NSW Central Coast Casual Camping and Observing trips.

[Inmykombi]

I Just Started this thread to try and separate Camping from the PC and monthly observing discussions.

Bretti Here we come....

[Inmykombi]

Hi everyone, I am planning on getting to BRETTI next week.
Ill be there from Thursday 27th to Sunday 30th....maybe Monday as well if I can stretch it.
I need a break away from the phones and the work madness before I lose whats left of my marbles.

Hope to see you there.

Geoffro.

[Allan_L]

Those dates work well for me.
Keen to get the team together again.
Hope the weather improves.:thumbsup:

[Inmykombi]

I will be keeping an eye on the weather too. I will be honest and say that I will only go if the weather is reasonable.

[GTB_an_Owl]

forecast not looking good for you at the moment boy's

hope it improves for you
i will be in coffs, then home on sunday for a birthday party in the evening

geoff

[Inmykombi]

We'll catch up another time then Geoff.
Enjoy Coffs and the Party.

[glend]

I will not be going to Bretti this month. My daughter is due to deliver her second child in the next two weeks and they expect it to be early this time, so i will be staying close to home.
Good luck with the weather, hope it works out for you.

[GTB_an_Owl]

i was SO looking forward to this months trip Geoff

but up popped granddaughters school play in coffs and another granddaughters 22nd birthday on the sunday nite down here

geoff

[Fizics]

If weather is good I intend to be there for Thursday night looking to catch with all.

[GTB_an_Owl]

yes well - i'm up for the following week sometime

geoff

[Inmykombi]

I cant go the following week as I am away for my Anniversary with my Wife.

I hope the weather improves, If the rain looks like its only light some days, I may talk myself into going still.

[Allan_L]

OK.
Home from Adelaide trip.

But need to do some repairs on the van. :mad2:
Replace broken wiper arm.
Replace windscreen.

Trying to get these organised in the next day or two.

Should be ready to go.

However, I am dismayed to see the dismal cloud and weather predictions. :sadeyes:
I am keen for a get together, but,
Having just arrived home from a three week campervan holiday, I am not overjoyed at the prospect of another with weather limitations. :shrug:

What do the rest of you feel.

[Inmykombi]

I feel as though I need a break anyway. I may have to just sit around and get fat on Apple Charlottes.:P

[Inmykombi]

C'mon Geoff, get your priorities sorted......;)

[Inmykombi]

update....

Weather looks real ordinary.. what is everyone else doing ?

[Rick Petrie]

I agree Geoff and Allan, the weather is looking very dismal for the weekend away. Having looked at all predictions unfortunately I am going to pass on this one. Am very disappointed but ..it happens, so will look to maybe the November new moon as a good possibility.:shrug::rain::cloudy:
If the forecast locally gets any better, a jaunt up to the Pony Club could be a better option as wouldn't need to camp after driving for so long?
Will keep checking in.
Rick

[Allan_L]

As Obi-Wan Kenobi once said:
Now that's a name I've not heard in a long, long time.

[Inmykombi]

Apple Charlotte.... we never did figure out if they were supposed to have cream or not, did we ?

I may have just opened up a can of worms again....

[jakob]

Waiting on clear skies!
From Sunday onwards looks better, but that's no good for inmycombi.
Standing by.

[Inmykombi]

Sorry I cant go the next week, I will be in Tasmania for my first trip there.

[Allan_L]

Can you please take a telescope with you Geoff?
So that you drag all the clouds down there with you. ;)

[Inmykombi]

Binoculars may help if I take some to Tassie..... Ill take those....no , hang on , I want to see the Southern lights.

[Allan_L]

Standing by also.:)

[glend]

I was just having a look at the BOMs 4-day chart and honestly it looks very promising for Monday night through Thursday night. They release these charts about 2:30pm each day so todays's forecast has not been updated yet. There is a big high moving into position over us and no onshore winds or any if these high cloud troughs from WA. Jakob and Allan L you might be lucky, and the moon is nothing. Fingers crossed for you. I am still on baby alert.:thumbsup:

[nobby2]

Cloud Free Nights has a 100% clear window at Mangrove Mountain (Pony Club) from 17.00 to 23.00 on Monday night and another window on Tuesday a little later. Wednesday the same.

[Allan]

I had a great night last night at Coolah, conditions were fantastic. The dozer was there on dark clearing trees so the place looks like an Astro property now. Still heaps of work to go, but I've made great progress in just 4 months since buying the place.

I am thinking of organising a star party over New Years. Being 2 months away, it would be something a bit more organised and something for everyone to look forward to. There is heaps of space, so everyone would be welcome, friends and family, astronomy or otherwise.

I will get there on the 29/12 around lunch and stay until 02/01. That's 4 nights over the new moon. We will get in heaps of observing, although the 31st might be a bit dodgy.

I know people normally have New Years plans, but I think our gang are full of good guys and we would have a really good night, and a few other good nights of observing.

What do you think? There's stacks of other people I know who would love to come, and I think it could be something really good to do.

[GTB_an_Owl]

i will be in Coffs for new year

geoff

[Allan_L]

It is great news that your new Astro property is working out so well Allan :thumbsup:

And I am really excited to come for a visit.
I don't think I have been on any Astro Camps since February, due to crazy weather.

But I am not sure I can get a leave pass for that time :confused2:
The kidz will be visiting from interstate for Christmas, but I am not sure how long they will be staying. Although this presents as a perfect time to get out of the house to me, I am not sure Joanne would share the same opinion. :question:

I agree New Years Eve with the gang sounds like a real hoot.
Some of us will be reporting Seven rings around Saturn. ;)

[Shano592]

That's awesome news Allan.

NYE sounds like a great idea. Better yet, no fireworks in the vicinity (hopefully).

I have a bad feeling I may be driving across the country though, retrieving a commercial van from Perth. I'll definitely keep Coolah in mind, though.

[Allan_L]

Edit:
Jo has said I should go (to Coolah Astro Lodge). :eyepop:

So count me in.

[Allan]

Good stuff Allan, and Shane hopefully you can make it. With 2 months to organise I think we will have a good crowd.

[nobby2]

Thanks Allan. Will slot those dates in for a possible. My wife's family live in the Gilgandra district which may help my cause.

[Allan]

Sounds good Neil. It's an easy trip to Gilgandra from my place.

[sharpiel]

Where is Coolah?

[Shano592]

Just to the north of Dunedoo.

[GTB_an_Owl]

i know what the next question is going to be ;)

geoff

[Camelopardalis]

No leading into jokes about my name thank you very much, after several years in Australia I've heard them all :lol: ;)

[Inmykombi]

Thx for the news re: New Year at Coolah Alan, I will put it in the diary and hope that I can get away then.

[Allan]

Hope to see you there Geoff. Dunk, what's up? You coming for a drive?

[Camelopardalis]

Never say never Allan ;)

[GTB_an_Owl]

so what are we doing around the 30th ???

geoff

[Inmykombi]

I guess a PC trip may be in order....

[GTB_an_Owl]

no one wants to go away ?????
:campfire:

geoff

[Inmykombi]

I wish I could, but its coming up to my mad season for work. I will be able to take time off after Christmas at the end of January or maybe up to Alan's between Dec. and Jan. I will probably have to stay local for the next new moon unless work slows down....

[Allan_L]

Thinking about 22 to 25 Nov. :question:

[GTB_an_Owl]

forcast




http://www.iceinspace.com.au/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=206787&stc=1&d=1479008305

[Allan_L]

maybe Pony CLub on the 26th isn't such a bad idea :shrug:

[Rick Petrie]

Yes Allan the 26th would be better for me at this stage.
Haven't been to the PC for eons.:thumbsup:

[GTB_an_Owl]

that forecast is for Bretti

geoff

[GTB_an_Owl]

forecast for mangrove - new moon is the 30th

http://www.iceinspace.com.au/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=206801&stc=1&d=1479015266

[sharptrack2]

If everyone is considering just a evening at the PC, we should move the conversation to the "casual observing" thread... :question::P

I'll probably be less inclined on the 26th due to having celebrated Thanksgiving most of the day :drink:, but the 18th is looking quite good. It's a Friday and might be hard for some, me included, but the forecast is very positive and the moon doesn't rise until after 11:20pm.

[Fizics]

I would be interested in 22-25 at Bretti. Otherwise 26 is good for PC. Could do both :). My scopes have a lot cobwebs.

[Allan_L]

Noted with Interest, thanks John :)
but the two-timer forecast has deteriorated even further today. :(
but am keeping my options open. :shrug:
TBA

[Inmykombi]

Hi Allan,
I cant believe my luck....or lack of it.
I just had news of my Wifes sister who has planned her wedding for this New Years Eve. This means that Coolah is out for me unless I can sneak up there after the wedding on the 1st January.
I cannot get out of this one I'm afraid.
I'll let you all know if I can get there on the 1st, but it'll only be one night I think unless some people are staying longer.

[end_user]

Hi guys,

Was wondering if a viewing was taking place before Xmas? Just too much light pollution in the suburbs here and be good to meet some new people and learn!

Jaye

[Allan_L]

Hi Jaye, Welcome to IceInSpace :welcome:
The next (Saturday) night suitable for observing will be the 24th (Xmas eve).
So that is not likely to happen.

Keep watching this forum. There will normally be a thread about observing sessions (we usually go to Mangrove Mountain {Pony Club} for non camping sessions) for the Saturday before New Moon.

Hope to meet you soon.
Regards
Allan

[end_user]

Great, will keep an eye out!

Merry Xmas all =)

[Allan_L]

Great Dunk! I have upgraded my First Aid kit specially for your visit. ;)

[Camelopardalis]

Nice one Allan :thumbsup: I've still got the scars :lol: :lol:

[Fizics]

I am sure the dunnies won't be so treacherous

[Camelopardalis]

Or maybe I should get a set of those American football pads :D

[glend]

Merry Christmas to all the NSW Central Coast folks, and those further afield that join us from time to time. Wishing you clear dark nights in the lead up to the New Moon.;)

[Allan_L]

Like :thumbsup:

[Camelopardalis]

Ditto that from up north :thumbsup:

[sharptrack2]

My sentiments as well! :thumbsup::D

[GTB_an_Owl]

merry xmas and a happy new year folks

geoff

[Allan]

For anyone still interested, I'm here at Coolah now. The air conditioner is running, and there's plenty of fridge space for beers. I'll be here until Tuesday, and weather permitting will observe every night, though I might give New Years a miss for other activities.

Tonight is going to be a great start, so come for one night or as many as you want. Looking forward to Allan and Scott arriving soon.

[Camelopardalis]

Hey guys, hope you're having fun out under the stars, can't think of a better way to start the New Year...hope 2017 is a good 'un for all and we get some better weather :D

[Allan_L]

Thanks Allan,
That was a great 5 day break.
Beautiful dark skies is an understatement.
Thanks for hosting. :thumbsup:
Looking forward to next time.

[Allan]

It was great to have your company Allan. Helping me move a ton or two of rocks has given you a permanent visitor pass. See you next time.

[Inmykombi]

Dear Allan, Ill put my hand up for small electrical jobs up at Coolah as well. I am a Sparkie ( but usually do appliance repairs ) So I can do some electrical stuff if needed.
I would be glad to help out and to get to know where your place is.
rgds
geoffro.

[nobby2]

Will be looking out for a visit to Mangrove Mountain (Pony Club) This Saturday 28th.
As always the weather looks a bit Iffy so will make a call around 4pm on Saturday. If its worth a shot I can open the gate around 6 - 6.30 for any one interested. :D

[Brickbots]

I have to work for part of the day, but I'm definitely keen if people are going up. I'll watch this space for details on the day. Here's hoping for clear skies!

-Richard

[Inmykombi]

I'd like to get up there weather permitting on Saturday night.
I don't have a key though.

[glend]

I believe Nobby2 (Neil) has a key. Good luck guys, I hope things clear up for you (the sun is shining up here).

[Shano592]

Happy belated New Year everyone.

Yes, Neil has a key.

I'll have to pass... I have a thing... (thank you Fletch!)

Anyway, I plan on being sore from re-building my balcony (still). Finally, the LX will have a stable, raised platform to stand on!

[glend]

Just wanted to pass on the info that last night was clear up my way and i managed to get some hours of imaging completed. Given forecast for tonight, i would suggest the proposed Pony Club trip would have good conditions but there maybe a fair amount of dew later on, given the recent rain and night time humidity level.
Take a birthday cake (or apple charlotte) for Allan L, if he attends. Happy birthday Allan.

[jakob]

Clear Sky here.
I plan to go tonight, hope somebody there with a key.
Cheers.

[osteoblast]

I'm also keen on attending this evening!

[nobby2]

Looks like a window of clear sky tonight using:
http://www.cloudfreenight.com/index.php
and 7 Timer

Yes I have the key and plan to be up there around 6.30. Not dark until after 8.00.
Cloudfreenight shows a pocket of cloud around 1700 and then clearing.
:D

[Inmykombi]

Working today trying to keep the last of the tourists happy in there apartments. I will make an effort to get there to see you all, as I have not made an appearance for ages.
Hopefully I can get a quick snooze in after work.

[GTB_an_Owl]

I'm in

geoff

[GTB_an_Owl]

bring tarps to put your scopes on
grass has probably not been cut for a while

geoff

[Inmykombi]

Does someone have a key ?

[GTB_an_Owl]

Nobby has one Geoff - as do I

geoff

[Inmykombi]

What time are you there Geoff ?

[GTB_an_Owl]

7 or 7-30 Geoff



geoff

[Inmykombi]

Good work, I'll aim for then too.
See ya there.

[Allan_L]

Regretfully unable to make it. :sadeyes:
Hope you all had a great night!

[nobby2]

Well, you would have to describe the evening as disappointing. Good to see the turn out of around five cars. By nightfall, pockets of clouds turned into total cloud cover.
Still good to get out, dust off the gear and say g'day to some of the crew. Great to see some driving from Sydney.

[osteoblast]

The clouds actually cleared by around 11pm and I took some pics to test collimation. I promised to put up a few on the website. These were taken using an 8 inch GSO RCA and a Canon 6D on an NEQ6. Single exposures of 30s (some stretching of levels in photoshop).
Even though skies took time to clear really enjoyed seeing the geostationary satellites and the 'variable' satellite.

[nobby2]

Great to see the true believers getting some reward. Nice pics

[Inmykombi]

Thx for posting your photos Mark, it was worth the wait to get them.

Good to see a few faces there again too, as I haven't been for a while.
Finding the Optus C1 and Optus D1 satellites was a challenge manually, but that also was worth the effort..
Finally we left about 1.15 am after a few Meteors revealed themselves.
A good night I thought. thx to everyone for turning up.