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View Full Version here: : Mercury transit - viewing from Sunshine Coast area


Gargoyle_Steve
04-11-2006, 01:03 AM
I thought I'd set this up as a separate thread so it can be found easier.

In response to a query by AstroRon re a local viewing site in the Caloundra-ish area I've done a bit of investigating, I have 2 sites to offer at present.

Shelley beach, Caloundra - looks directly east, grass topped bank is several feet above beach level, unobstructed views, cars park right THERE next to grass so you carry your gear maybe 8-20 feet, depending on whichend of the parkign lot yoru at, and yeah it;s got probably a hundred metres of easterly "frontage" and parking for a couple of dozen cars. NO power.
Apart from the lack of power this is ideal for visual observers, I don't think it can beat - anywhere.

However ..... in response to Pauls query I've done some checking re powered sites to cater for out picture snapping brethren. I've had a chat with the staff at the Kawana Surf Lifesaving Club ... they also have an easterly facing aspect of course, right on the beach, again grassy area up above the beach level itself. As we'd be arriving and set up here before even the boat shed opens of a morning the manager(s) have said they can leave a power lead under a roller door, etc, the night before - as long as we bring sufficient leads to run the power out to where we want it.

2 possible downsides - I have to check yet to see how much obstruction there may be from bushes that have grown up since I was there last, this could be a definite deal breaker! The other problem is that the parkingarea is on the north side of the main clubhouse, the potential "viewing" area is on the other side so we may have to carry equip 30-50 metres maybe.

I'll do a recon trip over the weekend and get back with details asap.
I haven't approached any other surf clubs yet but there may be another possibility or 2 although I think Kawana still offers the best possible powered site I can arrange.

Comments / thoughts anyone??

Steve

[1ponders]
04-11-2006, 11:30 AM
Thanks for doing the leg work Steve. I've been thinking of surf clubs as well, Alex Headlands and Maroochydore. Though for me at the moment it's all academic. I've put my back out and I'm flat out carrying a book at the moment and I can forget about any sort of bending. Been like this for a week and it doesn't seem to be getting any better.

I'm looking for options closer to home where I can get some assistance from Sya, my wife. At this stage it looks like if I'm able, to I'll be heading up to Dulong lookout with a couple of battery packs to power everything for the initial transit entry, and once that is finished back home for some pain killers and wait till 10:00 for the exit which I hope I'll be able to see from the bowls club carpark next door.

So you guys go ahead and organise what ever is best for you.

Gargoyle_Steve
04-11-2006, 12:46 PM
Geez Paul so sorry to hear about your back! I hope it's one of those types of injuries that tends to heal fairly quickly for you. I'm sure you'll be putting those heat packs to good use now. Let us know how you get on, and I hope we can catch up before Christmas again .....

By the way - Dulong lookout sounds like an excellent idea.

Gargoyle_Steve
05-11-2006, 07:32 PM
Is the anyone else in the Coast area interested in Thursday mornings show? If not then Ron if you are still interested I reckon Shelley Beach is the go, it's less than 10 minutes from my place and the view should be spectacular!

[1ponders]
05-11-2006, 07:46 PM
Thanks Steve. We'll definitely catch up at Ron's before Xmas. As for my back, well it's been just over a week and I still can't bend over to pick up the dog (silky x chihuahua). Could be a long convalescene.

astroron
06-11-2006, 11:24 PM
:hi:I will be joining Steve at Shelley Beach on Thursday with My 20cm SCT,are there anymore interested persons? :thumbsup: :astron: