You know you're getting old when.......

[Kunama]

You know you're getting old when you need a bed in your car as you can no longer travel more than a few hours without a nap..... :sadeyes:

Just spent the day buying crockery and other 'Lightly Greying Nomad' stuff for my new AstroWagon (AutoTrail FB 7.1m) .... alas, there is no way to fit the 18" Dob into this so there might have to be some changes to my telescope lineup. (Anybody looking for a custom made 18" Dob :shrug:). I have worked out that a Mewlon 250 or a 7" refractor will fit under the bed :question:....

Sorry for the grainy phone pic..... (my DSLR is getting too heavy to wield :P)

Might need the chainsaw to do some light pruning to get it into Allan's Outback AstroLodge ;)

[Octane]

That is hot.

It even has an STS-type nose.

And here I was thinking that buying a hardfloor campertrailer was a big deal!

Congratulations. :)

H

[LewisM]

I have a brand new Esprit 80ED that'll fit you perfectly Pops

[LewisM]

I still reckon "The Travelling Astronomers" starring Matt and Brian Cox would be a hit... :)

[leon]

Beautiful, go and enjoy this vast Country, we have been doing it for years and there is nothing better.

Leon

[Kunama]

Thanks H, it has been a long gestation period. Jen's happy with it. I think of the 200mm TEC refractor binoscope I could have bought with the money....



I may have to take you up on that... ;)

[glend]

Very nice vehicle Matt. I reckon a dome on top would be ideal, or a slide back roof. Add some crank down jack stands for stability and a hydraulic pier and your mobile obs is all set.

[Kunama]

Thanks Leon, we went from tents to 4WDs, then campers etc to this.... might need to build a trailer for astro-gear.

[LewisM]

It's OK Matt, the IIS classifieds will come to you :P

[el_draco]

Yeee.. haaa! I'm not old, I'm not old....:jump2::jump2::party::party:

[RickS]

What's the focal length of that thing, Matt?

[Allan_L]

Nice pick up:thumbsup:
Have you considered a tow bar and trailer?

[Allan_L]

Too true ...
You ALSO know you are getting old when you need a toilet in your car :P
...enough said...
Welcome to the grey nomad brigade :welcome:

[issdaol]

:rofl:

He has probably already converted the drivers seat to a dunny......press a button and the seat opens up beneath him :lol:

[FlashDrive]

There,There .... Don't you worry about what those nasty people are saying Matt ... :lol:

[rrussell1962]

Nice one Matt. We are a few years off that but have tentatively discussed it. we are still in the 4WD / Tent phase of what you might call remote area camping. 2 trips over the Simpson, Cape York etc. But appealing as a future plan. The issue for us is do we keep the house as a "Home Base" or just cut down and cut loose? Very interested to hear other people's plans and experiences. The telescope is a consideration, I can't imagine life without one in the same way that I can't imagine life without a cat! My current thoughts are an ultralight, very portable 12 inch Dob - I have an Australian maker at the back of my mind! Would beat the Astroscan I have used in the past. Please keep us up to date on your experiences.

[leon]

We all started with a tent my friend and it was a good journey now when you are older and weary you need those creature comforts.

Leon

[rrussell1962]

Yep Leon, I can see how the joy of digging a hole can wear thin!

[LewisM]

Cut him some slack Phil - he still hasn't finished polishing the chrome to Matt Level

[rrussell1962]

I think my favourite so far was pulling in very late, due to a flat tyre, to Barkley Homestead between Camooweal and Three Ways. It turned out to be State of Origin Night One. Epic toilets. A night to remember. Very drunken night.

[issdaol]

The chrome flush lever ???

[Kunama]

I think there is far enough 'polishing' going on at Fairbairn and Bango, surprised you guys have time for astro :shrug:

I have worked out that there is room for the TOA130 with mount and accessories and a Mewlon 250..... or it will be back to the drawing board for a 16"F4.5 from Kunama Optics (built to a compact design with Nexus)
This time the build will be utilising carbon fibre and aluminium :question:

Fitted a Century 120Ah Deep Cycle battery today to replace the factory leisure battery. Might put a second solar panel on the roof and a Honda EU20i Inverter Generator....

[LewisM]

Touche Isanta Saarikko. Touche :) :)

[FlashDrive]

Matt ..... take no notice of them :rofl:

[LewisM]

Pffft - Matt take notice of Phil and I? We are like his annoying younger twin brothers

[Nebulous]

Seriously nice truck you've got there Matt.:thumbsup: If you notice a green glow in the night sky to the West it's not an aurora, it's just my jealousy showing...

Happy travels.

[Kunama]

:thanx: we have been busy with fitting it out and are just about ready for a test run scheduled for next week. My weary bones will enjoy the comfort :D

[LewisM]

I can see Jen's bed...not sure where you are going to sleep old man. :P

[Kunama]

I'll sleep in the daytime, nights are for astro....
If the Boss is happy life will be good. The TOA will have a cupboard all to itself, the "Guinevere" has been banned from trips if the Boss is going.

Plans are afoot for a more compact 18" scope that will be able to be taken along without the boss noticing ;)

[LewisM]

Roof compartments are in order.

[leon]

Barkley Homestead, very nice place indeed, ;) but did you not see the sign about the pub hours. :lol:

Sure you had a ripper night ;)

Leon :thumbsup:

[FlashDrive]

That's a very nice Motor Home .... classy interior , looks real comfy

[alan meehan]

Matt that's just a real beauty so many creature comforts ,I have just brought a caravan but I would love a motor home
AL

[Kunama]

We're back.......

The ducted heating and HOT shower were a hit with the Chief Financial Comptroller..... definitely an improvement in creature comforts, now I just have to get Phil to put in a decent driveway to the observatory...... and find a way to fit a BIGGER scope into it....

[glend]

Very nice interior shots. Perhaps consider blanking out your rego number in photos posted online. It is not unusual for rebirthers/thieves to target such vehicles.

[Kunama]

Thanks Glen, our German Shepherd sleeps in the Van.....

Those plates have just been handed in to the motor registry for some new ones.....

[LewisM]

1. As soon as Phil can find a mafioso in the local council, I am SURE it will be done. Gratis, por favor. :)

2. Failing that, he will get you to do it.

Bigger scope... how about a dome on the roof as well. Geez, most old farts go smaller, complaining about their backs, can't lift a TSA-120 without winching...

Phil is right. Ok, cue the Steve Austin Bionic Man theme.

And HAPPY BIRTHDAY YOU OLD CODGER!

[Atmos]

Just build a nice ~30" to complement Allan's new scope, binoculars anyone? ;)

[LewisM]

Just buy that slightly used, in need of renovation dome structure at the entrance to Stromlo. One owner...needs work...windows...mount...roof...sco pe... I am sure you could get it for a bargain - heck, there's even a rusty tube-truss frame over in the scrub they'll throw in to get you started.

:D