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barx1963
23-01-2019, 10:37 PM
The Snake Valley Astro Camp! March 8 – 12 2019

Camp commences midday, Friday 8th March and concludes midday Tuesday 12th .

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 8/3/19) 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 11 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 is 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 nights 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

Andy01
23-01-2019, 11:17 PM
Hi Mal,
Thanks for putting the camp on again. :)
I’m in & so is is Paul M, can’t wait!
Cheers
Andy

The_bluester
24-01-2019, 07:08 AM
Yep, and Christopher for a couple of nights again too.

pfitzgerald
24-01-2019, 08:53 AM
I'm in Malcolm - three nights (Yes!)

Paul

barx1963
24-01-2019, 08:11 PM
Cheers mate. Have to do another video, not sideways this time!!:P

Malcolm

barx1963
24-01-2019, 08:12 PM
Great Paul

Malcolm

barx1963
24-01-2019, 08:12 PM
Thanks Paul

Malcolm

leon
24-01-2019, 08:52 PM
Were is Jen, :shrug: she is usually ready to go four weeks in advance. ;)

Oh of course she now has that beautiful Observatory, so why would one want to travel . :shrug:

But i expect we will her from her soon. ;)

Is it March yet :lol:

Leon :thumbsup:

Andy01
25-01-2019, 01:25 PM
This link (https://www.facebook.com/Andrew.Campbell1/videos/10156360059112701/?notif_t=feedback_reaction_generic&notif_id=1548251750729630) will work to the video at the correct orientation :)

For those interested in coming, it’s a video chat taken at the previous Snake Valley Astro Camp with Malcolm (the organiser) and Andy - an astrophotographer and SV regular :)

barx1963
25-01-2019, 08:29 PM
Nice, I look like a stunned mullet of course!!

JohnG
26-01-2019, 10:39 AM
If anyone going to the camp is interested, I will be bringing my X-Country bike and doing the Ballarat - Skipton Rail Trail over a couple of days. Would love some company if you want to bring your bike... :thumbsup:

Cheers, John G

Octane
29-01-2019, 09:51 AM
I may possibly be making a comeback after many years.

H

pfitzgerald
29-01-2019, 10:55 AM
That would be great H - it would be nice to meet you in person - I've enjoyed and learnt much from your posts over the past several years.

Paul

multiweb
29-01-2019, 03:34 PM
I reckon that spider will be happy to have you back. :)

leon
29-01-2019, 04:24 PM
Hi H, I have not been there for many years either, it would have been good to meet up with you again, however I wont be back from Queensland until May. :sadeyes:

Ah well maybe another time, enjoy the event, it is pretty good from what I have heard. :thumbsup:

Leon :thumbsup:

barx1963
29-01-2019, 10:35 PM
That would be great H. Look forward to it!!

Malcolm

bojan
30-01-2019, 07:05 AM
I intend to be there on Sat 9th.

traveller
01-02-2019, 04:29 PM
Making plans to attend (after a long break).
Any kids attending?
Trying to see if my 10 year old is interested (Mr 13 going on 18 is far too cool for an astro camp :P)
Bo

barx1963
01-02-2019, 10:32 PM
Hey Bo
Great to hear!! No kids booked in yet, will let you know if it changes.

Cheers

Malcolm

The_bluester
02-02-2019, 11:08 AM
I have been too flat out to do the booking form yet but I will be bringing Christopher (Also 10) for two nights, probably Saturday and Sunday nights.

traveller
02-02-2019, 02:06 PM
Thanks Malcolm and Paul,
Will update if other family members will tag along.
John G, which section of the Ballarat Skipton Trail will you do?
Assume you want to do one section one day, return to SV and then the other half the other day?
Tossing up if I should take my MTB or my flat bar commuter bike.
Bo

JohnG
02-02-2019, 03:12 PM
Exactly like you said, travel in each direction from Linton on alternate days, nice and easy to park opposite the Linton Cafe, wasn't planning on doing it hard, was going to stop for photos and sight seeing along the way. I will be bringing my Trek Dual Sport as it is a formed trail. :thumbsup:

Jen
04-02-2019, 11:25 AM
:eyepop: :eyepop:
Is it March yet 🤪🤪🤪😈😈
Surprise surprise Jen just might have to rock up just to annoy you all again 😜

239709

barx1963
04-02-2019, 08:13 PM
Oh No!!!:P

The_bluester
06-02-2019, 10:00 AM
Form sent and money paid, see you all in March!

Jen
07-02-2019, 05:04 PM
:d :d :d

Paddy
08-02-2019, 09:24 PM
I'll be in for Saturday and Sunday. Looking forward to catching up with everyone especially after missing the last one.

leon
08-02-2019, 10:03 PM
Well bugger me dead Jen is coming.

Leon

Jen
09-02-2019, 06:06 PM
🤣🤣🤣

astro_nutt
11-02-2019, 08:46 AM
Unfortunately, I wont be able to make it this time round....:sad::sad::sad::sad::sad:

erick
16-02-2019, 08:17 PM
Hoping to attend - all nights. Will decide closer to the date. If the old tent has no holes in it when I can get it opened out, I'll be camping. About time that "Turbo Starcatcher" glimpsed southern skies again after all these years.

Cheers all
Eric

barx1963
16-02-2019, 10:48 PM
Great Erick!!
Looking forward to seeing you again.

Malcolm

traveller
17-02-2019, 12:36 PM
Just booked in for the camp. See you all there!

Big Dave
27-02-2019, 08:29 PM
There better be Pav this year

Jen
27-02-2019, 11:43 PM
🤪🤪🤪 we had 2 last year and they were purple ones too 😍😍😍

pfitzgerald
28-02-2019, 12:36 PM
...does this mean that I'm on pavlova duty again?;):P

Jen
28-02-2019, 07:23 PM
Hahahaha yeah i think you’ve started something here Paul :rofl::rofl:

The_bluester
01-03-2019, 09:49 AM
If you are good at the dark art of a great pav you might have a job for life!

Jen
01-03-2019, 03:46 PM
241112

6 more sleeps woohoo 🤗🤗

pfitzgerald
01-03-2019, 07:37 PM
Nothing special - Woolies or Coles base, fresh whipped cream and a topping of fruit, passion fruit or crushed peppermint crisp. It won’t take too much arm twisting and I’ll do a couple to go with the spit.

Nico
02-03-2019, 06:02 PM
Hi all,

Missed the last two years due to work, not missing this one, so seeyall there Sat

Nico

Aka John

Jen
04-03-2019, 11:28 PM
:cool::cool::cool::cool::cool:

The_bluester
06-03-2019, 02:22 PM
Been too busy to check, how are bookings looking this time around?

barx1963
06-03-2019, 08:00 PM
Hey Paul. Few coming in now, bit slow to be honest. The big event at Heathcote last weekend may have taken the wind out of our sails. C'est la vie.

Malcolm

barx1963
06-03-2019, 11:27 PM
Hi all
Just a couple more sleeps to go. We have about 30 booked in at this stage. For once we still have a couple of cabins free, so if you are not yet booked in, get in now!!

Names list to day is

Malcolm
Paul B
Daniel Brkic
David Mellville
Jen (surprise)
Ian Knox
John Nicholls
Big Dave
Jamie Pole
John G
Bo & Ryan
Jonaton
Paul & Chris Milvain
Paul F
Eric Kingston
Paddy
Steve F
Roddz
David Murton
John Pullen
Rowland
Rob Dumesny
Andy C
Gan Garrick

Hopefully I haven't missed anyone!!

Meat and Salads have been organized for the Sat night, I hear a pav may make an appearance.

My car is about half packed, sooooo looking forward to getting away for a few days.

Cheers all

Malcolm

The_bluester
07-03-2019, 06:46 AM
I have today and tomorrow off. Today so I can pack everything ready to go tomorrow. I need to pick up Andy and last time we did that when it coincided with the long weekend we did not get away from his place until mid afternoon. We spent longer in traffic to cross Melbourne than to get from the start of the Western Highway to Snake Valley!

Lognic04
07-03-2019, 12:18 PM
Maybe it's the unfortunate terrible weather forecasted?
I wanted to go, but... not worth it with this forecast :(

barx1963
07-03-2019, 07:53 PM
Seen much worse forecasts and ending up doing stuff all 4 nights!!
Onwards and upwards!!

Malcolm

The_bluester
07-03-2019, 09:30 PM
Yep, the best way to find out what the weather will really do at SVAC is turn up and look up! The forecast has been dire and the nights great before.

Jen
08-03-2019, 12:25 AM
241377

It’s today, it’s today woohoo
Yeah don’t let the weather forecast fool you.
And besides if it is cloudy there is a great bunch of people that will keep u entertained 🤗🤗💜
Drive safe everyone 🤗 see you all soon

pfitzgerald
08-03-2019, 10:36 AM
You too Jen - I'll be there between 6 and 7.

Happy trails everyone.

Paul

bojan
08-03-2019, 07:10 PM
I intend to see you guys tomorrow afternoon.

barx1963
13-03-2019, 06:43 PM
Well another Snake Valley Camp is over.
Very enjoyable 4 nights. The weather didn't fully co-operate, but we had a lovely day on Saturday with clear skies until sunrise. Monday night cleared up for a while about 10-30. Apart from that, I hope everyone had a great time. Steves spit roast hit the spot yet again.
Big thank you to everyone that helped out by putting things away, sweeping out cabins and just being there.

Cheers

Malcolm

The_bluester
13-03-2019, 07:40 PM
Thanks again for another great weekend. Next time I will get the young bloke through the weekend without getting crook!

Paddy
13-03-2019, 09:50 PM
Thanks for organising another great Snake Valley event, Malcolm et al. Saturday night was fantastic viewing and even though Sunday was clouded out, it's always great to catch up with everyone.



Looking forward to November!

pfitzgerald
14-03-2019, 07:58 AM
To Malcolm and the team - thank you for another great SVAC.

I'm still coughing and spluttering but hope that I did not pass on the dreaded lurgy to anyone before I left for home late Sunday morning.

As Paddy said above I too am looking forward to November.

bojan
14-03-2019, 08:45 AM
It was a great night, thanks to all of you guys, especially to Erick (I tried to confirm couple of things I was engaged with recently by using his telescope).
And I hope I did not cause too much disruption when moving my car out of camp...
I tried to take couple of images earlier sunlight, but unfortunately my camera turned out faulty for terrestrial photos (I lost focusing screen some time ago and noticed only then, I almost never use it with lenses), so all of them are overexposed :(
Anyway, see you again in Septemver, I will probably bring my gear then (EQ + Canon 400mm f/2.8L)

traveller
14-03-2019, 07:37 PM
Thanks to Malcolm, Paul and others for your organisation.
Thanks to Steve for the spit roast and Paul for the pavs.
Thanks to Jen for the (ahem) “stubby holders”...
Thanks to John for the ride along the Ballarat Skipton trail.
Thanks to Dave for diagnosing the ticking sound in my mount.
Thanks to Andy, Paul (the other one), Rowland, Bojan, John (the other one), Paddy, Dave (the other one), Jamie, Barry, Rod and everyone else I forgot for a great weekend.
Roll on the next camp!
Bo

erick
14-03-2019, 08:25 PM
Great to get back after so many years away. With Sat and Mon nights, I completed my return to the wonderful southern sky - so therapeutic. Very many thanks to Malcolm for managing everything so well. Thanks to all for welcoming me back. I had fun and enjoyed the relaxing travel from and back to the NSW South Coast. Eric

bojan
16-03-2019, 09:59 AM
Attached are some pictures from latest SVAC...
As I mentioned earlier, I lost focusing screen from my 60D (and realized that only then and there), so everything was overexposed :sadeyes: