Mangrove Mountain Tonight

[Shano592]

I know it is short notice, but I am going to hit the mountain this evening.

Anyone who wants to make an appearance is more than welcome. Gate should be open after 4:30pm.

[Shano592]

Well, it wasn't all too bad. I went up with a back complaint... not the best start for a night with a relatively heavy scope set.

The wind backed right off just after dark, but there were streamers of cloud, right where I was wanting to view (of course). I did see a few nice sights, but I was mostly up there to get a handle on using the wedge. Pretty good first up, and having a digital protractor makes things a lot more accurate.

I stayed until around 8:30. My back was getting worse with the cold, and I still had to pack up, so I called it early.

And there was the very rare sighting - during daylight hours - of the elusive beast known as the Deeno. Cunning disguised as a carpenter-by-day. It was good to catch up for a chat.

[RB]

Thanks for the update Shane.
Sorry about you're back pain.
I would've come up but I was away on a family outing till late.
Have to catch up next time.

RB

:)

[Shano592]

Hi Andrew,

No worries. The back pain has been there since I was 15 - Grape Picker's Back is what our family calls it... the joys of being involved in a family vineyard.

It was pretty nice up there. But looking at Jupiter and Saturn, there was a lot of atmospheric action going on.

Still, it was nice. The boys over the road had their garage band up and running, and they were pretty good, too. So I had a soundtrack while I was setting up.

[SuperG]

Although this is past. Is the mangrove mtn site open to visitors When it is open?

[Shano592]

The actual site is the Mangrove Mountain Pony Club, on Wisemans Ferry Road.

It is gated and locked at the front of the driveway, however there are a number of us locals with key access.

Generally, if a thread here is started, it is usually done by a keyholder. Myself, Allan_L, nobby2, GTB_an_Owl and I believe a couple of others have key access to this site. When we have a night on, then yes, all are welcome.

Also, the new moons normally (but not always) mean that the Pony Club and the co-tenant Jump Club do not have events on. We have had at least one occasion where we have turned up to a paddock full of horses and there riders, doing a weekender there.

Further, I believe that Geoffro put out feelers to the Gliding Club, on Bloodtree Road. Geoff, has anything come of that so far?

[Alexborek]

Anyone up tonight? I don't wanna waste what might be the only good night of the month!

[Shano592]

Hi Alex,

This Saturday might be a good night to head up. During the week is harder, as I don't recover in the mornings after, like I used to, and I have to work.

Anyway, if you are interested, keep an eye on this thread. On Saturday early afternoon, we usually make a final decision based on the weather.

If the weather is good, I'll be heading up.

[astronobob]

Hi Shane,

I never knew of this, just stumbled across just now.
Anyway, Im planning/hoping to be visiting the Central Coast 'my home town' come Autumn. Campervanning on 'friend's' property on Peats Ridge Rd for a couple/few weeks ?

I should aim for a new-moon period,, &,,, hope for clear weather, touch wood !
Hope these events are still on then, if you don't mind a visit, maybe with a few strangers tagging along for an hr :question: after all, it's only a stone's throw away :cool3:

[Shano592]

Hi Bob,

Visitors are always welcome.

As things get colder, these events become a little more frequent, as the cooler weather often allows for better seeing.

And Peats Ridge Road is one of the accessways to Central Mangrove, so you will be most of the way there anyway!

March might be a conflict though. @Allan has Tak Attack IV (A New View) pegged in for March new moon. It's only a 3.5-hour drive inland, so if that is your planned date, then I'm sure a convoy is not out of the question...

[astronobob]

10-4, copy, Rubber Duck :P

We haven't a date set yet, will be more a spontaneous act & I Wont have an imaging rig, just camera/tracker soo, dont need to go 3.5 hrs, Lol
Will see closer to date :thumbsup:

Cheers ...

[RB]

Bob, it would be a pleasure to meet you buddy.
I'll keep an eye out on this thread and will make a special effort to attend the night that you visit the Pony Club.
I'm a near by resident so I won't want to miss the chance to meet up with you.
Send me a PM as well when you know you're coming.

:party:

PS Shane, I'll bring some of my new toys next time .... :cool:

RB

[Shano592]

Looking to shoot down the ISS? :eyepop:

I reckon they would read you loud and clear, just with your old toys!

[RB]

Nah, but maybe just change it's trajectory a bit.

:lol:

[Allan_L]

No PC tonight, again :(
forecast 100% cloud cover and possible rain periods.
The cycle continues. :shrug:

[Inmykombi]

Hi all, Just an update on the Glider Club proceedings.
Unfortunately there are no developments and I have had no reply to my letter to the club after a few months of waiting and prompting for an answer.
I guess its once again, back to the "drawing board".

Geoffro.

[Shano592]

That's a bummer, Geoff. The location was excellent.

Thanks for the update.

Perhaps this Saturday at the Mountain?

[nobby2]

Looks like heavy cloud over the new moon times this month.

[Shano592]

Hi Neil!

Yeah, it isn't looking great, is it?

This humidity won't be helping either. BYO dew!

[Shano592]

I know it is currently a longish shot, and people are on the move at this time of year, but....

There may actually be a break in the weather on Friday or Saturday evenings! The moon should be small enough that some viewing may actually happen at the Pony Club!

I haven't checked the horsey calendars for conflicts yet, but I would expect that they would be mothballed by now.

If the weather decides to give us an early Christmas present, are there any takers for Friday or Saturday? I'll charge the scope batteries just in case.

[Allan_L]

Interested for tonight (Friday)
albeit conducive weather appears unlikely. :reindeer:
Merry Christmas Central Coast astro community.:xmas:
...its been too long :mad2:

[Shano592]

Hi Allan,

I'll be keeping an eye on the weather, and the rain radar.

Batteries are charged, and today will (hopefully) be an early mark to see off the year at work.

Let's see how it goes.

If anyone needs me, I'll be doing stocktake... :help:

[glend]

Merry Christmas Allan and the rest of the Coast Astro Community. :)

[Shano592]

I don' think it's going to happen. A lot of cloud around.

Happy Christmas everyone! See you in the world of tomorrow!

[Allan_L]

Agreed Shane.
But thanks for trying.
:thumbsup:

[Fizics]

Merry Christmas fellow coasties sure miss those clear skies and great company. See you in a the new year.
John

[RB]

Merry Christmas guys.
Hope to catch up with you all in the New Year.
And we'll play with some new toys.... :D
:cheers:
RB

[Shano592]

Oh dear. I'll bring my welding mask....

Happy Christmas!

[RB]

:face:

[astronobob]

Cheers Shane & Andrew, , Still following on with interest :thumbsup:
March -April or May at latest, haven't penned a date yet, will be more a 'spontaneous' action closer to date & definitely during a new-moon :thumbsup:

Come new year, after hol's I need to do a complete vehicle-engine rebuild, well, in reality, replace all gaskets & seals, particularly - main-ends & cam-end's.
Last trip to Evans Head, towing the camper, 300k round trip, used 750-800mm oil :rolleyes:
I wont be making any long trips with camper until this work is done !

Looking on till then, chaps :thumbsup:

[RB]

Can't wait Bob.
Happy New Year mate.
Happy New Year guys.
See you all next time at the PC.

:party2: :cheers: