Bretti or Chaffey Dam getaway

[Inmykombi]

Just starting a new thread to see if anyone wants to get away to Chaffey Dam or Bretti from Thursday 23rd March until Monday 28th March.

Post away my friends, and we will try to have a long awaited get-together.

[glend]

I certainly want to go then Geoff.

[Allan_L]

As discussed, count me in.
Destination still to be decided.
Chaffey: $6/day includes Hot showers and flushing toilets plus dam swimming and activities
Shops nearby
vs
Bretti: Free, own shower, dump toilet, and stream enough to get wet
Shops 32K

Distance from Tuggerah (Twin Servos)
Chaffey 320k (under 4 hours)
Bretti 225k (3 hours)

[Inmykombi]

Great to see you again Glen. Maybe Chaffey would be great as I have not been there for a while, and last time I was there the Dam was very very Low....and I got bit by a fish....

[Ricky]

Hi I'm Ricky & I think the star party is a great idea.. I'm not available for this upcoming event but am very interested in future star parties that u guys organise. Keep up the good work .

Cheers.

Ricky

[Inmykombi]

Hi Ricky,
Good to have you on board at Ice In Space.
Keep an eye out for Camping trips or New Moon gatherings around the Central Coast, and you will be most welcome to joins us anytime.
We have a great deal of fun on the camping trips, including some nice dark skies.

Rgds Geoffro.

[Inmykombi]

2 Weeks to go ( approx.) and not much interest ? Whats happening people ?
Chaffey or Bretti ?

[Inmykombi]

Well I will make a vote for BRETTI.

I have been checking some info on Chaffey and the Dam is really full
( 99 % ) and the areas to camp in could be a little restrictive for space, especially with the extra boating enthusiasts frequenting the dam since the level has risen.

Anyway....I vote for BRETTI.

[Allan_L]

OK Geoff.
As I recall, GTB visited Chaffey in October and said all of our previous campsites were underwater, and there were very few FLAT sites available.
On the basis of your report that it is still 99%, I presume that still applies.

So Bretti here we come.

Haven't been out there since February 2016 as I recall. !!! :confused2:

[Inmykombi]

Chaffey level on this web site. ( coy and paste )

http://www.tamworth.nsw.gov.au/Water-and-Sewerage/Water-Supplies/Current-Dam-Levels/Current-Dam-Levels

Chaffey 97.8
percent full.

Bretti it is then.

Looking forward to it and praying for good weather.:thumbsup:

[nobby2]

Will be taking my scope out to Gilgandra for the new moon period after 28th March as my wife feels compelled to visit her mother. Used to be a difficult task.
So sorry I wont be around.
All the best
Neil

[Allan_L]

Preliminary weather prediction looks gruesome for both sites from 22-26 March.
Watching this as it approaches

Even similar all the way up at Glen Riddle (great spot NW from Tamworth),
and even as far west as Coolah (SW from Coonabarabran).

:sadeyes:

[Inmykombi]

Thats a bummer. And of course....clear skies at present with the Full Moon....
I'll keep an eye on the weather too. I don't want to get soaked and have to pack away a wet trailer tent.

[glend]

Geoff I just had a look at the Accuweather Extended Forecast for Gloucester and it seems to be changing abit from the Thursday. There might be a window of opporunity, so don't give up just yet. Of course, the way it is now it changes every hour.

[Inmykombi]

Lets keep our finger and toes crossed.

[Inmykombi]

I have checked a few weather predictions for this week, and it looks pretty awful for Astronomy in the Gloucester area as well as many other spots.
Still a few days to go for a better weather prediction.

[glend]

It seems to be a wash out Geoff. The amount of rain that has already fallen up that way means it would take a week of sunshine to dry out, and there is more rain coming.:shrug:

[Inmykombi]

Yep, looks like another no go. Does anyone else have any input ?

[Fizics]

Yep Geoff weather stinks for camping and viewing. If anyone is interested could meet up for coffee during the week.

[Inmykombi]

Its a real bummer. I cant change my leave dates now either. I am now just staring at the computer not knowing what to do at the moment.

[Allan_L]

yeah, the whole state looks like it will be rain effected this coming week.
Even Bourke and Lightning Ridge.

Maybe we should go for a surfing week off instead.

[glend]

I would like a coffee. Name the time and place.




And April is school holidays affected. Going deeper into the west should be an option then if we could find a suitable site, I am recalling that caretaker guy at Coonabarabran that offered his property some time back. Or is Coolah open for business?

[Allan]

March is a write off for me, due extra work and last minute changes to my roster.

I will be in Coolah for at least a week starting the 17 April. Will probably have family and friends coming and going, but it's not like I will run out of room.

[glend]

Hey Geoff, the Snake Valley Asto Camp is on down in Victoria this coming weekend I believe. A bit of a trip but they might even have clear skies. They have a thread here.
http://www.iceinspace.com.au/forum/showthread.php?t=153518

[Inmykombi]

Thx Glen, I think its just a little too far for me to travel. thx anyway.

[Inmykombi]

Sorry John I am flat out with work until I either go away camping or go away with my wife somewhere. Thx for the offer though.

[Inmykombi]

Hi Allan, I dont know if I can get more time off then, but I will try to get there to check out the sky if at all possible. I'll let ya know.
It will be the last quarter Moon then if I am correct.
Cheers Geoffro.

[Fizics]

Ok let's say 10am Thursday Westfield Tuggerah coffee club but always open to other suggestions. All welcome.

[glend]

I will be there. Thanks

[Rick Petrie]

I'll try and get there guys.

[Allan_L]

working had to be there around 10.
See ya there

[glend]

I see the Aldi camping equipment sale is on again this Saturday, with the usual stuff. The tent peg kits in the plastic box are handy. And the rather unique Onezee sleeping bag that you can walk around in, good for a cold night of astronomy activities. Not sure about the relative value of some of the gear, say compared to ebay, but it will not deter the queue on Saturday at 8:30 am.

Of course there is no promise on the horizon that you might ever get to use this stuff at a dark site

[Terry B]

An astronomy gathering/star party is being organised by the small township of Ben Lomond north of Armidale on the weekend of 22/23rd April. The town is at over 1300m alt and is lovely and dark. They plan on making it an annual event and hopefully will post more info on IIS soon. Not that far further than Tamworth so worth thinking about.

[glend]

Thanks for that news Terry. Would like to hear more about it.:thumbsup:

[jakob]

Ben Lomond looks interesting! Plenty of space, no trees and flat.

[Shano592]

Very interesting. Maybe a star-crawl from Coolah to Ben Lomond...

We can all crowd in to Allan's camper! :rofl:

[Terry B]

When I get more info from the organisers I will post it.

[jakob]

I have the invitation document for Ben Lomond,but its a 2mb pdf.
I don't know how to post/share it.
:question:

[glend]

I had sent a PM to TerryB in Armidale and received this info in reply:

"This year they are only trying to have a small event as a test but plan on making it an annual event after every Easter.
They seem quite organised. They have a hall that can be used along with camping that would only be available for the star party. They have arranged for the 8 street lights in town to be turned off for the Saturday night and blackout shield to stop any light from cars impacting on the area for the star party.
It is a small town of only about 80 residents and they feel this would be a good event for the town. "

That is all he knew at that time. I am sure he will be back soon with an update.

[Brickbots]

Hi Everybody!

I'm not sure how many people the, very nice, hosts of the Star-Grazing event are targeting for the 'Test Run', but they have started a Tumblr account with some more information if anyone is interested:

https://ne-nsw-stargrazing-festival.tumblr.com/

I believe they have about 6 folks so far (including me!) signed up. Looks like they are very dedicated to working out the logistics of an ongoing event and could probably use a few more scopes for their public night and some additional feedback from folks to plan their future events.

Here is hoping the weather is good!
-Richard

[Brickbots]

Hi Glen,

I believe they are still working out some of the details, but I do not believe there is power on the field. There may be recharging options during the day though? I seem to remember some mention of imaging in the information.. but I don't recall off hand.

I received an email a day or so after I filled out the survey, hopefully they will be able to answer your questions. :thumbsup:

-Richard

[glend]

I did fill in the survey form and received a reply with additional info. Re power they said bring a generator or batteries. Now it looks as if only some lights near the oval will be shut off and the school has security lights that have to stay on. Some doubt about the blockout drapes as well. The public outreach days are probably a no-go for people looking for serious astronomy and they suggested the final two days for that. They advised that Sky light conditions will probably not be as good as a proper dark site, but that is not what they are aiming for. I am leary of school holiday events and would probably pass this time but i hope it is a big success for them.