Where to go to get clear sky.

[xelasnave]

I am sick of being the victim of this wet weather and as the long range forecast holds little promise of good imaging opportunities I have decided to think along the lines of going some place for a week to image..I will need a day setting up due to the many rest breaks I need to do stuff these days but time is not a concern I have heaps of time ...mmm sort of... but not one to answer to..boss or wife.

First choice would be some sort of guest house with a safe spot to set up, next is building up my old xtrail as a travelling unit with basic bedding and meal preparation stuff and a big box of mount, scope, camera etc...

I am thinking the 115 mm and the EQ6 and the EQ 5 with a dlsr for wide field...if it works I could build in a hoist so as to run the RASA ...I have not tried to lift it by myself and it is probably best using a hoist...but just the EQ 6 and 115 mm triplet is a respectable set up so I will be more than happy with taking that...it's the destination that I need to work out...

However where to go..how far would I have to go...West I presume but I don't know where to start and so I ask if any members can make any suggestions and tell me where to go;)

Alex

[multiweb]

Not anywhere on the east coast this week.

[mura_gadi]

Awesome place just SW of Stanthorpe, but unless that gets you the right side of the ranges its too close.

*Ballandean https://twinstarguesthouse.com/

[glend]

Alex, I have made some comments in a message sent to you, general ones below:

Go in company with others. Your mobility issues make that important.

Find a place that provides facilities you might need, don't just camp.

A couple of suggestions:

1. QLD Astrofest. Consider a trip to Astrofest. Maybe further than you wish to drive, but it has bunkhouse accommodation, and lots if folks to talk to and willing to help.

2. Try to tag along on a dark site trip in NSW. These used to be regular events, like to Bretti on the Thunderbolt Way. There is a Bretti thread in the Starparty sub forum, I think.

Best of luck.

[xelasnave]

Thanks. That sounds perfect ..I am going to figure if my gear can fit in the red car and start checking out their weather records..sound perfect.

Alex

[xelasnave]

Only this week????

I am nearly set up and this weather is really starting to get to me...I have spent a fortune on stuff and the astro gods are obviously very upset but me I won't let any god interfere with my goals...mmm personalizing things to have someone to blame really is not that bad after all.



Alex

[pmrid]

Alex, also in the same neighbourhood, I have been hoping for months to get to “The Folly” a bit west of Ballandean near Stanthorpe. It’s a truffle farm with accomodation and positioned well for astro.

[xelasnave]

Thanks Glen ..as usual you play a huge part in guiding me to the good things..my new DLSR to get back into astronomy, my first decent sized triplet ( in a beautiful box made by you..so treasured by me), sourcing my observatory, and best of all finding me the best little car on the planet...and the many times you have caused me to seek medical help rather than let me be and sticking to my "she will be right mate" silly attitude.
And your inspiration has me playing my guitar again even after my hands became useless and now I am enjoying my guitar again.

I appreciate your friendship so very highly.

I am getting excited about doing these things..and hanging around with real people I suppose could be fun..I never saw it that way until now.

Alex

[Startrek]

The crap weather has been around on the coast of NSW since October last year and the latest long range forecast is La Niña is weakening and therefore more traditional weather patterns should return by mid to late May
June is our wettest month so another kick in the guts
Driving to clearer skies and staying for a week or two sounds like a great idea for the interim.
Unfortunately I can’t get away at the moment.

Alex, if you can find a clear dark sky location with suitable accommodation and facilities for your needs then I’d go and book it.
As you said, take a small rig you can easily handle ( and fit in your sport’s car )
Hope it works out for you and you find a place for a couple of weeks
Cheers
Martin

[mura_gadi]

Alex,

The accommodation offers an in obs' 18" dob and the list below. Depending on the age of the fellow astronomer they may agree to help with unpacking/setup/strip down and pack up or have extra hands available.

If you could have someone at your end to pack the car, it would leave you a lot more energy for the nights activities ahead.


Steve

"Equipment available for use includes 16-inch & 10-inch Dobsonians (for experienced stargazers only), binocular telescopes and 240-volt mains power sources at no cost."