The Snake Valley Astro Camp! October 25th -29th 2019

[barx1963]

After a very successful March Camp, we have booked in a date for the next one.
Commences Friday 25/10/19 and will conclude midday, Tuesday 29/10/19.

More details will be released closer to the date, but mark this one in your diary!!

Cheers

Malcolm

[pfitzgerald]

I'm in for the Friday and Saturday nights Malcolm.

Paul

(Beat you Jen! :P)

[bojan]

I will be there on Sat... possibly with my AP equipment for the whole night (or two).

This is very good incentive to finally implement OnSTEP GoTo system on LXD75, because EQ6 is becoming too heavy to carry around.

[The_bluester]

Hopefully in for Friday, Saturday and Sunday nights again, with Toph again.

I WILL get him through a camp without him getting crook on night two!!!!

[barx1963]

Hi all.
Just a note to let everyone know that the Vic South Star Party this year is on August 29 to September 2nd this year. So if planning to do both Vic South and SVAC, there is plenty of space between the two!!

Text of the info I recently received from ASV regarding VicSouth is below

Malcolm


Just in case you are not aware, Little Desert Lodge, where we have held VicSouth Desert Spring Star Party for the last 16 years, closed its doors in November last year, and was put up for sale. As of now, no buyer has come forward.
The VicSouth organising committee has looked for an alternative location for 2019, in the hope that we can return to Little Desert in 2020. We tried to give the owners of Little Desert Lodge as much time as we could, however we had to bite the bullet and look for a new site.
Langley Lodge, just outside of Minimay, in western Victoria is our proposed site for 2019. See more details of the venue here: http://www.langleylodge.com.au/index.html
Travel distance and time from Melbourne or Adelaide has not been altered by much at all.
Because of the lateness of our enquiries, we were not able to secure a booking during our traditional time of the year (i.e. late October – early November).
Dates for 2019 are: (4 nights) – Arrive Thursday, 29 August and departing Monday, 2 September
The venue comprises:
• 16 rooms (2 persons per room) accommodating 32 people @ $50 per person per night – these are share rooms.
• 4 powered caravan sites @ $25 per van
• A small number of tent sites @ $15 per tent
• A separate houses which can accommodate 8 ( 3 x bedrooms & 1 x sleepout) @ $50 per person per night
• toilet and shower blocks,
• a small kitchenette with fridge, kettle & toaster
• a fully equipped commercial kitchen for use by Lodge staff
• dining room to seat ~80, plus a small lounge area in one corner
• lawn areas around the complex suitable for telescopes, as well as a level paddock that would be quite suitable for telescopes as well.
The maximum number of people that could be accommodated at Langley Lodge is 50.
Meals @ $50 per person per day
Morning and afternoon tea - comprising baked goods like sausage rolls and scones, fresh fruit
Lunches - platters of salads and cold meat options with breads so that participants can assemble themselves
Dinner - 2 courses, flavoursome dishes, examples lasagne, roast, bbq, puddings, cakes and pavs, fruit salad and ice cream. (Hot dinner and dessert only on night one. Full catering for 2, 3 and 4, leaving on the 5th day.)
A condition is that all participants, whether camping, caravanning or staying in the rooms must register for all meals.
To summarise:
Shearers Quarters - $100 per person per day – covers your accommodation and meals as detailed above
Caravan sites - $25 per day per van + $50 per day per person for meals as detailed above
Tent sites - $15 per day per tent + $50 per day per person for meals as detailed above
If you would like to attend this year’s VicSouth, please book promptly. Places always book out fast!
Send me an email (joe.grida@internode.on.net) with details of persons attending. First come, first served. We will collect payment from you by mid-July.
On behalf of the VicSouth organising committee, we hope to see you at Langley Lodge.
Regards,
Joe Grida
Technical Information Officer
Honorary Life Member
m: 0407 558 036
e:technical@assa.org.au
Astronomical Society of Victoria Inc.
Registered Number A0002118S



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[The_bluester]

Nice to have no clash, I missed VicSouth last year (Hopefully able to get in with the more limited numbers this year) but with Toph keen on astro camping if they clashed it would be SVAC that got the nod.

VicSouth clashes with a car club event but I have never really cared much for Sandown anyway, one of the most boring tracks in Australia to drive IMO.

[mynameiscd]

Thanks Malcolm,
I will be definitely going this year. Just checked the address and its only 47 km away from me!!!
I normally travel that far to go to work so im.
Actually doing a job for the Lodge owners grandson at the moment.
Hopefully it will be clear.
Cheers
Andy

[astro_nutt]

Dates marked...hope to make it there!

[Bruceaust]

Hi Malcolm,
I reckon I will be able to attend this time. I will also probably bring another AST guest too.
I have such an enjoyable time last year, I am really looking forward to catching up with you all in October.
Regards,
Bruce

[barx1963]

Look forward to you being there again Bruce



Hope you can make it again Norm

[astro_nutt]

Time off approved!...Counting the days...

[The_bluester]

Same here. Mine is in and approved, also for VicSouth

[TwistedRider]

Was fun last year
Learned lots and forgotten most of it.

Will have to do a refresher course before this one

[Garnimoa]

I hope to be there in October, it hasn't been a very good year for me, so I have had to pull out of the past few camps. Have some new gear I wish to use at the site too.

Cheers Gerald :thumbsup:

[Andy01]

Damned annoying that the ASV has just moved VicSouth to directly clash with SV (again!) what were they thinking? :shrug::question:

[The_bluester]

Yeah, less than ideal. Wonder what the place that they had booked out solid which is suddenly empty at the end of next month thinks of it all.

[TwistedRider]

Seems to have been a few issues with scheduling this year from what I've read/heard.

[The_bluester]

It is a pity it has gone from a weekend that let me do both Vicsouth and SVAC to one that makes me chose between them. SVAC it is!

While there is a chance he will be at a school camp anyway, Nhill is too far to drag my 11 year old for four days so that is a factor too.

[TwistedRider]

SVAC for me too.
Fits for time and budget.
And the company last year was great as a 1st timer
Looking forward to more fun and stargazing this year.

[pfitzgerald]

I bet that they won't be having pavlova like we will be Andy!

Well done with the DMA too!

Paul

[TwistedRider]

Will it be purple again this year???

[astro_nutt]

Vicsouth next year.....

[mynameiscd]

Hi all,
Any update on the vicsouth dates and location?
I've checked the website and it only shows 2018 at little desert lodge not at Langley.
Also left a message on ASSA forum but no reply yet.
Cheers
Andy

[barx1963]

Hi Guys. Yep the VicSouth move was a bit of a surprise!! Anyway I am hoping that the choice is not to wrenching for anyone. My attitude is always, there are only 13 New Moon weekends a year so clashes are inevitable. BTW i should be sending out all the info this week for SVAC October. Thanks for everyones support!!:D

Cheers

Malcolm

[TwistedRider]

Thanks for the update Malcolm.

We are really looking forward to camp.

[pfitzgerald]

They can be Drew - or you could request a colour! :D

[Andy01]

Looks like Paul & I are choosing SV this time- pretty disappointing that the other event was moved, twice, and now clashes- (sigh). :question:
Bring on the pav!

[TwistedRider]

I think classic white is vastly underrated.
:thumbsup:

[pfitzgerald]

OK - Colours it is!

Am really looking forward to catching up everyone, and hopefully we will get some clear skies.

A tad unfortunate that the 'other' event was shifted such that it clashes with SVAC. Especially after the efforts that Malcolm and his team make to avoid clashing with them.

Paul

[pfitzgerald]

Now all we need is for Steve to say he's doing the spit roast and for Jen to put up her purple counter and then I'll know it's really happening - and soon!

[barx1963]

Hi all

All info for the October Camp is below and booking form and info sheet are attached to this post. I will send out an email to the mailing list tonight with info. If you want to be added to the email list, either PM me or email us on snakevalleyastrocamps@gmail.com

Yes! Steve has confirmed the Spit so the Saturday night Feast is on!! As has been noted, the VicSouth event has moved so we now have a clash. Hope that doesn't inconvenience anyone.

On another matter, I will be heading overseas for a few weeks in September, off to see the sights of Peru, the Galapagos Islands and Equador. I will try to maintain communication so I can monitor bookings etc but may have periods where that will be difficult so please be patient.

Malcolm

The Snake Valley Astro Camp! October 25 – 29 2019

Camp commences midday, Friday 25th October and concludes midday Tuesday 29th

The Saturday night “Spit Roast under the Stars” will be on again. Cost will be $10 per head, meat and salads provided. BYO drinks and desserts.

PLEASE NOTE: Fees are unchanged. PLEASE NOTE: for juniors (those who have not turned 18 by 25/10/19) 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. Please be aware that while every effort is made to ensure that power to the field is continuous, we cannot guarantee it so backup batteries or UPS systems may be appropriate.
- There are 9 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 9 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 is fun 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 to snakevalleyastrocamps@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

[TwistedRider]

Woohoo!
Will have booking in ASAP.

[The_bluester]

Likewise. Still waiting to see if the young bloke will be with me or going to Somers camp (there is a throwback, I went to Somers camp in 1983!) but they have pretty limited spaces there so we won't know for a while if he will get in.

[Jen]

😱😱 you beat me alright, by about five months hahaha 🤔🤔 I only just found this post last night 🧐🧐🧐

[Jen]

247917

Yes pick me pick me 😜😜😜 surprise surprise count me in 🤗🤗
After finally breaking down on the Monday night at the last camp (thanks to all the guys for the support, chats and cuddles, it was a rough few months) I didn’t think I was going to manage to come to any more camps 😱 😭 but I think it would take much more than a rough patch to keep me away 😈
I will be looking forward to a nice break and catching up with you all 🤗🤗🤗😍
And I have lots of new toys and software to play with that I still have no idea how to use 🤣🤣🤣 so be warned I will be on the very annoying side of the richter scale 🤣🤣🤩🤩🤩🤩🔭🔭🔭🔭🍾🍾🍾🍾⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Is it October yet ????

Mmmm purple pav sounds soooooo yummy

[JohnG]

Onya Jen, suppose I will have to give you back your car keys now.. :lol::lol::lol:

See you all there..:):)

[pfitzgerald]

YES! YES! YES! YES!

Now to fill in those forms. Is it October yet?

Paul

[Jen]

🤣🤣 yeah someone had to put their police hat back on didn’t they 🙄🙄 or I would have driven home 😈😈🤗

[mynameiscd]

Looks like im going to have to choose between VicSouth and Snake valley.
Langley lodge = 48km away
Snake Valley = 292km away
I was looking forward to both this year but being the same weekend i might split it up and have a couple of days at each.
I did like the setting and people I met at Snake Valley and never been to a VicSouth maybe the extra drive will be worth it especially for the roast and pav.
Cheers
Andy

[The_bluester]

Actually Vicsouth is not at Langley Lodge any more, they have moved it back to Nhill with the change of date.

[mynameiscd]

Hi Paul,
Where do you find information about VicSouth?
I've checked the VicSouth site and no updates since last year.
Also have left a few posts on ASSA forum pages in June and then July but no replies.
Also where abouts at Nhill, at the little desert lodge?
Cheers
Andy

[Jen]

G’day Andy give this link a go🤗🤗

https://vicsouth.info/bookings.htm

[mynameiscd]

Thanks Jen,
Looks like its been updated
I've been checking that site up until a couple of weeks ago.
Still undecided one to go to.
Never been to little desert but saying that, Snake Valley is a great spot and a great bunch of people as well.
Cheers
Andy

[Jen]

Yeah it’s a pretty cool bunch of peeps that go to these camps 🤗🤗🤗
They are my second family, love them all to bits 😍 I’ve been going to SV for 11 years now (I think) hahaha oh no I missed my tenth year anniversary 😱

[The_bluester]

VicSouth is a great camp but quite different in character to SVAC due to it's size. You have probably seen the detail already but yes, it is at the Little Desert lodge. With how most years bookings go I would expect it to be camp sites only at this point as the rooms usually fill up pretty quickly.

Edit, booking form sent and payment made, Is it October yet?

[pfitzgerald]

No you didn't Jen - remember we celebrated it with purple pavlova to coincide with the opening of your observatory!

Paul

[astro_nutt]

Booking done and paid for 3 nights...looking forward to seeing you there!

[Jen]

Oh yeah i felt a little bit special having a purple pav 😍😍

[Bruceaust]

Unfortunately I will have to miss this one. Good luck with the weather and l hope everyone has a good time.

[TwistedRider]

Registration in and paid for.
Bringing the better half as well. (She must be crazy!)

Now to determine a target list for the weekend.

[astro_nutt]

Brought some new stuff and I'm going to it now asap so the curse of cloudy sky will be adverted...or I'll sacrifice an old EP box..or two. Is it October yet? Gaak, the waiting!

[TwistedRider]

Is it October yet?

[Goschencat]

All booked and paid for. Looking forward to catching up with everyone again. Sounds like there’s going to be lots of new stuff to look at too. You guys better not bring the clouds with you though 😄
Finished the belt mod on the EQ6 so I hope I don’t have too much trouble with it. I’m usually kept busy enough just keeping Jen under control 😂
Bring on October.

[Jen]

249835

29 more sleeps :eyepop:

[The_bluester]

Sneaking up on us. I had better start getting ready.

[erick]

Sadly I'll be a "no show" for this camp. I go under the surgeon's robotic knife on 23 October. I plan to make a full recovery in time for next March. How many sleeps until then?

[JohnG]

All the best Eric, hope all goes well and you have a speedy recovery..

Cheers
John G

[taminga16]

Be safe Eric, I hope that it all goes well.
Greg.

[erick]

Thanks Greg and John. Should be fine but recovery time is the unknown.

[astro_nutt]

Hi all. Owing to circumstances, I'm afraid I won't be able to attend this year. Hope you all have a great time.
Regards, Norm.

[The_bluester]

That is a pity Norm, hopefully next year?

Where is our countdown clock Jen, it is getting close. Time for me to pull out the tent and check it over! I know I have one repair to do at least.

[TwistedRider]

Sorry to hear there are a few missing camp this year.

I'm trying to put together a list of targets for some good viewing. Trying to work out what will be in view.

Really looking forward to camp.

[Jen]

It’s October woohoo
14 more sleeps ������������

oh sorry to hear Eric, hope you have a speedy recovery xxx

Oh no Norm, I Hope thing are ok, I promise I will have your slice of pav ����

250410

[NewBee101]

Hi everyone, I haven't been here for along time, all paid up ready for the SVAC, hoping for a great weekend and being able to catch up with everybody. I have an interesting question for all the avid Stellarium users, I stumbled across a dialogue box on screen which read "What's Out Tonight" I did a search and found a listing in the scripts files I even took a screen shot, Now my question is, has any one else come across this box, and if so could you please tell me where I can find it again. (on screen) or a short cut for it if there is one.
Cheers Robert Cloudy Stawell

[TwistedRider]

Hi Robert,
I don't know about that feature.
I'll have to look it up. I'm trying to list a few things to look at during camp.
Will have to set the date ahead and run some time lapse in Stellarium.

[NewBee101]

Hi Drew, Yeah I was clicking around and come across this box, I will try and up load the script page where I found it.
The url for it is https//stellarium.org/scripts.html
I can't get the page to upload.
Cheers Robert

[NewBee101]

[QUOTE=NewBee101;1449764]Hi Drew, Yeah I was clicking around and come across this box, I will try and up load the script page where I found it.
The url for it is https://stellarium.org/scripts.html
I can't get the page to upload.
Cheers Robert

[The_bluester]

Looking forward to the camp, I am trying to convince my wife to come for Saturday night.

[Rjacobs]

Hey guys. My name is Rudi.(21)

I’ve been directed here by a man named Renford who is apparently a member or was a member of this group. Now I’m totally new with forums, so I do apologise if I’m posting where I’m not supposed to.

He told me about this Snake Valley camp that’s upcoming, and suggested I go. I’ve never been to a Star Party and would like to join if possible. I’ll only be able to be there the Saturday to Sunday though.

Any reply would be appreciated.
Thanks in advance.

[JohnG]

Hi Rudi

If Malcolm doesn't answer you directly here, I would suggest dropping him an email at snakevalleyastrocamps@gmail.com or contact him as per page 2 of this thread. I think he is back from overseas.

Normally not a problem to just attend the Saturday and Sunday, would suggest if you are going to attend to arrive well before dark to set up, plenty of people to help you if you are new to Astronomy, as well, Saturday night has the Feast on so a good opportunity to meet and get to know the attendee's. The Camp is a very relaxed affair but there is a light policy in force after dark as would be expected, as I said before, if you are new to the hobby there will be plenty of people to help you.

Hope to see you there. :thumbsup:

Cheers

John G

[Rjacobs]

Beautiful.

Thanks John. Greatly appreciated. I’ll shoot him an email if he doesn’t get back.;)

[Jen]

Hi Rudi
Oohh another noobie 🤣🤣😈
I promise I’ll try not to scare you away too much 🤣

Welcome to Snake Valley Astro Camp
Great bunch of people that are more than happy to help you out if you need.
I started off with nothing when I first came to this Camp now I have numerous amounts of ASTRO toys and an observatory 🤣 oh come to think of it....
no no don’t go it’s a conspiracy 😱 you will be brainwashed for life ( I think this is now my 11th Camp) 🤣
See you there 👍👍🔭🔭👀👀

[Rjacobs]

Lol! Too late Jen! Science brainwashed me since a kid. ��Already bought a Saxon F767 a few weeks ago, and was looking for a bigger telescope before I even had a look through that one��

Oh and I had the opportunity to see Jupiter and Saturn through it.

[barx1963]

Rudi
I have sent you a PM

Malcolm

[bojan]

Guys,

I would like to visit you on Sat. Since I had other priorities, I haven't finish the modification of my LXD75.. so it will be just visit.

Do I have to do anything else, apart from this ?
Hopefully see all of you there.

[traveller]

Getting excited. Hope to see you all there!

[Paddy]

I'll be there Saturday and Sunday nights. Looking forward to seeing everyone.

[Jen]

Woohoo awesome Paddy 🤗 you have some of the best midnight stories 🤣😍😜😈

250679

7 more sleeps (well in Jens term that would only be five more sleeps) 😈⭐️⭐️

[pfitzgerald]

Hi Rudi

Welcome aboard! Renford couldn't have directed you to a nicer group of people for your first astro camp. We have all been fortunate to share and swap experiences (stories!) with him when he's been able to attend.

Saturday night will kick of with a roast (Steve provides the spit, Malcolm the meat & salad) and it's only $10. There will also be pavlova for desert.

If there are no clouds we'll get a nice dark sky and everyone there will be more than happy to let you look at and through their gear and answer your questions. It's how all of us have progressed in this hobby ourselves.

I'm also looking forward to catching up with the regulars - and to those who can't make it - may you get well and be fit and able so that we can see you in March 2020. Queue Jen's countdown marker.

Malcolm - will two pavs be enough? Or should I plan for three based on current numbers?

Paul

Paul

[Rjacobs]

Ohhhhhh Sweeeeet!!!

This is getting better and better. Now I really can’t wait. Renford wasn’t kidding when he said you’re an awesome bunch.

[roddz]

Looking forward to seeing everyone. For the first time I'll be able to stay for the whole 4 days!
Bring on clear skies!

[mynameiscd]

Looking forward to my second camp.
Met a few people last year but I've got 3 nights this time to meet all...
Just bought a new laptop, guide cam, software but haven't even had time to test it yet so Friday night will give it a go.
Never have done guiding yet so be prepared to let me pick your brains a bit.
Cheers
Andy

[NewBee101]

Hi Drew, I found the "What's Up Tonight" box curtesy of Stellarium version 19.2 user manual, it is in the Astronomical Calculations Window F10 5th tab along, in there you can see what's visible on the night. You probably could make up your viewing list's from there, I haven't tried anything like that but it is worth a shot. Cheers Robert :thumbsup:

[barx1963]

Bojan
If only visiting, not staying overnight, just turn up!!
I have sent you a PM as well

Malcolm

[bojan]

See you all then on Sat :-)

[TwistedRider]

That's for that. I'll make a note for the future.

Will take some time to have a look through possible targets

[The_bluester]

Looks like my wife is coming up on Saturday. I have paid for a cabin (Shared as usual with Andy) but will be in thee tent with CHristopher, except Saturday night where she will take over the tend and I will cabin it.


For Malcolm, can I just do up a form and pay for her on Saturday, just in case she does not make it?

[barx1963]

Paul
Sent you a PM
Malcolm

[The_bluester]

Thanks, I am hoping for her to come up so we will play it by ear, it is looking likely though. I am sure she will want Pav too!

[pfitzgerald]

No problem Paul!

[TwistedRider]

Hello Everyone.
Just looking at the forecast...umm...


Who bought new astro gear?


Should we be planning some form of appeasement to the cloud gods?
:cloudy:


Jokes aside, looking forward to saying hi again to those i remember, and of course meeting new faces as well.


Drew

[barx1963]

Hi all
I have done a cabin allocation tonight. All of them are allocated. any additionals will be sharing.
Looking forward to a weekend away, and everyone, stop looking a weather forecasts!!!:P

Malcolm

[pfitzgerald]

Is that because you've bought some new gear Malcolm!?;):P

Paul

[The_bluester]

Not me I promise, unless wanting new gear is starting to count.

[Jen]

:eyepop: 1 more sleep woohoo 😜 I’m so excited. And no I didn’t buy any more gear but my roof now finally works 😈 that doesn’t count for ****ty weather surely not...? 🙄😜 the cons of having an obs im not looking forward to pulling everything down, after I’ve finally got everything set up lol 😱🤣🤣

Drive safe everyone, see you soon 🤗😍🔭🔭🌚🌚⭐️⭐️
251074

[The_bluester]

Busy busy, I was called out to a fault yesterday when I expected to get home at a normal time to start packing. Just getting stuck in now. Given the likely lack of a sky tonight I don't suppose it matters too much what time we get up this time around.

[pfitzgerald]

I'm in a similar situation Paul - but in my case I'll see you all tomorrow morning - am stuck in Melbourne having to do various things and not feeling 100% either.

Paul

[lollywater]

Thought I would add a comment just to make it Paul,Paul and Paul.
Was at the Snake Valley star party last evening just for the one night. Unfortunately the weather was terrible but was able to meet a few of the forum members. Good to put a face to some of the names.
Still havent seen how astrophotographers do their thing. Maybe next time.
cheers
Paul

[Rjacobs]

Hey ladies and gents,

Thanks again for the weekend. It was great to put faces to the names and to get to know you bunch🤙🏼.

[The_bluester]

Yeah, the perils of astro camps and weather! I came home and got 6 hours data between four targets last night!

[barx1963]

Hi all.
Well another camp is run and done. The weather did not really play ball but it did get better as he weekend went along. Monday night ended up pretty good for the 10 who hung around.
Big thank you to everyone who came along, and especially to those who heped with the pack up and clean up on Tuesday. Paul B as always did a great job, things just happened without me having to ask. Steve once again wowed us with the spit roast and Paul F and Chris gave our sugar levels a boost with desserts.
At this stage, I have booked in March 20-24 for the first camp next year. New moon is on Tuesday 24th of March. It appears that the Messier night at Heathcote is the Saturday before (14th March) if anyone wants to do both!

Cheers

Malcolm

[Paddy]

Thanks to Malcolm and Paul and everyone who helped make another great Snake Valley camp. Good company and even a few hours of very good viewing. Monday night must have been great!

[rcheshire]

Likewise. Thanks again. Look forward to the next...

[mynameiscd]

Thanks for a excellent well organized Astro camp. Weather aside it was good to get away and meet some new people.
With help from others I got all my guiding and PC all hooked up and running, but still haven't tested it at night yet.
Also after APP masterclass tutorials I've downloaded and tried the demo. Any commission coming your way? Should be, it was a very good sales pitch.
Anyway can't wait to really give it a go. Looks like a cloudy weekend again so a perfect time.
Thanks again, can't wait for March.
PS
Thanks Malcolm for my physics tutorial about CO2.
It's really helped me get that message across with the real science behind it. Pitty the general public don't get the simple version rather than the distorted propaganda message. (Whoops there goes a can of worms, sorry to get off topic).
Cheers
Andy

[astro_nutt]

So glad you guys had a great time. Hope to catch you all next year.
Cheers.
Norm.

[Jen]

Thanks again everyone for making this camp so much fun :P:P
The weather wasn't very kind to us except for the traditional clear Monday night once again which kept me up till 7:30 in the morning (hehehehe sorry Paul :D :P )
It was a long trip back home but soooo worth it :D
i love my astro buddies :thumbsup:

heres my rosette pic that i took on Monday night :D

251800

skywatcher ED/120
ASI1600mm Pro
15x4minutes - Luminance
15x4minutes - Red
5x4minutes - Green
5x4minutes - Blue
Processed in APP (which im loving using right now) which surprisingly i got to be a teacher for a change and showed off some of my new skills hahahaha..... who would have thought hey :lol: Loving this hobby
:thanx::thanx::thanx::thanx:

And heres the start of my horsey only 10x2.5 minute subs in luminance, i cant wait to add color to this one :D

251801

[leon]

Lovely stuff Jen, :thumbsup: you certainly are moving on in leaps and bounds.
With a passion as yours there wont be stopping you, well done indeed.

Have to admit Snake Valley Camp is a pretty cool place, must get back there some time to see all you guys, seeing i only live twenty minutes away :rolleyes: keep up the good work. ;)

Leon :thumbsup:

[NewBee101]

You can start your list for March Malcolm, as I will be there if nothing unforseen happens in the world.
Yeah, nice pics Jen, all your time and effort is starting to pay off.
I got started on my collection of data but not enough to do much with, had a few electrical issues on the Monday night. I have ordered a couple of powered cables, and a powered hub so hopefully that will sort the problems out.
"Waiting For Clear Skies"
Robert

[danielsun]

WOW Jen!!! They are cracking images and I can't believe how far you have come, from beginner to master imager and even teacher!! ;)
Great to see the camps are still going strong and a I know its been a few years since I have been but I do miss them but just had so much going on especially at camp times to make it.
Malcolm and Paul and others do a great job and always a good friendly crowd.
Hopefully I can do March or at least a pop in for a visit.:);)

Cheers Daniel.

[Jen]

:eyepop: Danielsunnnnnnn good to hear from you buddy ;) thank you :D
i remember you were with me when my first 6 second sub of Orion came though on the back of my camera while trying to image with the 6"newtonion on a EQ3 mount :lol::lol::lol: i was soooo excited oh the good old days huh ;):lol: I'd like to think i have definitely improved heaps since then thanks to these camps :):)
Will be great to see you back one day cheers buddy :thumbsup::thumbsup: