hahahha I got a few sucker holes after 1:30am so I took some widefield shots while everyone was sleeping and cleaned up the rec room after a sugar overdose from the pav I was wide awake :rofl:
Tuesday morning as usual I was the last one to pack up AGAIN hahaha
The only thing I hate about these camps is the fact that I never get to say goodbye to everyone with the very little sleep that I have at these camps you all seem to go when im sleeping mmmmm im starting to see a pattern here hahahhaha cheers everyone and I cant wait to see you all again and do it again in March
Thank you so much Malcolm, Paul, Niko and the crew for keeping this camp going, its so much more than an astronomy camp its one big astro family getting together doing what we love regardless of the weather I would still go just to see you all again
I remember the first time I got brave enough to come to one of these camps all I had was my baby six inch newt that I didn’t even know how to use I used to pick up the whole scope and turn it around to point it at the direction I wanted to go hahahahhaa (how embarrassing) I didn’t know what the clutches were for (how dumb) I didn’t even own a laptop or a camera and I arrived with only one blanket and one jacket to my very first camp.
But I was a quick learner thanks to you guys I now have an empty bank account, I now need to use hubbys ute and rock up with like five blankets, lots of warm clothes, I have an ED/80 with a heq5/pro mount, I have Johnny my 12" dobbie, a solar scope, cameras guide scopes dew heaters laptops, polari, shower tent, tables n chairs and lots and lots of eyepieces and other toys and software. Marty I have my remote thingy now so I can now have pretty purple led lights too Oh and don’t forget the UE boom box being the queen of music on the field I could have sold a dozen of them last camp hehehehe
And im now producing pics like below woohoooo I still have a long way to go but it wouldn’t be possible if it wasn’t for these camps so thank you to everyone that attends and shares their advice and giggles and late after midnight chats I was even able to give a few tips to a noobie this time round so I was kinda feeling a little special oh boy this hobby is an addiction AND IM LOVING IT Ok I will shut up for now till we meet again cheers
IS IT MARCH YET :question::question:
:thanx::thanx::thanx:
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191920

191921

191922

191923

[The_bluester]

And where would we be without the music? I think I said to you on Saturday night. I don't think I had heard "Kitty" for 20 years!

[Jen]

:rofl::rofl::rofl:

[erick]

Jen - amazing how far you have come with your hobby in a few short years. Those are very nice images! :thumbsup:

[Jen]

:hi::hi: hey Gday Erick :) thank you :) :) well it all started from that very first day you decided to take a hack saw to my six inch newt at snake valley lmfao :) :lol::lol:

[Greenswale]

Go Jen!

Did you pause for a breath while typing your report?!

[Paddy]

Some great shots there Jen! Well done. And a great read too.

[Jen]

:hi::rofl: hahaha yes I did Wren eventually :)

Thanks Paddy :D

[Dunc78]

Great read Jen. I think I'm probably the noobie you mention in your report. It's good to read about you going from being nervous to attend these camps to producing the great images you attached. I very much felt that same trepidation coming in November but am super excited for the camp in March (just need to organise time off work!). Hopefully i may even have a basic setup to bring this time. There is so much to learn with this hobby and such a steep learning curve but everyone was so great sharing their time in November. Bring on the next one!

[Jen]

Awesome Duncan I'm glad we didn't scare you off too much then if your coming back for round two haha yes hopefully you will have some new toys with you in March woohoo :D:D:D