Snake Valley Astro Camp March 20-23 2020

[barx1963]

The Snake Valley Astro Camp! March 20 – 23 2020

Camp commences midday, Friday 20th March and concludes midday Tuesday 24th

For this camp, the Saturday Night feast will be slightly different replacing the spit with an offset smoker to do the meat. 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 20/3/20) 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 0448 567 187 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 attached to this post. 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 0448 567 187 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

[byronpaul]

Hi all,

I’m there .... all 4 nights as usual.

Hanging out for my twice yearly Astro fix :D

Paul

[The_bluester]

Likewise, only two nights for me unfortunately as I am saving up my annual leave for a big trip in the middle of the year. I am taking almost all of July off.

[mynameiscd]

Hi all,
I'll be there for my 3rd Snake Valley, hopefully for 4 nights this time.
Can't wait for Astro pixel Processor master class again.
Cheers
Andy

[Jen]

oh yeah i guess i will go again :lol:

oh who am i kidding wooooohoooo i sooo cant wait :P

:cool::cool::cool:

Is it March yet :question:

[roddz]

Hi Malcolm
If Jens going, you'd better put me down for 4 nights camping. See you all there.

[bojan]

See you all there - I will be visiting, probably Sat.

[NewBee101]

I'm in for the four nights as well.

[Jen]

🤪🤪🤪🤪
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[Hemi]

I’m actually in Melbourne that week for work, so might come down a few days early and attend.....ive never been to a star party! Very exited at the possibility, and meeting some of you face to face. I won’t be able to bring any gear though.

Cheers

Hemi

[The_bluester]

There won't be any shortage of gear to have a look through I am sure.

[TwistedRider]

I'll be coming again
All 4 nights for me

[barx1963]

Cheers Drew

[barx1963]

Hope you can make it!

[The_bluester]

Booked and paid for two nights, Friday is all I have the annual leave for at the moment with a big holiday and trip planned for July (Almost all of July)

I have paid for the young bloke but he will probably only come if the weather looks promising.

[barx1963]

Bookings are starting to trickle in now. Apparently it is now MARCH!!!!

Malcolm

[barx1963]

A bit of a video that Andrew did in 2018 about the Snake Valley Camps!!

https://youtu.be/JqlOaUkt2FE

Malcolm

[Paddy]

I'm hoping to make the Sunday night.

[barx1963]

Hi all.
Just a quick update on the camp focusing on the whole COVID 19 situation.
After discussing it with Paul and Barry and a quick chat with Paddy (who is a qualified GP and is familiar with our camp) we have come up with a policy regarding the virus.

1. Camp will go ahead UNLESS the health department makes a declaration or advice that people should stay home or not gather even in small groups. I think that is highly unlikely at this stage, but things can change quickly.
2. If anyone is unsure about attending OR is not feeling well and decide not to attend out of health concerns, we will either refund or carry forward camp fees to a future camp. We do not want anyone taking risks with their health.
3. I have checked with Andrew and he assures me that there is plenty of toilet paper for the camp.
4. He has also assured me that there is plenty of hand soap. I will bring some as well. I would encourage everyone to regularly wash your hands during the camp.
5. I will endeavour to obtain some hand sanitiser, but if you have any, please bring it along and if you are happy to have it used communally, so much the better!!
6. For the duration, please refrain from direct contacts person to person.

We will continue to monitor the situation and update any developments!!

Please call or message me if you have any concerns

Clear skies!!

Malcolm

[Jen]

:eyepop::shrug:
What!!!! does this mean no SV hugs awwww :shrug:
stoopid virus is really doing my head in grrrrr

[Jen]

7 more sleeps woohoo 🤩🤩

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[barx1963]

I know, I thought of you Jen. Have to make do with Wuhan foot taps!!

[The_bluester]

I am a bit hesitant at the moment, not for me as such and while the individual risk of acquiring it is still pretty low, my mother lives in the house with us and is in her late 70s. Bringing it home to her could be a disaster.

[pfitzgerald]

School has postponed our Open Day so I'll be there Fri-Sun. This means that there will be pavlova on Saturday night.

Please let there be clear skies!

Paul

[roddz]

Yea Pavlova!!
As long as its not Purple.
Sorry Jen!

[Jen]

:D:D Pav 😍 Woohoo I was wondering when u were going to pop up in here Paul 😈 🤪🤪
Hey there nothing wrong with purple pav Rodd it all tastes the same hehehe 💜

[The_bluester]

Well bugger. I really have to call it over the virus thing. While the personal risk to me is pretty low, my mother lives in the house with me and is in her late 70s. Hope you all have clear skies and plenty of pav. I will just have to give my new pier at home a beating instead.

[mynameiscd]

It's going to be 50-50 for me at the moment.
I've got a damaged lung from a work accident with about 25% of my left lung working and also our close contact with my wife's great aunt who is 92.
I live in a rural community that has at least 50% of the population is over 60 so for them I shouldn't take the risk even though it's so miniscule.
I'm pretty disappointed as SV has a group of great people and the camp setting is perfect.
I'm looking at virtual star parties on twitch now and maybe this might have to be the way for a while??
Econgreg, OPT telescopes, and Fraser Cain all do a streaming live telescope thing on Twitch already but it's not the same as being there but it does allow access to people who don't get out or have access to telescopes
Have a fantastic camp everyone.
Cheers
Andy

[Jen]

4 more sleeps woohoo is it Friday yet ;)

Aww sorry to hear that Paul and Andy i was looking forward to checking out your new gear.

[barx1963]

So a number of people have pulled out. I will not share who or why as I believe reasons are private. But at this stage I intend to go ahead. Numbers are going to be low as we normally get a flurry of bookings in the last week or so and that has just not happened.
I had a chat with my local clinic today and their info is that they are not testing anyone at this stage UNLESS they have been in contact with someone who has tested positive or been overseas recently. Having sniffles, fever, headache is not enough for them to test, only if you are having trouble breathing. I will ask everyone attending to be aware of "social distancing" and to regularly wash and dry your hands. I have purchased some hand cleanser and will have plain old soap as well. Hand sanitiser is really only for situation where water is not available and we have plenty of that at SV so it shouldn't be needed.
Andy has offered to do the presentations that he was going to do at NEAF (which is now cancelled) so SV gets the first look!! THANKS ANDY!!

Obviously, if anything changes with the health situation, I will advise as soon as I know. And again, if you have any concerns, please contact me by PM, email or phone 0448 567 187

Cheers all

Malcolm

[byronpaul]

Hi all,

As Malcom expressed, we’ll monitor alerts and take all precautions possible at the camp.

Personally, I can’t wait for the camp. It’s my twice a year stress relief and I can think of no better place to be rather than being in a CBD lift or a local shopping centre with people going crazy.

I’ve been lucky enough to be able to work remotely for the last few days and am virtually packed and ready to head up.

And to think we’ve got an Andy presentation - there’s always good in the bad .... glass half full.

To those that do attend the camp, let’s hope for the typical Monday night clear skies for all 4 nights !!!!!

Bring it on :):)

Oh, and here’s to Richmond winning the AFL kickoff in front of 00,000 fans on the Pre Camp Eve .... not quite the typical 5 digit attendance number :P

Paul

[Jen]

Hehehe awesome guys, this is the best thing I have read in the last few weeks I’d be happy to have my 14 day quarantine at SV 🤣🤣🤣🤣
I’m looking forward to Andy’s talk 🤗
See u all soon 😈
Is it Friday yet 😈😈🤩🤩

[pfitzgerald]

...that Jen is a thought worth seriously considering! 14 Days at SVAC under self quarantine...

I'm definitely in for that.

Paul

[mynameiscd]

Hi all,
Still thinking of coming for at least 1 night.
What night is Andy doing his talk?
Cheers
Andy

[Jen]

256676

2 more sleeps 🤗🤗🤗🪐🪐🔭🔭🍸🍸

[barx1963]

Hi all
Unfortunately, while the camp is going ahead, I will not be able to attend. Midday yesterday I started to feel unwell and this morning I have woken up with what appears to be a chest infection and intermittent headaches.
I am sure it is just a cold and no cause for alarm but in the current environment I am being very careful and making sure we all stay safe.

Paul Byron is still attending so any issues he should be able to handle. The Saturday feast is still on, Steve is very keen!!

With numbers as low as they are, I propose that you all sort out cabins yourselves, most attending appear to be camping so that should not be an issue.

Thinking about things, my feeling is that in about 3-4 months, we will all be looking for stuff to do to feel like getting back to “normal” (whatever normal is!!) so I was considering a follow “Winter” camp.
To that end, how does everyone feel about doing it all again in July? Would be an additional camp, and the weather may be a bit dodgy and cold, but the nights will be long so more chance to clear up?
Anyway, let me know what you think.

Lastly, a huge thank you to:

Paul, Steve, David Murton for helping out while I am laid low.

Clear Skies

Malcolm

[JA]

^Get well soon M.

Best
JA

[RB]

A speedy recovery to you Malcolm.
Clear skies for everyone @ SVAC.

RB
:)

[glend]

Get yourself tested Malcolm

[Andy01]

Sorry everyone, but I’m out too. :sadeyes:
I’ve been keeping a close eye on the wife & #3 son’s health - they both picked up a nasty cold last weekend that has just been passed on to me as well.
I’m sure it’s nothing sinister, as I have no symptoms other than a sniffle and feel otherwise ok - but best to play it safe!
When the winter camp goes ahead I’ll present my talks then. :)
Clear skies
Andy

[barx1963]

Tests are being restricted to people who have travelled overseas or been in contact with a confirmed case. Otherwise it is "wait until you have trouble breathing". So I was advised to self isolate.

[roddz]

So how many are actually going?
I'm still planing on it.
Bringing a case of Corona.
and some Bourbon.
Remember alcohol kills the Corona Virus.

Rodd

[barx1963]

At this stage it is about 20, but that is spread out over the 4 days.
I had about 25 booked or had been told they were coming in 2 weeks ago, which is about normal as we always get a rush in the last few weeks but it crashed after that.

Malcolm

[bojan]

I had all intentions to visit you guys tomorrow, but today I do not feel well - so I am staying home.
I don't think this is in any way connected with corona, but it is still quite uncomfortable (slight diarrhea, blocked and running nose, muscle ache, no fever..).
Wish you all well and have a good time :-)

[Jen]

Woohoo it’s today, it’s today 🤗🤗 drive safe everyone see you all soon 🍻🍻🤪🤪😈😈🍾🍾🍾🍾🍾

[mynameiscd]

I have to give it a miss this time.
I've been looking forward to this for months so its not an easy decision but I will come to the winter camp if its on.
Have fun and keep safe.

Cheers
Andy

[Nico13]

Hi guys,
Long time no post.
Hi Jen, are you at camp by yourself?
About four years back I started flying and said I’d fly over and wave at you one day. Well today I did but I was above the cloud layer and took a snap shot down through a hole and there’s almost no bugger there.
I hope all is well for everyone, so stay safe and have fun if that’s possible in today’s environment.
Cheers Nico.

No not that Nico the other Nico 😄😎🛩

[Nico13]

Have decided to come for a drive up to see the minimal crew at camp tomorrow, Sunday, that is if you haven’t all pulled the pin on it and gone home.
Reply to this post and let me know if there will be anyone still there.

No hugging and kissing though;)
Oh alright just a quick one for Jen:)

[byronpaul]

Hey Ken,

We are here ..... the die hards.

Tonight is the feast. Steve’s had the Smoker going since about 11pm last night ..... so the dozen or so of us here are in for a real treat.

About 10 scopes set-up on the field, but we didn’t get much done last night. Just a big sucker hole about 10pm to get polar aligned and that’s it. But most here were still up to the early hours talk the usual intelligent stuff ....

We’ll be here tomorrow night, rain, hail, or Coronavirus ....

Paul

[barx1963]

Hey Ken.
Great to hear from you. I am having to do a bit of isolation as I had a bit of chest infection last week so being super safe.
Great to hear you are keeping busy, have to come for a fly with you one day!!!

Malcolm

[Nico13]

That’s great you have a few there at least.
Probably just as well you didn’t get the full crew or you’d be breaking the rules of social separation.
If we feel happy about it tomorrow Carol and will come up for a drive to see you after lunch just for old times sake. Be good to see you and have a bit of a chat, at a distance of course :whistle::whistle::poke::poke::poke ::poke::poke::poke:

[Jen]

:eyepop: hey gday Nico
great to hear from you :D:D
Yes we will still be here tomorrow :thumbsup::thumbsup:

[Andy01]

Hey gang, seems that it was a wise precaution to say home. My cold developed into a chest infection - fortunately with no fever or any other nasty symptoms though! :thumbsup:

I went to the Dr's & got some antibiotics (interesting experience, the clinic is like entering a war zone now, everyone in masks, hazard tape defining boundaries etc. :eyepop:) - the pharmacy was insane too!

Anyway, I'm on the up now > keep safe & well everyone, see you on the other side! :D

Andy

[byronpaul]

Hi all,

Saturday night at camp started with the feast ..... and some very happy dinners. The Smoker was a raging success and the meat was amazing. Plenty of salads on hand and well finished with a couple of Pavlovas. Thanks to Steve, Paul and David for your assistance.

After dinner, the night wasn't looking too good. Started out with lots of thick cloud which cleared a bit to high level cloud. Most on the field tried to get alignments done and guiding set-up but gave up after an hour or so and retired for the night, but in true Snake Valley tradition about midnight the heavens cleared and those of us still up got a good 3 ~ 4 hours of great visual and imaging.

In the early hours of the morning, the seeing and transparency where excellent, and the views through the 18" SDM were amazing. Having not had the scope out since last camp, did the normal popular targets. With the 21mm Ethos in the scope, spent a long time on my favs of Omega Centurai, Eta Carina and Tarantula. The later 2 were mind blowing with the DGM NPB filter :eyepop:

Attached is last nights go at Eta Carina and my first ever processed image. After collecting terabytes of data over the last 10+ years, I finally got something processed that looks like an astro object :)

Looking forward to a couple more relaxing days and clear nights.

Paul

[barx1963]

Great to hear Paul. The skies have just cleared out here in Geelong tonight, hoping to at very least get some subs to test out some new filters!!

Very happy you managed a processed image!! Did you do it in Pixinsight??

Huge thanks to the crew that have stepped up for this camp with myself so indisposed, regardless of numbers, camps are all about giving our little community the chance to get out and do what we love, especially in trying times like we have at the moment.

Malcolm

[pfitzgerald]

Hi Folks
I'm typing this from my desk at School - having arrived about half an hour ago after driving in from SV.

How good was last night! Four+ hours of clear skies and stable air. So was able to imaging runs on the Christmas Tree nebula (2 hours of 10 minute subs) and Thor's Helmet (2 hours of 15 minute subs).
No I haven't processed them yet - but given that we have just been told to go home - if I don't fall asleep first I'll have a go when I get home.

Thank you all for a great weekend - those who couldn't make it due to illness please look after yourselves and I hope that you are well soon.

How long is it before the July camp!?...Get that countdown clock going Jen.

Paul

[barx1963]

Hi all. Great to hear that the weather played ball a bit.

With July, I have penciled in the date BUT, it will be entirely dependant upon the rules in place at that time. Situation is very fluid. I picked July as some indications were that the "worst" may have passed by then, but we have no way to tell. The dates I have penciled in with Andrew from Camp Wedgetail are July 17-20 (New moon is July 20) .

I hope this is a good idea, but we will closely monitor situation.

Cheers
Malcolm

[NewBee101]

Great camp again good to see everyone again, the tea Saturday night was excellent, complements to the chef.
Unfortunately I trouble with my mount It would not work tried all sorts of remedies nothing worked. So decided to pack up Sunday, stayed for tea had a wander around the field for a while and then headed for home.
Been in touch with Sky Watcher all ready but their response is that slow it's a bit beyond a joke. Fortunately the mount is still under warranty, I only hope that S/W honor it.
A July camp sounds good, but it will be cold. :lol::lol:
Robert

[Jen]

:thumbsup:
Hi everyone :D
Even though our numbers were very low due to COVID-19 the camp was still awesome as usual, thanks everyone awesome company and fantastic Saturday night dinner as always (thanks Steve & Paul yummo Pav) xxoo (I LOVE MY ASTRO FAMILY) and the skies were pretty good to us too. I thought i would post my pics i managed to get from this camp which is the most i have ever got from SV lol my lobster pic i finished off at home which is my biggest project to date with just over 12 hours integration time woohoo
cheers everyone is is November yet ? hahahaha
PS: Paul its awesome to see after all these years of collecting data that you have finally processed an image woohoo (awesome to see) :P
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258497

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[leon]

Hi Guys glad you all had a great time as usual, and it is a shame that these uncertain times kept the numbers down.
Some awesome shots Jen, well done, love the Star Trail, and the other images of coarse.:thumbsup:

Would you mind telling me the settings for the Trail Jen, please.

Leon :thumbsup:

[Jen]

Thanks Leon 🤗 my camera setting was 30second shots at ISO/3200

[mynameiscd]

Hi Jen,
Great images you captured there esp the star trails.
Still a bit sad that I didn't make it because of covid. A lot has changed since then so in hindsight it was probably ok but there's always October.
Anyway I've been attending a virtual star party every day on Twitch playing around with 17" Planewaves in the Joshua Tree desert.
There's a real cool community and a quite a few aussies are now contributing to the live stream. With daily processing 101 and guests like Scott Roberts founder and president from Explorer Scientific to Australian astro artist Cathrin Machin.
I've learnt more in the last month about astro than in 15 years!!
Dustin from OTP telescopes has made it his life agenda to get astro out there so check out the daily stream on Twitch @gibsonpics 12pm Au time.
Anyway cant wait for October to do it for real.
Cheers
Andy

[Jen]

Thanks Andy, hopefully we will see you next camp 👍👍👍🪐🪐

[barx1963]

Hi all. I sent an email to all the "usual suspects" but just to make sure, with the current situation here in Vic the "possible" July camp I had mentioned earlier in this thread cannot go ahead. Should be fairly obvious, but didn't want anyone being under any misapprehension!!

Malcolm

[Jen]

With the way things are going, there most likely won’t be a November camp either 😭😭😭😭
Stay safe everyone xxoo

[The_bluester]

Unfortunately I reckon you are right Jen.

[pfitzgerald]

Hopefully it will have cleared up enough for us all to be able to go to SVAC in October/November - think of it as being an early Christmas present.

But as Jen said - take care, be safe - to you and yours.

Paul