Snake Valley Astro Camp March 2017

[barx1963]

The Snake Valley Astro Camp! March 24 – March 28 2017

Camp commences midday, Friday 24th March and concludes midday Tuesday 28th.

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 24/3/17) 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. PLEASE NOTE, a sheet of cellophane taped over a tactical flashlight is not a DIM red light. 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.
WHERE IS IT?
The camp is held at Crystal Lake Cabins in Snake Valley. Street address is 554 Linton-Carngham Rd, Snake Valley VIC 3351. If coming from Melbourne travel to Ballarat then take the Glenelg Highway to Linton and turn right onto the Snake Valley-Carngham Rd. The campsite is on your right before getting to the township of Snake Valley. Please be aware that the Snake Valley Observatory run by the Snake Valley Astronomical Association is not the site of the camp.
The Campsite a private business that we hire for the duration of the camp.

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 tosnakevalleyastrocamps@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 tosnakevalleyastrocamps@gmail.com

[barx1963]

Hi all
Apologies this has taken a bit longer than planned to get the info out. A major computer issue (luckily not my imaging computer) and a few other things meant I was a bit delayed.

I have sent out an email to those on my list. I have had an offer from Paul Albers to do a short presentation on Aurora imaging, the Saturday Spit Roast will be on again.

One other item is that a number of you paid to attend the last camp and then were unable to after it was moved. I did do a small number of refunds but most who were affected left the money to carry forward. When booking in, please let me know if that is the case with you so I can make sure my records are accurate.

As always I am happy to answer queries!!

Malcolm

[Jen]

:hi::hi::hi::hi:
Jen puts her hand up 😎😎
I'm in I'm in 😈😈😈
Is it March yet 😂😂

[pfitzgerald]

I'm in Malcolm.

Paul

[xstream]

I'm in :D

[Big Dave]

Pavaloti is back..........
:rover2: :gday: :astron: :einstein: :drink: :cheers: :bowdown: :rockband: :violin: :zzz:

[Greenswale]

Yay, I'm in!

Whats with swiping a slice of the pav already, Dave?!

[Jen]

Yayyy the Pav is back minus one piece already lol lol now I just need Jamie back with his lovely lasagne 🤗🤗🤗

[JohnG]

I am in... :)

[Big Dave]

;)

[bojan]

I would like to drop by one day for a coffee, just to meet you guys...

[Starrymessenger]

Will bring the Spit :):astron: :party2:

[Jen]

And your evil toys Steve hahaha 😈😈

[The_bluester]

Hey Malcolm, just confirming, given I got you to hold on to my money despite not being able to make the rescheduled second camp last year, do I just pay the membership this time around (Same people this time, myself and my 8yo son)

[apaulo]

Roster pending
Put me down for camping Friday and Saturday nights plus the roast.
Paul (apaulo)

[traveller]

Will let you know ASAP Malcolm,
Would love to go but in the middle of possible change of jobs!
Bo

[Andy01]

I'm in too - probably happy share a cabin with someone if Paul M is camping with his son.

[The_bluester]

I am paying for a cabin so jump in mine. I will probably use the tent the night that Toph comes out.

[leon]

Why didn't I know Jen would nearly be first, :rolleyes: and yes Jen it is nearly March, ;) have a great time. :thumbsup:

Leon :thumbsup:

[Jen]

🤗🤗🤗😁 thanks Leon 🔭🔭🔭

[Wombat_In_Space]

I am in at this stage, broke the 4WD so it is going to be tight getting it all fixed up.

[04Stefan07]

Damn the camp has fallen on the same weekend as the Formula 1!

I won't be able to attend that weekend.

Will need to wait til the later camp!

Enjoy everyone!

[barx1963]

You would think the F1 guys would know not to put things on new moon weekends. Sorry you cannot make it, hopefully next time!!

Malcolm

[dmurton]

I'm in all days. Paperwork to follow shortly. Hanging out. It's a real bummer about the grand prix, I always watch it.
Malcolm, perhaps for the rev heads, I'm happy to bring a TV, as long as it's not going g to bother anyone, and if there is an antenna to Hook in to.
Regards David

[astro_nutt]

Hi Malcom. Just waiting on leave approval.
Cheers!

[Andy01]

David, Please do bring a tele - I'll shout us a six pack of beers so we can watch it in style & cheer on Dan :party:

[The_bluester]

Now if they would just get with the current century and do a live feed on the net!

[barx1963]

Sorry guys, I am completely ignorant when it comes to car racing, only notice the grand prix if it on telly and I am channel surfing!! Only sports I am really interested in are footy, cricket, archery and women's rugby sevens!!

Not sure about the TV aerial situation. I will give Andrew G a call and ask.

Cheers

Malcolm

[scagman]

You can download the Foxtel app. "foxplay" and watch it live on foxtel. You get a free 2 week trial. You will also be able to watch the practice and qualifying sessions. Also pause/rewind (upto 30mins).

Then after the weekend, just cancel subscription.

Cheers

[Greenswale]

Helllloooooooooo Jen?

It's March!

[Jen]

:eyepop::eyepop::eyepop:
Omg yes it is 🤗🤗😜 its March already weeeeeee 😈😈😈😘😘😘😎😎😎🌙🌙🌙⭐️⭐️⭐️🍺🍺🌹🔭🔭🔭🔭 23 more sleeps 😱

[The_bluester]

They have actually done that now have they? Previously to get F1 you had to sign up to a $700 per year subscription to get it. Now with Bernie gone they will hopefully modernise the coverage. If they offered a netflix style live feed for $10 per month with access to the back catalog of historical races I would pay for it without a second thought.

I have thought since the beginning that the Foxtel deal was a stitch up, we got rid of it some years ago because we saw very poor value in paying a substantial amount to largely watch a back catalog, with current ads. I have no doubt that the Foxtel service was a better product than the Ch10 broadcast, but $700 a year is an insurmountable hurdle with me.

[scagman]

Its still expensive. Its $54 a month to watch F1 ($648 pa). Unfortunately you have to get the basic package($25p/m) and the sports pack($29p/m).
If you already have foxtel, then you can get the foxtel play app for free.
But at least if you want to watch the AUS F1 race and go to S/V, you can do both. Just cancel your subscription befor3e the 2 weeks are up and it wont cost you anything.
It can be used on 3 devices simultaneously.

Cheers

[dmurton]

Problem is at SV the Cellular coverage is ordinary at best, you'd be lucky to stream at all

[xstream]

Inside seems to be bad but funny enough I get 4G outside. :shrug:

[The_bluester]

Yep, the same broken business model they have used for a couple of decades of forcing you to buy loads of stuff you have no interest in, in order to get a couple of things you are. They are very good at spreading the good stuff around as many packages as possible so they can deliver on the promises made to each channel of "X number of eyeballs" almost no one is watching the obscure stuff but they are sold in the package so they can act like everyone who buys a sub at all is watching the rubbish bits of the basic package.

On topic. I am perfectly happy to record it from FTA and get my astro fix instead!

[barx1963]

I have spoken with Andrew G at from the camp. There is a TV there, but from memory it is a bit old!! No aerial, I think it is only used for DVDs.

Not sure if anyone has a way to set up a temporary aerial? Fairly certain the TV there is not digital also.

Malcolm

[The_bluester]

If we can rustle up an antenna I have a TV I could bring.

[astro_nutt]

Hi Malcom. Leave approved, Application forms filled in, paid and sent....and now the waiting!

[Jen]

210950

Woohoo I'm getting just a little bit excited now 🤗🤗
It's the first round for footy too 😱😱

[xstream]

Just to excite your senses and tease you a bit, Barry and I observed at SV last night with Ken and had an absolutey stunning night. The views of ETA and galaxy's in Virgo were to die for. :)

[barx1963]

I was out last night, very windy unfortunately, but clear. Have had some stunning nights here in Colac in the last week or so!!

Malcolm

[xstream]

We had the same problem till about midnight Malcolm but then it died and turned into a perfect night, we finished up about 3:30

[Greenswale]

Drat! I really wanted to join you at Snake Valley, but could not.

Doesn't matter. Gonna have four nights of perfect skies at the camp!

[Jen]

:eyepop::eyepop::eyepop:

[Jen]

I'm all paid and booked in my usual executive suite with spa 😁😜 woohooo see you guys soon 😈😈😈😈

[traveller]

Don't think I can make it. Starting a new job and one kid going to a scout camp. Have plenty of the usual fun out at SV.
Will be thinking of you all.
Bo

[pfitzgerald]

You'll be missed Bo - are you sure that you can't sneak it into your schedule?

Paul

[imhimmelkommter]

Malcom I'll have to pay a visit one day at Colac. clear skies, Michael (Warrnambool)

[Wombat_In_Space]

Well it looks certain I wont make it this time, 4wd is still dead.
Mount is in update process (which has been delayed due to letting the smoke out of the chip) and Argo has lost my settings on the dob.
I think that's about all that can go wrong. I think I am being told not to come. :( :sadeyes: :sadeyes:

[Paddy]

Haven't been sure if I'll be able to come, but can now do the Friday night. No Roma though, she's going to a new home, but there will be another vintage caravan coming with me in November!

Looking forward to seeing everyone and some clear skies.

Hope you're still going to be on the dob field Malcolm!!!

[pfitzgerald]

I have my School's Open Day on the Saturday, so my plans ATM are to drive up Friday night, observe & AP until who knows when. Sleep for a few hours, drive back to Melbourne for Open Day, drive back to SVAC Saturday afternoon and then head back to Melbourne late Sunday afternoon. Circumstances have dictated that the scope and gear haven't been out since November - and I am experiencing severe withdrawal symptoms!

[niko]

Folks, I'm devastated to say I can't make it this time round. (Hooray I hear some of you say!). I've been struggling with Ross River virus for some time and I don't dare a relapse that I fear sleeplessness might bring on.

Have a fantastic time, CLEAR SKIES and apply Aerogard (well away from scopes) because, trust me, you don't want this virus!

cheers

niko

[pfitzgerald]

Take care Niko - see you in November then.

Paul

[barx1963]

Thank Paddy
Yes I will be there, have got my imaging rig up to the point that it pretty well runs itself, last few times I have used it, did not have to do anything once I pushed the button so should leave plenty of time for eyeball astro!!

Cheers

Malcolm

[barx1963]

Sounds like me last camp commuting between SV and Horsham!!

Malcolm

[barx1963]

Niko
I have emailed you, sorry to hear, hope you recover soon.

We will miss your cheery face!!:sadeyes:

Malcolm

[pfitzgerald]

You're not wrong Malcolm - bunk me in with Steve F please, and as Jen would say is the SVAC weekend yet?

Paul

PS Do you need a screen and data projector this camp?

[barx1963]

Hi all
Just a couple of quick updates. I will be compiling the numbers tonight or tomorrow night.
I have confirmed with Paul Albers that he is doing a presentation on the "Southern Aurora, why we have them and how to photograph them"

Plan at this stage is mid afternoon Saturday, probably about 3pm.

I am starting to get some more bookings, if you have not yet booked in, please do so. I can be contacted on 0352 313048 or 0448 567187 if you have any queries or by PM here on IIS or email to snakevalleyastrocamps@gmail.com

Cheers

Malcolm

[danielsun]

Hi all, unfortunately can't make to this one. Hosting my mother in laws big 70th and a bit going on that weekend. :(
Hope you all have a great camp as they always are! :thumbsup:

Cheers Daniel.

[Jen]

:eyepop: :eyepop:
Omg one more week to go woohoo I have so much to organise :D
Yayyy Paddys coming woohoo I will make sure I bring Samantha fox with me haha 😈😈😃😃
Geee Paul if we get four nights if clear skies your gonna be stuffed lol I love your dedication though ( high five ) 🤗🤗😜😜😈😈
Oh no Wombat, Bo, Daniel and Nikko im going to miss u guys 😥😥
No wombat damn now who's internet am I going to steal haha 😈😈
Nikko I hope you get better real soon 💜💜💜 now I'm going to have to do the job of being the noisy one AGAIN 😬😬👽👽🤣🤣

[xstream]

Keep your fingers crossed on the weather, it's not looking too promising for next week :rolleyes:

[leon]

Jen your a nut, :P but we love ya.:thumbsup::thumbsup:

Leon :)

[Goschencat]

Finally got around to registering. See you all there. :D

Rex (The other Swan Hill Nut !)

[Jen]

:lol::lol:
:thanx:
:hi:

[Jen]

:lol::lol: it's about time 🤣🤣

[barx1963]

Hi all
I am heading to Bendigo for a couple of days, will be tied up in meetings and dances so if I do not respond quickly to any posts emails or call, please be patient!
If you need to contact, I can be called on 0448 567 187 and please leave a message.

Cheers

Malcolm

[Jen]

Is it Friday yet 🤗🤗🤗🤗🔭🔭🤣🤣🤣☀☀☀😃😃😃😃🍾🍾🍾⭐⭐⭐⭐🌙🌙🌙

[xstream]

Nearly there :P :thumbsup: :thumbsup:

[Paddy]

It would be a long way for her to come. But as long as she doesn't sing....:lol:

[Andy01]

Weather forecast is dire for Friday night - improving late Sat night. Hmmm :question:

[bojan]

I will be visiting you guys on Saturday early afternoon... hope to meet some of you there

[barx1963]

Good to hear Bojan!!

Look forward to meeting you.

Malcolm

[Jen]

:eyepop::eyepop: omg two more sleeps and I'm actually nearly organised yayyy go me and one more sleep for round 1 in the AFL the Tigers vs Blues games starts woohoo go tigers 🤗😱

[roddz]

Hi Malcoln
Could you piease add me as a late inclusion.
I'm planning on attending Friday andSaturday night then heading to the Grand Prix.
Count me in for the spit roast.
I'll be sleeping in my Van.

Looking forward to seeing everyone again.

Rodd

[niko]

have a great time gang and CLEAR SKIES!!!

I'm sad face I can't be there!

[barx1963]

Thanks Rodd, will do.

[Jen]

211767

:eyepop::eyepop:
It's today, it's today no more sleeps 🤗🤗 drive safe everyone see you all soon 😎😎😎🤗🤗⭐⭐⭐🔭🔭🔭🔭

[The_bluester]

We are not looking good to make it at the moment. Hopefully you all get to see some sky tonight, though as usual the night I was never going to be able to make it is looking like the best one.

[pfitzgerald]

Packed the car this morning, set up for Open Day, two more lessons to teach this afternoon and then it's SVAC here I come - should be there around sixish.

See you all soon.

Paul

[traveller]

All the best SV'ers
Apologies once more for missing out but the weather is looking good already!
Bo

[Big Dave]

Thanx to Malcolm and the team for year another SV.

[Big Dave]

More Pics

[glend]

Geez, Jack Daniels for breakfast! How was the night sky?

[pfitzgerald]

Not the best of astronomical weekends weather wise - but as always the company and conversation was excellent.

Thank you all for another great weekend and to quote Jen - "Is it November yet?" ;)

Paul

[The_bluester]

It was an ill wind that I did not make it (literally)

My wife was unwell and I ended up taking care of the young bloke all of yesterday

Here is hoping for a better run at it next camp

[leon]

You hungry Dave, ??? :lol: just asking, have fun, :thumbsup:
And Jen, I see you made it, ;) is it November yet. :shrug:

Leon :thumbsup:

[bojan]

Thank you guys for worm welcome, my visit on Saturday to SVAC and SV Observatory (Thanks you Ken) was short this time around but the next one will be "proper".
I hope you had couple of holes in the clouds last night... and tonight.

[04Stefan07]

How was the camp?!

Upset we couldn't make it down since it fell on the same weekend as the GP.

Did the weather hold up!?

[barx1963]

Stefan
Weather not particularly kind for this one. Friday was clouded out, Saturday we had a couple of hours of really nice skies before some intermittent haze put us out of action. Last night was once again drifting bands of high cloud, managed to get some stuff done but frustrating. Forecast for tonight is looking OK once this front passes.

Malcolm

[astro_nutt]

Thanks everyone for a well relaxed weekend. Tho' the sky wasn't the best, the company and mirth more than made up for it....see you all in November!

[barx1963]

Well that was an interesting weekend!! The weather gradually improved over the 4 days, going from a hot humid Friday with cloudy skies, to a warm but still humid Saturday with a clear sky for a couple of hours then clouds at about 11pm, to a clearing sky on Sunday but the night beset by passing bands of high clouds until finally being socked in after midnight and Monday dawning clear but very warm and humid, a strong cold change with strong winds before settling down to a "typical" SV Monday night of dusk to dawn clear skies and falling temps, down to about 3C when I went to be at about 3am.

I will write up a more comprehensive report soon but a huge thank you to everyone who braved the forecast to support our camp. Great to see some newbies there. Especially thanks to Paul Byron for his usual hard work, Norm and Melissa for the scones and other delectables, Steve Fleming for doing the hard yards with the spit roast, Jen for being well...... Jen! and to everyone who helped in small ways, especially by cleaning up before you went.
I am sure I have forgotten someone so please forgive me.

We had a few regulars who could not attend due to illness for themselves or loved ones or a beloved pet so hope all gets better and we will see you at the next camp.

The next Camp will be in November with the dates being Friday 17th to Monday 20th (vacating by midday on Tuesday 21st).

That is all for now, more to come.

Malcolm

[NewBee101]

I would like to thank the crew at the SV camp at the week end. To complete stranger they made me feel welcome and showed me around.
Also I would like to thank teacher Jen for all her help and time she gave, Jen was promoted to teacher at the week end, by the crew. (P plates now, she was over the moon with her promo!!!!)
I have acquired a passion for astrophotography, and I visited the SV camp to check things out. It was mind blowing to see all different types of scopes and sizes. The crew there gave a good insight on where to start and what to go for as a start up package.
Already surfed the net for my future scope and mount!!!
Once again:thanx: As Arnie says, I'll be back.
Robert

[barx1963]

Robert
It was good to meet you over the weekend and glad you enjoyed the visit. Hope we didn't bamboozle you with to much detail.
The critical things to learn if starting in astroimaging are that:

1) Nothing beats a good mount, get the best you can afford.
2) Keep focal length short to start with
3) If you already have a camera, use that to start
4) do your research

Anyway, looking forward to seeing you at the next camp with some kit to use!

Malcolm

[Goschencat]

Hi Robert,
Maybe this one is for you ..

http://www.iceinspace.com.au/forum/showthread.php?t=155432

[Jen]

:eyepop:
I just realised I forgot to post my review on this camp 😱
As usual I had the best time ever great company as always 😍 and I was very proud of myself this time round as I got to be the teacher this time and share my knowledge (which was shown to me by you guys) to a noobie woohoo I became the teacher this time round hehehe see I do listen 😈😈
Thanks again to all who puts everything together to keep this camp running and as it's usual weather pattern did not disappoint the last night was amazing hahaha thanks to all that went home early once again hahaha I pulled an all nighter that night hunting comets till the sun came up 😜 It was a long trip home 🙄 Here's a few pics 😎
Is it November yet 🤣🤣
216610
216611

[pfitzgerald]

I wish it was Jen (November)! I wish it was.

Paul

[04Stefan07]

Was just looking on the Snake Valley Association website. Does annual membership allow access to the dark site whenever we want during the year or do arrangements need to be made to use the field? If so are the bunks allowed to be used? Wouldn't mind heading up more often during the year with my setup!

[xstream]

Unfortunately it doesn't Stefan if you want to go there on a regular basis it's best to make contact with Ken here and join SVAA

http://snakevalleyobservatory.weebly.com/about-us.html

Which gives you unlimited access to the obs.

[04Stefan07]

I found this little snippet on their website.

"Fully financial Members are entitled to use the Clubsite and facilities at any time, as often as they like, and can even camp over."

http://ballaratman.wix.com/svaa#!events

[The_bluester]

Unless things have changed, SVAA and SVAC are completely separate things. The SVAA is behind a house (Kens) I have not been there for years so I don't know what the facilities are.

The SVAC camps are run at Crystal Lake cabins which is a different place (But nearby) and owned separately to SVAC.

[xstream]

That is a completely different site as to where the camps are held as Paul has stated. It is on private land but the facilities are all there for members use at any time.

The SVAA & SVAC are to seperate entities.

[roddz]

I'm in Casper! Eclipse in 4 days!