Blue Mountains - Shipley Plateau, Blackheath, 29th April

[mental4astro]

Hi all,

We have been granted access again to James' property on the Shipley Plateau at Blackheath again for Saturday 29th April. So far the forecast is looking promising.

As we did with Rod, I insisted that we give James a gift of his preferred brew when we impose on his generosity, and we will share the cost of this between us.

Note that this new location is turfed, so dew most likely will visit us. I have been told that dew really only forms if the breeze stops (it is on a hill, so a breeze is usually present) or if there's an Easterly wind blowing, which for us also means it is clouded over... But as the micro climate of this location is different from the Airfield, better come prepared just in case.

THERE ARE KANGAROOS ALL AROUND HERE!!! This property has roos all over it at night, but with us being there they most likely won't come to visit us. But they will be about. So take care driving to AND from this location.

The property is on a hill, but there are a few flat areas for us to set up on.

As always, keep an eye on this thread for any changes and last minute cancellation due to weather.

Hope to see you there.

Alex.

[MortonH]

Ok, fingers crossed!

[dimithri86]

What is the proper etiquette regarding times of arrival and departure so that you disturb other viewers?

[mental4astro]

Good questions Dimithri.

Arriving - if you arrive after dark, once you turn into the property, dim your lights, drive in ONLY a short distance so you are not blocking the driveway, and walk to where we are so you can safely find a setup position. This will also allow your eyes to adapt a little to the dark.

Leaving - there is no actual knock off time other than when you've had enough. When you are to leave, just announce to everyone that you'll be packing up and leaving shortly. It's just a courtesy so we can take what measures we need when you drive out. When leaving keep your car lights dim until you reach the road.

I'm hoping to get there around 4:30pm. If it's a good night I may well stay all night.

Plaes remember, this place is someone's private home.

Alex.

[AG Hybrid]

Sounds good. Weather permitting. See you there.

[basketcase07]

Fingers crossed! Count me in!

Ed

[MortonH]

I hope you mean so that you DON'T disturb other vewiers? :lol:

[MortonH]

Alex,

Are there toilets or shelter available?

[Wavytone]

Morton, no, this is someones private home. Put yourself in their position - there are issues you need to be aware of.
Take a dump at the Ivanhoe beforehand. I suggest Bondi cigars and the rest won't go down well the next day.

As for shelter... never needed it in 40 years. Man, pack up if it rains, simples.

[MortonH]

Just checking in case there was an outdoor dunny or something.

[Wavytone]

OK FYI providing an outdoor dunny costs at least $220. To that add assorted insurances. Bottom line assuming say 7 show up is of the order of $50 a head for the pleasure of a few hours stargazing. The alternative I suggest is you take appropriate care of your bodily needs and accept some personal responsibility while on the property. Otherwise you can go to Hargraves or Mt Blackheath.

[MortonH]

Mate, I asked a simple question since I've never been to the property and have no idea what the layout is, etc. No need to be a tool.

[Wavytone]

I'll suggest you know better. Ask Alex directly if you don't understand. I think Alex made the scenario quite clear.

FWIW its a fair question on respect of another observing site I've used lately - in Sydney - and the society concerned appears to not have any idea.

[MortonH]

By the way, thanks for acquainting me with the expression 'Bondi cigar'. All these years and I'd never heard it before! :lol:

[Wavytone]

:thumbsup:

In a decade far far away i was once a bodysurfer...

[mental4astro]

Good questions Morton.

It is something that I've only briefly spoken to James about.

The field is very big, so number ones is just a wonder to the fence. Anything else, that's more tricky right now. As it is a private home, we don't have access to the home's loo - I wouldn't want strangers trampling through my home in the dead of night either :eyepop:

Shelter, again we need to see. I've been there just the one time, and it was primarily to introduce ourselves. What creature comforts we can do will take a couple of astro sessions to work out.

This is a totally new relationship we have. What we had at the Airfield also took time to achieve.

Alex.

[MortonH]

As long as number ones aren't an issue I'm sure we can cope! :thumbsup:

[mental4astro]

The International Space Station is also due to make a long appearance on Saturday night, due around 5:51pm. Specifics can be found in the ISS NASA site:

https://spotthestation.nasa.gov/sightings/view.cfm?country=Australia&region=New_South_Wales&city=Sydney#.WP_anNKGPIU

It will actually be making a whole bunch of good early evening appearances this week and early next. This coming Friday's will be a very long one with a very high max altitude overhead.

[ChrisV]

Hopefully see you there.

[mental4astro]

SESSION CANCELLED

Unfortunately something has come up with James, and the property won't be available for us this time around. Most frustrating, but beyond our control.

Another time...

Alex.