The "Oktoberfest" Snake Valley Astro Camp Oct 28th to Oct 31st 2016

[barx1963]

The Grand Final* Snake Valley Astro Camp! Sept 29 – Oct 3 2016
(*For those not into the footy, the AFL Grand Final will be on this weekend)

29th September – 3rd October 2016
Camp commences midday, Thursday 29th and concludes midday Monday 2nd.
Friday 30th September is a public holiday (AFL Grand Final) in Vic, so a great opportunity to get away for 3 or even 4 nights under the stars!
The Saturday night “Spit Roast under the Stars” will be on again. Cost will be $10 per head meat and salads provided

PLEASE NOTE: Fees are unchanged except that for juniors (those who have not turned 18 by 29/9/16) a single fee of $10 will apply regardless of how many nights they stay. Hopefully this will make the camp more affordable for families and juniors.

4 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 11 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
Solar Observing during the day. We will try and organise a workshop or two over the weekend. Will advise details once they have been finalised.

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
Please contact Malcolm Barker via email on snakevalleyastrocamps@gmail.com or by phoning 0352313048 or via PM on Ice in Space, user name barx1963 if you have any queries about the fees

Bunkhouses (per person)*
2 nights $60.00
3 nights $80.00
4 nights $100.00
Campsite (per person)
1 night $25.00
2 nights $50.00
3 nights $75.00
4 nights $95.00
Juniors under 18 - $10 regardless how many night or whether staying in bunkhouses or camping.
Children under 5 y.o. - free

Please book in by completing details on PDF booking form available on the website. Please scan completed form and return to us via email to snakevalleyastrocamps@gmail.com along with a payment receipt (see below).
Please note: The camp will be proceeding regardless of rain, wind, snow or cloud. When booking in, please consider that refunds will not be given if pulling out due to the weather forecast.

If you have any queries or would like assistance with your booking, I can be contacted via email on snakevalleyastrocamps@gmail.com or by phoning 0352313048 or via PM on Ice in Space, user name barx1963.

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


Malcolm

[barx1963]

Just so everyone knows, I will be away OS for a few weeks. I will have access to emails and the net most of the time but there will be about 10 days where it may not be possible to reply to emails and PMs.

Please be patient if I do not immediately respond, affected period will be roughly June 6 to the 16th.

Cheers

Malcolm

[barx1963]

Oh and just so everyone (especially those blissfully unaware of football!!) is clear "Grand Final" refers to the holiday weekend and a certain other event that weekend! There will be more camps!!

Malcolm

[byronpaul]

Count me in.

I'll be there for the 4 nights, lock, stock and barrel.

Despite their winning streak of 1 game, I don't think the Tigers will be in the Grand Final :(

Paul

[pfitzgerald]

I'm in Malcolm (and so is Steve), and as it is during the school holidays I'll be able to come up early to help you set up if required.

Paul

[The_bluester]

I should be down for Friday and Saturday nights.

[JohnG]

Will be there as per usual :P

Cheers

[Stonius]

I'll try and come too! I love the dates. I'm always looking for something to do when the rest of the world goes footy mad!

[The_bluester]

I am just trying to work out if it will be workable to bring my 8 year old for one night. I would probably have to tent it if I did that.

Edit, looks like I will be able to bring my son along for one night. Hopefully Andrew and another mate will be able to come along, so I am thinking I will just pay for a bunkhouse spot for the two nights and bring the tent anyway, I think that will be easier with Christopher along with me. Then my wife can pick him up on Saturday.

That will find out if he is interested, wonder if I can borrow a dob for the weekend so he has something easy to use to observe with however he wants.

[Greenswale]

Grouse, Andromenda on the horizon! I'm in, for sure!

And I have lots of batteries for those incredible image stabilised binos, he!he!

[pfitzgerald]

Hi Paul

You may be to hire one from ASV - last time I looked they hired out Dobs at a very reasonable rate to members of the community.

Sounds good Wren - looking forward to catching up with you (and the rest of the gang) again.

Paul

[barx1963]

Paul (bluestar I mean)

I have my little 8" with push to DSOs that you can borrow. It is pretty basic but may keep him amused for a few hours.

Malcolm

[The_bluester]

Paul, yeah, that was what I was thinking.

Malcolm, that would be great, we were up at Mount Burnett a few months back and it looks like he would be able to handle a dob around the 8" mark. One way to find out if he is really interested or not. Just let him use one for a night and point it wherever he wants (With maybe some judicious "Oh, did I leave it aimed at 47 Tuc" type moments)

[xstream]

Count me in guys! ��

[Wombat_In_Space]

Count me in already put in for leave.

[The_bluester]

In and paid for Friday and Saturday nights.

[Wombat_In_Space]

I always have my 12" up there, he can borrow that and it has Argo on it, there is also my little 4" mak goto Alt\Az.

[Jen]

:eyepop::eyepop: woohoo yep I'm in 😱😱
But..... I would really love to be able to watch the grand final if possible 😈😈
Yep this girl does love her footy 🤗🤗🤗

[The_bluester]

Surely something could be worked out.

[Andy01]

Er, the footy is on during the day isn't it? Just pop into any nearby pub and it'll be on the telly.
Btw probably coming but once again it clashes, this time with the ASV bootcamp at H. :shrug:

[barx1963]

Andy
I checked the ASV calendar and it isn't showing anything on that weekend, the Galactic Centre party is the weekend before and the Vicsouth is the following full moon. Unfortunately the ASV has so much going on we are going to have clashes.

Anyway, hope you are able to make it for at least some of the camp!!

Cheers

Malcolm

[barx1963]

Hi all
Just letting anyone looking the camp know that i am jetting of OS for a few weeks. If you have any queries or comments about the camp do not get upset if I do not respond quickly as a fair bit of the trip i will be out of easy communication. I will be back early July and will catch up with anything i miss then.

Cheers

Malcolm

[Jen]

Hey Andy why don't you bring boot camp to SV :) I'm sure there is plenty of other Astro buddies that would love to learn how to do astrophotography ������ just a thought ����
Yes I know I can be a little cheeky at times ���� but how else am I going to manage an APOD hahaha ��������

[Jen]

Is it September yet 😜😜😜😜

[Dunc78]

Damn I'm going to be in Scotland while this camp is on!!!
As far as problems go I guess it's not that bad. Guess I will just have to comfort myself by taking some northern hemisphere nightscapes.
Sadly that means I've missed both camps this year though!

[The_bluester]

Unfortunately not!

[barx1963]

Hi all!
Just updating you all. I am now back in the country after our little sojourn in Europe.
Unfortunately I took a little tumble down some steps in the apartment block where we were staying in Paris and I injured my ankle. Very bad sprain and a small fracture which is taking a while to heal.
Anyway I am on the mend now so if you have any queries about the camp or want to make bookings I can deal with them now!!

In the good news I had a lovely time visiting the Greenwich observatory in London and dropped into the Widescreen Centre near Baker St and had a very pleasant chat with the guys there. Picked up a nice little astro toy and drool over an Avalon mount they were packing up to send to a customer.

Malcolm

[pfitzgerald]

Welcome home Malcolm.

I'll get onto making my booking later this week. Look after that ankle.

Paul

[Jen]

Welcome home Malcolm 🤗🤗🤗

[astro_nutt]

Made the booking and looking forward to doing some R and R....(reflecting and refracting) time. I trust your ankle is all better Malcom.
Cheers!

[Atmos]

I am hoping to be able to make it this year but it may conflict with potentially house/animal sitting, I'll have to check as it gets closer to the date.

[rcheshire]

A little late booking Malcolm, what's left in the way of cabins? Great location for twisting ankles...

[barx1963]

Rowland
Plenty of cabins left at this stage.

Cheers

Malcolm

[barx1963]

If you have to have an accident, the 16th Arrondisement in Paris is a good place to do it!!

Malcolm

[Andy01]

I'm in Malcolm- most likely sharing a cabin with Paul M again :)

[The_bluester]

I will be tenting the first night with Christopher there but have booked the cabin for both nights so jump in. Hoping to have another mate come long too.

[SimmoW]

Hey Malcolm, are you able to reply to my emails sent to you, so we can book the camping spot? Thanks

[barx1963]

Simon
My apologies, I have sent you an email.

Malcolm

[Jen]

Ok it's countdown time woohoo if I don't get an Astro fix real soon I think I'm gonna die lol lol 😬🔭🔭🔭 is it September yet 😈😈😱😱🤔🤔

202731

[SimmoW]

No worries Malcolm, booking made!!

Can't wait, though at this rate our auto guides will be rather challenged, with mounts sliding around the field!

[astro_nutt]

Hi Malcom. Just wondering if you have received my email regarding booking.
Regards and thanks, Norm.

[barx1963]

Norm
All received, just waiting for the hard copy to arrive.

Cheers

Malcolm

[barx1963]

Hi all
Firm bookings made so far from

Malcolm (me)
Paul Byron
Paul Fitzgerald
Wren
Simon Waters x 2
John Glossop
Darren Quinert
Paul Milvain
Tom Fowler
Rowland
Norm Matyson x 2

I have indications from quite a few others and have had quite a few queries so it may start to fill up in the next couple of weeks. Jen (& Drew?) will be there and so will Andy Campbell, John (xstream), Paddy, Barry Coverdale, Nicko etc I am sure are coming so the cabins may fill up soon.

Cheers

Malcolm

[xstream]

I'll do my booking tonight Malcolm, just been a bit slack ;)

[barx1963]

Thanks John, appreciate your support.:thumbsup:

Malcolm

[barx1963]

Hi all
Just letting you know I will be away in Sydney from tonight until Sunday night, so if I don't reply to messages or emails, please be patient!!

Malcolm

[Atmos]

If I can make it (depending on house sitting) I'll just bring up my swag so I can sleep next to my car :P

[barx1963]

Hi all
I have had a suggestion that we change the name of the camp to the "Footy Grand Final" camp just in case there is any confusion about the meaning of Grand Final in the heading. Good idea!
just to reiterate the name is just to remind people of the weekend it is on. It is NOT the final camp!!:D:

Malcolm

[barx1963]

COlin
Hope you can make it!!

Malcolm

[barx1963]

Hi all
Have some news! I was in Sydney over the weekend and took the opportunity to drop into the guys at Bintel. Had a very pleasant hour chatting with Mick, Don and John about all things astro. The subject of Snake Valley came up and end result we now have Bintel as a sponsor!!

The upshot is that all attendees at the camp will get a voucher/code for a 10% discount on a Bintel purchase over $100.

They will also be donating an item for us to use as a door prize/raffle prize in conjunction with Celestron.
Obviously, we are a small camp and they are running a business so they are not going to shower us with Televue eyepieces but it is a great boost to us and we are pleased to have them on board.
I will be updating our Facebook page and website tonight to reflect this.

Malcolm

[barx1963]

In other news, we will be having some visitors from the US of A. Eric and Nancy from Utah made an enquiry in this thread http://www.iceinspace.com.au/forum/showthread.php?t=148020 and thanks to Andy Campbell, who put them onto us, look like they will be coming over for the Sunday night. I believe they are staying until the 8th October and may be keen to do some more stargazing so if anyone could help out with that, I can put you in touch.

Cheers

Malcolm

[Greenswale]

Great work with Bintel at Sin City, Malcom!!!

[Atmos]

So do I!
I'll be up there with my new mount too (pick it up next week). Should probably give my 12" dog mirror a clean. Not bad but stuff is visible :)

[Camelopardalis]

I might be in the area around then (travel plans are fluid right now), so I might drop in for a look-see :D

[dmurton]

I'm in for all nights, forms to follow soon.

Regards

David

[barx1963]

Thanks David!
Dunk, would love to see you there. Always happy to meet travellers from north of the border!!

Malcolm

[Jen]

Woohooo 😜 Way to go Bintel 🔭🔭
203559

[Camelopardalis]

Thanks Malcolm - I'm hoping the schedule pans out, I packed my freezer suit just in case ;)

[barx1963]

Freezer suit? Why would you need that? Us Snake Valley regulars observe in shorts!!:P

Malcolm

[astro_nutt]

Heated shorts maybe?? LOL :lol::lol::lol:

[Greenswale]

Shorts?!!! Yikes! I'm glad that I retire earlier than most.

[Camelopardalis]

:lol: :lol: ah well at least you'll see/hear me coming :P

[GTB_an_Owl]

don't you dare cut the legs off your freezer suit Dunk:eek:

i would be very cross to hear of such sacriledge :mad:

geoff

[Jen]

Hehehe I'm still waiting for a freezer suit that's not hi-viz 😜😜 and it's gotta be purple or black and all pretty and stuff lol lol

[Camelopardalis]

:lol: no fear Geoff, there'll be no sacrificial calves or shins :D my tanned QLD legs need protecting :lol:

[SimmoW]

So busting for this camp now! Finally got my new ASI1600 image train assembled, all I need to do now is TEST the damned thing. So yeah, every time you see the thick clouds roll in around 7pm, think of me!

[Camelopardalis]

:thumbsup: Simon, I'll be bringing mine if the planets align and the clouds part :D

[04Stefan07]

Fantastic news!

[04Stefan07]

Sent my registration and payment yesterday, looking forward to it!

Got new equipment since I last came up (last year) and been itching to try out the ZWO camera I have.

[Jen]

Me too Yayyy but unfortunately Drews not coming this year he's getting too cool for us Astro geeks Hahahaha so I might have to nag my swan hill buddy Rex to come along this time instead 😜😜😜🔭🔭🔭
Is it September yet I'm really looking forward to the break 😈

[barx1963]

Jen
Received the form and $$$. Shame about Drew, he may regret it though as I did have an enquiry from a group of up to 6 young ladies a few days back!!

Malcolm

[barx1963]

Hi all
Bookings and enquiries on the camp are coming in. Cabins are now just about all booked so I may have to do some jiggering and making sharing arrangements for any further bookings. If you are OK to share, please let me know.

So far I have bookings from:

Malcolm (myself)
Paul Byron
Paul Fitzgerald
Wren
Simon Waters x 2
John Glossop
Darren Quinert
Paul Milvain
Christopher Milvain
Tom Fowler
Rowland
Norm and Melissa Matyson
David Murton
Jen (of course)
Dennis Busato
Tony Busato
Stefan del Pra
John Gurkin
Markus Stone
Eric and Nancy Nelson (from Utah)

Others that have told me they are coming are:
Andy Campbell
John Pullen
Julian O’Donnell
Steve Flemming
Jamie Pole x2
Camelopardelis (dunk on IIS)
Ian Merrick? I think I have that right?
Emmanual

PLEASE LET ME KNOW IF I HAVE MISSED ANYONE!!

We have had a few other enquiries and I am assuming that quite a few that are camping that haven’t booked yet will do so in the near future.
In other news, following on from recent camps we are pleased to announce a presentation for the upcoming Snake Valley Astro Camp. Ken Harrison (those of you on Ice in Space will know as “merlin66”) will be doing a presentation on spectroscopy. He will cover in brief, equipment, techniques, interpreting results and give an overview of this fascinating area where amateurs can make valuable contributions to science. He will all discuss his new Spectroheliograph that enables solar observations to be made in a wide range of wavelengths and bands widths.
At this stage it is anticipated that the presentation will take place Friday afternoon of the camp.
On that note, we are always keen to hear if anyone has an idea for a presentation, it could be as simple as How to drift align, Why you use a piece of gear, Image processing, interesting targets in tonights sky, anything really. Just let me know!!
Cheers

Malcolm

[04Stefan07]

The spectroscopy presentation will be interesting, I will definitely like to sit in on that and know more about it.

In regards to ideas for presentations I would like to see one on polar alignment for night time and day time (solar) observing as I still have trouble getting this right. I am sure it will benefit others as well!

[barx1963]

I was thinking of doing a quick demo of the QHY Polemaster that I have been using. It makes basic polar alignment very easy and only takes about 20 mins. Not sure how many others have these devices that are going, apart from Paul Byron and myself, but happy to show how it works for those interested!! I reckon it was close the best money I have ever spent on astro gear.
Needs to be at night and clear obviously.

Malcolm

[Camelopardalis]

Sounds good to me! I'd been eyeing up a Polemaster but wanted to see one in action :thumbsup:

I'd be happy to demonstrate DARV, all it takes is a camera and a mount :D

[Atmos]

I have a Polemaster that I use on a HEQ5 and an EQ6, brilliant bit of kit :)

I am happy to of a talk on something if people can decide upon a topic of two that they'd like.

I am technically qualified as an astrophysicist (haven't started my PhD yet) so if some topics are put into the air I can organise a talk or two :) There is a high chance I'll be there but I may end up house sitting two dogs and 60 odd chickens :)

[JohnG]

Both Jamie Pole and I have PoleMaster's as well so there will be a few around to show people.. :thumbsup:

[barx1963]

I wasn't sure how many people have them, seem to be few so won't do anything formally, If anyone wants to have a look sing out and we can organise.

Malcolm

[astro_nutt]

Um....Speaking of presentations, I designed and built a Planispheric Astrolabe which can convert settings in RA, Dec to Alt Az and vice versa in the Southern Hemisphere. I can give a chat and demo about it if you wish.
Cheers!

[astro_nutt]

Here's a pic...
204026

[barx1963]

Is that the one we saw a couple of years ago at Heathcote? I am sure some would be interested. It really makes the whole celestial co-ordinates thing (Ra and Dec) easy to visualise.
PM me and we can see what can be done.

Malcolm

[barx1963]

OK, have some more bookings!! List is now:

Malcolm (myself)
Paul Byron
Paul Fitzgerald
Wren
Simon Waters x 2
John Glossop
Darren Quinert
Paul Milvain
Christopher Milvain
Tom Fowler
Rowland
Norm and Melissa Matyson
David Murton
Jen (of course)
Dennis Busato
Tony Busato
Stefan del Pra
John Gurkin
Markus Stone
Eric and Nancy Nelson (from Utah)
Paddy
John Pullen
Jamie Pole
Josh Pole

Others that have told me they are coming are:
Andy Campbell
Julian O’Donnell
Steve Flemming
Camelopardelis (dunk on IIS)
Ian Merrick? I think I have that right?
Emmanual and David Booth

Cheers

Malcolm

[Greenswale]

yes,yes,yes, yes!!!!!

[The_bluester]

I remember seeing the astrolabe at a Heathcote Messier night, a fantastic piece of work.

[danielsun]

Hi all, unfortunately we are away that week but get back on the Saturday Grand final day but you never know I may pop up there on the Sunday for a visit.
Hey Jen, Yeah Drew maybe getting at that age where he starts doing his own thing but hopefully if I come up Ryan might come for a spin. He is disappointed that we may not be going and probably more so if Drew won't be there either but all good hopefully we get up there at least to say hi. :hi:

[Andy01]

I'm coming, bunking in with Paul M - may also have a couple of extras TBC.

[barx1963]

Let's hoping we get to see you Daniel!!

Malcolm

[barx1963]

Andy
I have Paul all booked in, I gathered he would have some others including you. Congratulations again on the award, any room left in your house with all the trophies?

Malcolm

[The_bluester]

We have one extra to start with (Ian Merrick) if there are any more and it gets tight I can tent it (I will be tenting with Christopher on the Friday night anyway)

[Camelopardalis]

Is that what they call it these days? Boom boom :P :lol:

[xstream]

Don't ask what the tent is! :eyepop: :lol:

[The_bluester]

Lol. I wonder what I am letting Toph in for!

[Jen]

Hey pppssstt guess what guys it's September 😱😱
Yayyyyyyy 😜😜😜🔭🔭🔭
Gee Daniel you need to get your **** together and get your dates back on target with Astro camps I can't believe your missing out again 😱 Hopefully we will get to catch up with you some time for a few drinks 😈😈
204059

[Merlin66]

Hi,
For the spectroscope session I will be concentrating on setting up, and acquiring spectra from both gratings and slit spectroscopes.
Then running through the necessary pre and post processing of the spectral image to produce a calibrated 1D fits profile.

I use AstroArtV6 for image acquisition, but I'm sure any of the major Astrophotographic packages are similar.
I will be using BASS Project software for spectral processing
https://uk.groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/astrobodger/info
(and mentioning the others: VSpec, IRIS, and RSpec)
In spectroscopy we never, never use any subsequent image enhancement (PS, PSP etc.) The integrity of the raw data is of critical importance.

If you have any specific questions/ concerns on spectroscopy let me know before hand and I can ensure I have an answer for you.

I will also bring along some copies of the new book "Imaging Sunlight -using a digital Spectroheliograph" and the latest prototype of the SHG.
I hope you will find the session informative and helpful and that it encourages you to "boldly go where few amateurs have gone before..."

[barx1963]

It has just been pointed out to me that nowhere in the post starting this thread did we say where the camp is actually held. My fault, as I am so used to dealing with those who have been to the camp, and Snake Valley is a fairly small place, it simply never occurred to me that it was not there!
Anyway direction are on our website here http://snakevalleyastrocamps.org/about and the address is:
554 Carghnam Linton Rd Snake Valley
It is at the southern end of Snake Valley township and about 5 minutes north of Linton. Easy to find, it's the place with all the tents and scopes!!

Malcolm

[barx1963]

I am heading off for a couple of days. Any enquiries I can be rung on 0448 567 187.

Cheers

Malcolm

[dmurton]

I'm really keen to see the spectroscope session. Ken, if possible, could you include information on equipment, (scopes best suited for spectroscopy and other equipment needed etc).

Also, really keen to test my 'new' scope, based on a jaeger 4 inch f15 in properly dark skies.

Missed March, can't wait for this one.

Regards

David

[Merlin66]

David,
Not a problem....
I like it when occasionally I get an easy/ easier question to answer.

[astro_nutt]

THREE WEEKS TO GO!!!!!:eyepop::D:D:D:D:D:D:D

[xstream]

Bring it on! :D:

[barx1963]

3 weeks!!
Anyway, just a note to say that my computer is playing up tonight. I was going to send some emails but will have to wait until Sunday as I am away until then.
If you send me an email, please be patient until I can sort out what is going on.

Ken has let me know he will be making copies of his presentation available to keep if you bring along a memory stick.

Cheers

Malcolm

[barx1963]

Hi all
I have done a reconciliation of the bookings over the weekend. We have people in all the cabin and I have made sharings where possible.

List of bookings to date is as follows

Julian O'Donnell
Steve Porter
Steve Fleming
John Gurkin
Jamie Pole
Josh Pole
Paddy
John Pullen
David Murton
Paul Byron
Paul Milvain
Chris Milvain
Paul Fitzgerald
Darren Quinert
Wren
Simon Waters x 2
John Glossop
Tom Fowler
Rowland
Norm Matyson
Melissa Matyson
Markus Stone
Jen
Stefan Del Pra
Dennis Busato
Tony Busato
Malcolm Barker
Barry Coverdale
Rex James
Andy Campbell
Ian Merrick
Alios
Aamir Mirza (not staying overnight)
Eric Nelson and Nancy Nelson (Utah USA) Sunday only at this stage
Ken Harrison (not staying overnight)

Other we hope to see!!
Daniel
Dunk (camelopardelis)
Manual Stama & David Booth
Colin (atmos)
Paul Albers
Kevin (sharptrack)

There are still a few regulars I have not heard from. One interesting thing is that the number staying the 4 night is much higher than usual, I think around the 15 or so for the Sunday night.

Cheers

Malcolm

[The_bluester]

Very much looking forward to this camp, with the weather and demands on my time my gear has not been out since the last one!

[04Stefan07]

Can't wait for it as well! Will be getting my main OTA checked out this weekend to make sure everything is good!

:D

[Jen]

204621

This crappy weather has 11 days to go away 😱😱😱

[astro_nutt]

No rain and a stiff breeze will be good also!:windy:

[The_bluester]

Here is hoping that things dry out in time.

The offer was made some pages back of a moderate sized dob for you young fella to use (I am sure I will end up viewing through it more than him) I that still open?

[barx1963]

Paul
I mentioned my 8" dob. I hope I will be able to fit it in. Have a ot of stuff to take up with me.

Malcolm

[The_bluester]

If I had the money spare I would just buy one myself, even with my gear there are "Grab and go" advantages to a nice simple dob.

[Andy01]

Long range weather forcast for SV not looking good atm :(

[xstream]

Unfortunately there is 5/8's we can do about the weather but it still should be a good sociable event :)

[barx1963]

Hi all
Barry C and I visited the site today to check the conditions. I have posted some photos.
First the good news. The grass is not long and the top half of the field is useable for setting up gear and tents.
Not so good news. While the field is useable, we will not be able to take vehicles onto it. Although you may not get bogged, it will chop up the ground.
The bottom 50% of the field is very soft and wet. In some patches it is not bad, but overall that part is too wet to safely use.
I have checked out the alternative parking area and it is fine and has power and water for those with vans etc. I have attached a photo of this area.

Photos shown are:
1 The lake
2 The lake again
3 Where Barry is standing is about where the field gets too wet
4 The debris in the foreground shows how high the lake got the other day!
5 The lake behind the toilet block, never seen so much water there!
6 The last 3 shots show the alternate parking area.

Malcolm

[Greenswale]

Wow!

Great that the grass is short.

[pfitzgerald]

Thanks for the heads up Malcolm.

...now if only the clouds would clear for one or two (or three!) nights that weekend.

Paul

[barx1963]

Hi all
As some may be aware, I visited the SV Camp yesterday. I have attached some pics I took. The good news is that the grass is not long and there is lots of water in the lake.
The bad news is that the lower part of the field is very wet and the upper part is OK but still too damp to allow vehicles on it. If vehicles did drive on it, the ground would get chopped up and that would not be good.
I have attached some photos showing the lake and #2187 shows Barry standing at about the spot where the ground closer to the lake gets too damp to put up tents or scope in my opinion.
So overall we have a plan:

1) No vehicles on the field. There is a space on the township end of the property that is quite suitable for cars and caravans. It is about 50-100m from the toilet block. I have attached 3 photos of this area (#2190 to #2192) and it has power and town water. I know one or 2 of you camp with a tent attached to your car, this area can be used for that. If you have any queries about this, please contact me on 0448 567 187
2) I think the dryish area is large enough for us all to setup tents and scopes, but we may have to be considerate as to how much space we take up. In particular, those with laptops please make sure your screens are properly shielded and try to setup so the screens are facing away from those doing visual work.
3) In the past we have mainly setup the bigger dobs in “Dob Alley”, As we cannot use vehicles to transport gear onto the field, we will be wheeling the bigger components on and may have to setup closer to the huts if we cannot move them over the damp ground.
4) If bringing heavy gear, please consider bring bricks or pavers to set your mount on to keep it stable on wet ground (I know most of you already do, just worth suggesting for newbies)
5) As most gear will need to be unloaded and carried onto the field, please help each other out. Obviously you can park at the gate or inside the quad and unload there. If someone asks for help carrying a mount head or whatever, please give them a hand.
6) We are expecting more rain this week, shouldn’t change the situation too much, but if we find the field has deteriorated, we can look at putting some setups inside the quadrangle and having some stricter light controls in there, but I do not think that will be necessary. Having said that, if anyone feels the ground is too damp for their gear and would like to setup inside the quad, let me know.
7) We will enclose the power boards inside weatherproof boxes as in the past 3 camps. If you access one of these to plug in your gear, please take care in closing it back up again so we minimise risk of moisture.

Finally, and this is most important, the main concern I have had since the rain event a week or so back is that we may face a combination of a very wet field AND crappy weather. After discussions with the other members of the Committee, we decided to tentatively book the venue for the weekend of Oct 28 -31 (the next New Moon). We have done this to enable us to have an alternative if the weekend turns to crap weatherwise. I was reluctant to simply postpone the camp as many of you have organised time off from work to attend and it may not be possible for you to simply shift at short notice. In addition, I am already committed to go to an event in Horsham on the Friday and Saturday of that weekend so would not be available to help with setting up etc.
So the plan is to run the camp as planned, pray for decent weather and if it all works out, we can cancel the other booking (may lose the deposit but not a major issue in the scheme of things) or if the weather Gods do not smile we can activate the new booking and hopefully things will improve.

Feedback and comments are welcome!!

Malcolm

[The_bluester]

I emailed the same to you but my feedback would be to move the camp if required. I am not able to attend the later date as I am going to Nhill, but if everyone is going to be shivering around in gumboots and still not get any observing in it would be better to move the date than grit the teeth and push on.

All we can do is hope for the best in how the weather evolves over the week. If Rain was still forecast I would have to consider my attendance as my gear is mains powered and electrical safety has to be a concern in those conditions. I did not really design my power box with rain in mind.

[pfitzgerald]

Hi Malolm
First up a huge thank you to yourself and the committee for all the work that you've put in to try and make the camp work this coming weekend. If this weekend needs to be postponed then next new moon as an alternative sounds ok.
Paul

[astro_nutt]

Hi Malcom.
Many thanks to you and the committee for the info. I can appreciate your efforts in making this weekends camp possible. If you do change for the later date I may have to beg and bargain for the time off again! Anyway, here's hoping for decent weather.
Cheers!

[barx1963]

Thanks Paul
I am still hopeful that the Saturday and Sunday will be OK. I have seen worse weather forecasts this far out and weekends have turned out well.
Luckily through the support of the wonderful people who have supported the camp over the past 2 years we have an amount of dollars in the bank that can act as a backstop if we run into issues.
Obviously it will be up to each person to make a call on their own gear. I am confident with my gear that I can leave it out with the covers I have, but everyone will have to make their own call.

Malcolm

[barx1963]

Hi guys
Unfortunately the weather forecasts are appearing to be getting worse this week. Pertinent points are that forecasts are for about 2 inches of rain in the Ballarat area from Tuesday to Friday, Thursday and Friday are going to be windy with a top on Friday of only 8 degrees! Although the weekend is looking better, it is still not good and Saturdays forecast has deteriorated since I checked it this morning.

So after sober deliberation, we have made the decision to go with a postponement. We did not take this decision lightly and I know it will be a disappointment to many of you, but the odds are that the weekend would end up not being enjoyable. With the rain predicted this week the field could well be unusable for tents or scopes and with limited opportunity for clear skies, I feel this is the correct decision.

An additional set of factors we had to take into account is safety. In order to turn off the floodlight at the site we have to climb a ladder and with the windy condition this could be very dangerous. In addition, running electrical cables over sodden ground presents obvious risks to participants and their valuable gear.

At this stage we have booked the following new moon weekend. The Saturday for that weekend is the 29th October. The logistics are still being worked out and I will advise everyone once we know for sure what arrangements we will put in place.

What we can advise at this stage is the following:

1) Anyone who has paid will have a choice to rebook. Any monies paid we will roll over to the new dates. Any surplus will be refunded.
2) Existing bookings will be given priority in allocation of cabins
3) Anyone unable or unwilling to attend will be refunded. I will try to contact each person individually to arrange.
4) Naturally we hope the weather will improve over the coming month and give the ground a chance to dry out. I will monitor the situation and keep everyone informed.
5) Some of the Committee members will not be available for the entire weekend. I am unavailable for the Friday and Saturday, though I should be able to attend on the Friday afternoon to help with setup. Paul is not available on the Saturday. I am still awaiting advice from Niko.
6) As a result of the above, I am working through the logistics to see what combination of days will work best and will advise shortly once we have a firm plan.
7) I believe that Ken will not be available to do his presentation on the revised date. I hope to organise him to do this at a later camp.
8) I have spoken to John at Bintel regarding the discount offer for attendees at the camp and he will extend the offer for an additional month.

Obviously it is very important that I know that everyone has received this message. I do not want anyone turning up this weekend and being disappointed. So could I ask that you all respond with a quick email or give me a call on either 0448 567 187 or 03 52313048 to advise you have received this message.

My apologies that we have had to take this decision, but considering all things on balance, I think we have made the correct decision.

Malcolm

[Greenswale]

A very tough call, and you certainly have my support in making it.

Is it October yet?

[Jen]

:eyepop::eyepop::eyepop: noooooooo
What happened to this sentence right here 😱😱😱😥😥😥
"Please note: The camp will be proceeding regardless of rain, wind, snow or cloud. When booking in, please consider that refunds will not be given if pulling out due to the weather forecast. "

Dam stupid weather I hate you 😡😡

Arrrrhhhhh 😢😢😢 so does this mean the postponed camp is only 2days instead of 4 also 😱:shrug:

[byronpaul]

Hi Jen

Yes I'm sure we'll all be somewhat disappointed that we had to take this action, but nobody could have predicted the record rainfall in the Ballarat area.

Detailes of the deferred camp are still being finalised, but we would target at least 3 nights .... perhaps 4.

It's the Melbourne Cup long week for a lot of the city folk, but not for those attending from the country or interstate.

More details to follow shortly.

Paul

[Atmos]

Maybe this is all still a consequence of my DDM60, my fault for all the rain :P

[Jen]

:shrug: ok I don't mind if it's being postponed as long as I still get my four days hehe 😜😜 is it October yet 😬😬
Oohh yes it's another long weekend Yayyy
Bring on four nights of clear skies 🤗🤗

[barx1963]

Jen
I put that sentence in to make it clear that bookings would not be refunded if someone pulled out because the weather was looking a bit dodgy.
This situation is a bit different in that the deciding factor is the condition of the ground combined with weather.

As regards the number of nights, I hope 4 can be done. If we go for Friday, Saturday, Sunday and Monday, I would only be able to attend the last 2.

I had visions of you throwing things at your computer screen when you read my message!!:sadeyes:

Anyway, fingers crossed!!

Cheers

Malcolm

[barx1963]

Hi guys
Just to be clear, my reference to the 29th was only to make sure it was clear which weekend we are talking about. I did not mean to give the impression that the camp would be only 1 night!!
Planning at this stage is for 3 or 4 nights, just have to work out the logistics!!

Malcolm

[Atmos]

I run my own business so I can take time off when I want :P

[Jen]

Ummm yes I did kind of have a bit of a hissy fit 😜😜 but I have calmed down now hahaha fair enough the weather is looking terrible I only just handed in my holiday requests for this camp and for Nhill for the first time mmmm now I think they will clash again arrrhhh oh well let's hope the weather is going to be awesome in a months time 🔭🔭🔭👍👍👍😎😎😎

[barx1963]

The clash with VicSouth was one of the things that made this a hard decision. I know of some who are heading there. No easy path unfortunately, with the full moon falling on the Saturday, the weekends either side are going to have some degree of moon issues.

One thing I would like to do is look at setting up a way for those SV regulars who are going to VicSouth to touch base with us over the weekend. Some Skyping or similar would be fun!!

Malcolm

[The_bluester]

I would be in that. I am sure we can manage something, posts to the SVAC facebook group maybe?

Typical that this is the first year I have decided to go to Nhill, otherwise I would have been at the later date with bells on.

[astro_nutt]

Hi Malcom. You made a just call. Here's hoping for good weather in October!

[04Stefan07]

I think the call was sensible and the best option.

I am good for the proposed weekend, I can move my annual to that time. My dad will be able to attend now as he will be back from his holiday :D

[rcheshire]

I don't think we can avoid event conflicts on every occasion. Seasonal factors dictate the most probable opportunity for clear skies. A narrow window at this time of the year.

[leon]

Hi,Guys I do hope that, that bad weather coming from the west is not going to affect you. :shrug:
But, as being there a few times myself before, I'm sure you will entertain yourselves ;)
Have a great camp to all. :thumbsup:

Leon :thumbsup:

[Jen]

Hey gday Leon :hi:
Due to the crappy weather we have moved the dates to next new moon so hopefully the dates will be updated on this thread soon 😜😜

[The_bluester]

It was a good call if last night is any guide. we had another 22mm overnight and we are awash again, I imagine the ground will be similar at Snake Valley.

[Atmos]

It looks like Saturday night is going to be good BUT that is of no consequence if the ground is too saturated to set up a scope to take advantage of it!

[The_bluester]

I am hoping to set up at home on Saturday night now but I have a single roughly 20 square meter spot on the entire 44 acres that is firm enough! My usual haunt is better protected from passing headlights but is a quagmire.

[barx1963]

I am an hours south of SV, but usually SV get more rain than us when it is wet, and we are getting a lot here. Yes Saturday is still looking OK, so hoping everyone that was going will be able to get out then.
Having said that, when I say "better" it still shows "mostly cloudy" on the detailed Ballarat forecast here http://www.eldersweather.com.au/vic/central/ballarat/detailed-forecast

Malcolm

[xstream]

Malcolm,
Are the dates finalised for next month yet?
If I'm to have any chance of time off I need to know asap.

[barx1963]

Hi all
The dates will be Friday 28th to Monday 31st, so 4 nights. I will send an email as well to update.
Sorry if it took a few days to finalise but with myself being unavailable for the first 2 nights I wanted to make sure we had enough committee members there to handle any issues that may crop up. Thank you for your patience guys.

Malcolm

[Jen]

Yayyyyyy is it October yet 😜😱😜😜😎😎😎😎😎🔭🔭🔭🔭🔭😈😈😈😈😈

[pfitzgerald]

Tomorrow Jen, tomorrow...:D

[leon]

Yea Jen I know, sorry to hear that, I should have read the earlier posts a bit better. :rolleyes:

Leon :thumbsup:

[astro_nutt]

Less than 3 weeks to go, and if the weather holds out it will be worth the wait!

[Greenswale]

Full moon tonight, count down begins........

[Jen]

Woohoo 😜😜😜😈😈😈
205701

[byronpaul]

Wren,

In Broome at the moment to coincide with the Staircase to the Moon. Only time I've ever wanted a full moon :P

Looking forward to a new moon and clear skies in a fortnight at Snake Valley !!!!

See you all there

Paul

[xstream]

Seven working days to go :)

[Greenswale]

Paul, you are soooooo fortunate!

Be sure to bring those excellent skies back with you, or there may be a significant splash in the lake around midnight. You, of course, will be the object occasioning the splash......

[astro_nutt]

Ahhh! well...since the Grand Final is over, do you think it would be appropriate to rename this the Oktoberfest Snake Valley Astro Camp!:D:D:D:drink:

[xstream]

May well need to call it Mudfest yet. :lol:

I'm going over there tomorrow morning to checkout the state of affairs. ;)

[barx1963]

I like Oktoberfest!!
John, would be very appreciative of a report!!

Malcolm

[xstream]

Was going to Malcolm. Will give you a ring :)

[xstream]

Well just returned from SV.
Unfortunately the area is a quagmire and realistically I do not see the observing area drying out enough before Friday week to be usable. It did not matter where I walked on the field it just drew up water from underfoot.
In the photos I post you will see water around the campfire and that is what the ground is like from the tree line beside the road down to the lakes edge.

Good news is the area Malcolm suggested for parking previously is fine. If you decide you're going to setup a scope it will have to be in the area in front of the cabins.
For some strange reason I'm not being permitted to upload images, I'll try again later

[barx1963]

Thanks John
On the upside, I have attached screenshots of the weather forecast for the next 7 days showing rain on Thursday/Friday then fining up and the long range forecast looks OK.
At this stage the numbers will be lower than normal as a few are unable to make it or are heading to Nhill.
I think it will be up to each individual to decide if they setup on the field, otherwise we may be setting up some in the quadrangle as previously mentioned. the weather certainly has not been kind this spring!!
I hope to contact many of the attendees in the next few days and update.

Cheers

Malcolm

[Jen]

:eyepop::eyepop: dam you weather grrrr I will have to put a mattress under my stuff if we have to set up near the cabins cause Jen drops stuff lol

[pfitzgerald]

:screwy:I'm still in Malcolm - going through some serious Astro & AP withdrawal symptoms atm and simply have to get out of Melbourne! :screwy:

[astro_nutt]

Hi Malcom. Just wondering if 240 volt power is available for those who set up in front of the cabins for some AP. Also, any spots OK to pitch a tent.
I'm having AP withdrawal symptoms also...................

[dmurton]

I'm still in as well. I'm also suffering from a withdrawal of AP. Hopefully the cabins haven't leaked!

[barx1963]

Thanks guys
Norm, with power, we have a number of cables and power distribution boxes. It will largely be a case of working it out when up there. There are power outlets available in the quad area.
Pitching tents will be a bit problematic on the main field. Based on Johns notes, it is still quite wet. I will be unable to get to the site until Friday of the camp so I have no better info than you do.

Cheers

Malcolm

[xstream]

Pitching a tent on the observing field side would be a problem.As I said earlier it is a quagmire and with the added rain we are getting at present, I invisage it will only deteriorate further and as it was on Wednesday when I visited, that whole area was really unusable.
The parking area on the other side of the camp would be fine to pitch a tent on, the only problem I see is having enough room for both vehicles and tents.

[john.pullen1]

Hi, Will be there and will bring plenty of sun sunscteen and optimism

John Pullen;)

[roddz]

Hi Mal and everyone.
I'm planning on making it for Friday night.
Unfortunatley I've got a friends 40th Saturday night:(
I'll be spewing if its clear Saturday night!


Rodd

[04Stefan07]

Hey Malcolm.

Still good for the camp but I will be staying 2 nights instead of the 3 I paid for. My dad will be coming along as well so let me know how much I owe for the difference.

- 2 nights
- bunkhouse
- if you can put us with Denis and Tony Busato that would be good (they are staying the same two nights as us).

Cheers,
Stefan.

[Atmos]

Looks like there may actually be clear skies!! Who woulda thunk it!

[pfitzgerald]

Don't 'jinx' it Colin - just pretend that you're not looking at the forecast!

Desperately trying not to get too excited myself - but failing miserably - I can't wait until Friday afternoon.

[Atmos]

I'll book a hotel over in Gippsland and take the weather over there ;)

[pfitzgerald]

Sounds like a plan!

[Jen]

Shhhhhhh The weather gods might hear you :rolleyes:

Noooo I am not looking at the weather App no I'm not 😱😱
I'm so excited (jens doing her happy dance) I can't wait to get away for a few days woohoo 🤗🤗
So out of courtesy for all us going to camp please do not buy any new gear till the camp is over :thanx: Hahahaha
OMG three more sleeps 😎😎😜😜😃😃🔭🔭🔭🔭😈😈😈
205992

[Atmos]

I have a PreciseParts adapter on the way but that probably won't arrive until next week and I won't be doing any shopping (Bintel) until next week :P

[pfitzgerald]

Just as well Colin - otherwise the (see)thing masses at SVAC may have to reconsider the ban on human sacrifices! ;)

[Jen]

:rofl::rofl: hahaha yes things do go missing in that lake
😈😈😈😈

[xstream]

Lake! More like a bloody ocean at the moment. :lol:

[xstream]

One more sleep! :clap:

[Jen]

:eyepop::eyepop:
If I pull an all nighter tonight that means no more sleeps hehe 😈😈
:party::party::party::party:

206052

[dmurton]

Bugger!!!!! Already packed the car for tomorrow. Looks like I won't be short of sleep tomorrow. Looking forward to an All Nighter tomorrow night!

See everyone there.

Regards

David

[Jen]

I'm all packed ready to go woohooo drive safe everyone xxoo

[byronpaul]

Jen,

no passenger on this trip to Snake Valley. Keep that radio blaring on your way down from Swan Hill :rockband:

Dave - I'll 2nd the all nighter !!!!!

See you all there

Paul

[Atmos]

I'm going to have to pack when I get home from work, gotta pack it first after a night out imaging :)

[rcheshire]

I'm not going to mention weather, but the forecast temperature is ~4C tonight, minus wind chill. Dewpoint is forecast ~7C. It will be a little warmer Saturday night.

[Jen]

Musics always blaring Paul hehe 😎😎😎😜😜😜😈😈😈 see you soon 💕

[Jen]

One second sub on the flame nebula 😈😈😜😜
206192

[Atmos]

I don't see the Horsehead nebula anywhere near the frame ;)

[glend]

Jen how about an actual report on what's going on down there that the rest of use are missing sitting under our cloud elsewhere?
We need some vicarious enjoyment of the event.:lol:

[Atmos]

Friday night was good with not so good seeing (~3.6"), last night was cloudy although we did spot SOME stars on and off.

[acropolite]

Happy snaps or it didn't happen.....:P

[Jen]

To all u silly buggers that went home today I just wanna say thank you very much for taking the crap weather with you the skies are amazing (I'm not tricking this time hehehe) fifty minutes already down on NGC1365 woohoo
206292

[Jen]

Pretty rainbow this afternoon 💜💜
206293

[Atmos]

Congrats Jen!!

[Greenswale]

Ripper pic, Jen!

[astro_nutt]

Another big thank you to everyone for a great time. We will be back for sure. Regards Norm and Mel

[pfitzgerald]

Lovely shot Jen - and good luck with the processing of your galaxy hunt.

Mel - thanks for the lovely scones on Saturday. Loved Norm's RA/Dec/Azm/Alt mechanical converter.

John - thanks for the help with PHD.

And to Malcolm, Paul and the committee thank you for organising another great camp. As Jen would say. 'Is it March yet?!'

Paul

[Atmos]

As red as some of my lily white skin got on Saturday during the day, it's almost all brown now :P

[barx1963]

Hi all!
Just arrived home and would like to just pop a quick update. Firstly a big thank you to all the attendees who pitched in and got things done in the absence of myself on Friday and Saturday and Paul on Saturday and throughout the entire camp.

I was glad we had some SV Newbies attend. I only got to meet Norm and Melissa, but Colin (Atmos) was there and good to hear Alistair made it up. Also Stefans friend Denis and his dad.
To back up what Paul said, thank you very much for the scones Mel!!

Next a weather report. I was only in attendance Sunday and Monday night, so I am relying on hearsay for the other 2.

Friday as mentioned was clear with some dodgy seeing.
Saturday, clouded out.
Sunday has some drifting clouds but has a reasonable patch of about 2 hours from about 9-30pm. Very cold, a cold shower of rain at about 12-30am sent everyone scurrying for their banks but it did clear up. I got up at 4-30am (I think it was) and the sky was very nice.
Monday (Surprise) turned into a cracker!! After band of shower passing through all day, it cleared up after sundown with very good transparency and very good seeing and some patches of simply superb seeing. Unfortunately only 5 brave souls stayed on (Jen, Rex, Rowland, Paul and myself) so we had better produce some images to prove how nice it was! Lasted from 10pm to about 4-30am when a freakishly quick cloud out hit us.

The field was luckily not as wet as I had feared and I found it perfectly fine for imaging, certainly in the upper part. It dried out despite the occasional showers over the weekend and this morning areas that were quite soft on Friday were noticeably firmer.

Obviously there was some work going on during the weekend and I will update attendees and members by email on what is happening with that.

Anyway, that is all I can get out of my sleep deprived brain for now so thanks again!!

Malcolm

[Atmos]

Thanks for organising the event Malcolm. T'was my first and although I couldn't stick it out, was great to meet a whole bunch of astro minded people!

[Jen]

:hi::hi: Hi guys I think I have finally recovered from another awesome camp to post my report :D Once again I had the best time ever :P even though the numbers were down this time it was still very cool and I just love being around my happy little astro family all you guys rock and I am forever learning more and more at every camp there is always someone happy to help and share the knowledge. It was awesome to bring Rex with me this time as I got to boss him around :P:P oh I mean he helped me set up before dark this time hehehe :thumbsup: thanks Rex I hope I haven't scared you off into coming next year :lol: Your horsey image came out awesome by the way :thumbsup: you have a great teacher I think LOL :P
It was great to see Al pop up on the Friday night he helped me sort out my cabling issues lol arrrrrhhh I hate cables LOL :thanx: Al xo
I had lots of giggles and I actually broke my record with the most I've ever slept at SV according to my fitbit I got a whole 15hours all up this time round hahahahaha ;):P (it was a long slow trip home)
A big thank you to Malcom and the rest of the crew for making this camp happen muahhhh love you long time ;)
A big thanks to Norm & Mel for the scones so yummy :thumbsup: and for the clean up after Saturday night dinner :thumbsup:
Thank you John for the lend of Annas freezer suit OMG im getting one of those before next camp ;) I missed it so much on the Monday night hahahha
Thanks Steve for your yummy spit roast yummo and for making me addicted to the thinkgeek website hahahha I soooo love your evil ways keep it up buddy LOL (high five) :lol::lol::lol:
Thanks John Glossop for the lollies and showing me how to use the polar scope camera thingy and making me spend more money AGAIN lol we have them on order already hahahaha :D:D we didn't do any processing lessons this time damn it but it was great to see you much more relaxed this time round xxoo ;)
As usual the last night was the best night the skies were awesome hahaha so a big big thank you to all of you that went home early LOL
Thank you all for just being you :thanx::thanx:
Great atmosphere, great people and the music is awesome too hahahaha
Bring on the next camp IS IT MARCH YET :lol::lol:
Here is a few pics I managed to capture over the weekend :D

206530

206531

206532

[Wombat_In_Space]

Great images there Jen, wish I could have made to the camp.

[leon]

Very nice indeed Jen, I must come again one day

Leon

[Greenswale]

Hey Jen, cool images!

[Jen]

:thanx::thanx::thanx:
Thanks guys 🤗🤗😜😜

[danielsun]

Hey great stuff Jen and wow!!! you have come such a long way, what excellent images!! :eyepop: :thumbsup::thumbsup:
Really loved the 2nd sub on the flame too :lol:. And as always everyone goes home early and it's always a cracker of a night!!
Unfortunately couldn't make it there but good to hear it was another great camp as usual.
Hope to make the next one.:thumbsup:
Well done and great work Malcolm and Paul and others for keeping it going. :thumbsup:

Cheers Daniel.:)

[Jen]

Hehe thanks Daniel if it wasn't for all you awesome peeps that go to these camps I would be still waltzing around my backyard with my 6"newt wondering what the hell im supposed to do with it hahaha I remember the first pic I ever took was at snake valley with a eq3 mount and a single axis motor on the side hehe doing 30second subs of Orion hahaha I was so exited ( I'm easily entertained) hahaha now I'm doing nearly 10 minute subs and guiding and own a car load of Astro gear ( minus a kidney ) to go along with it hahaha 😱😱🤗🤗🤗😜😜😳😳💜💜😈😈😈🔭🔭🔭😎😎😎😘😘
Is it March yet 🤗🤗

[xstream]

No mention of a March camp yet. :(

Are we not going to have one? :shrug:

[barx1963]

Hi John
I have booked dates in March, 24th to 27th.
Lots happening in my life ATM with my workplace changing hands so will get my rear into gear and get some details up this week. Also my main computer has crashed again (second time in a couple of months) which is causing issues.

I did mention the dates in the email I circulated after the last camp but not sure if everyone received that.

Cheers

Malcolm

[xstream]

Thanks Malcolm :)

[Jen]

:D:D yeah Malcolm get it together lol lol 😜😜

[traveller]

Waiting for the purple count down clock Jen :P

[spacezebra]

Hey John and Anna 😀😀😀😀

[Jen]

:eyepop::eyepop:
209886

[xstream]

Hi Dave & Petra :hi: :hi: :hi:

[Wombat_In_Space]

Already booked my holidays, told Malcolm to book me in :campfire:

Need some good sky :astron: may even :party::party: some.

[The_bluester]

Household leave pass approved so I am on. Hopefully I will be able to bring my son as I planned to on the rained out date last year.

[roddz]

Hi all. I'm in the US for the eclipse. Attended the Stellafane star party. Heading across to Casper Wyoming now.

[bojan]

Still not 100% local in Ballarat.. but will be during the event.
So we will be visiting..

[barx1963]

Hey Rodd
Have to catch you in Casper on the 21st!! We will be arriving in Cheyanne on the 20th, and driving to Casper the next morning.

Malcolm

[barx1963]

Bojan
I should have a new thread for the next camp up in a few days. Just to let you know the dates are Nov 17th to 21st 2017

Cheers

Malcolm

[Greenswale]

Heeeellllllllooooooo, Jen?!

[Jen]

G'day Rod
I will be in Casper for the eclipse too
We should catch up for drinks afterwards 🍾🍾🤗🤗😎😎

[Jen]

:hi: :hi: :hi:
:D

[Jen]

Rod try this thread you might find other iceinspace goers there too 😎😎
http://www.iceinspace.com.au/forum/showthread.php?t=141745&page=3