2005 Star Camp

[ballaratdragons]

Here is the Information for the Star Camp later this year.

I am still to get confirmation of 'Award' donations from Astro suppliers.

As we can only accept a maximum of 60 people please book as soon as possible.

[RAJAH235]

Hi Ken, That looks great. Are you organising all this? Good job! Just make sure the weather is fine, O.K. Hope you all have clear skies & dry nights for that weekend.
:D L.

[ballaratdragons]

Thanks Laurie.

Yeah, organising all on my own. Any Volunteers would be very welcome. (please)

[Astroman]

ARGHHHH!!!! Same time as the VicSouth Desert Spring Star Party near Nhill, which I will be attending. If work lets me have a couple of days off.

Was this done intentionally or pure fluke Ken?

[xstream]

Count Anna and myself in Ken. (Book us as in as definite)

What sort of help are you wanting Ken?

[slice of heaven]

Onya BD
Your a man of action.

[Astroman]

For the price of the accomodation I am considering it now. I will see what the guy that is driving me over says. We might make a detour :)

Edit....

VicSouth Costs are $20 entry fee and $30 for a tent site plus meal costs on top of that.

[xstream]

We were originally going to go to Vic South aswell Andrew, but seeing that they can't even answer their emails that was sent to them approx 5 weeks ago; You now know what they can do with their Vic South star party. :D

[[1ponders]]

Too far for me to drive on a weekend. I would love to come though. Good onya Ken.:2thumbs:

[Astroman]

I can't even find out any info on the VicSouth party except from last years event.

[ballaratdragons]

Good onya John and Anna.

ALL: Please notice that the $26.40 is for accomodation only (covering both nights). Food and drink is BYO. There is a full kitchen to use and large BBQ.

You will need to bring a pillow, doona (or sleeping bag) and any other bedding you will require. Beds are provided in the Bunkhouses but not the Bedding. Please see photos in other thread "Victorian IceInSpace Star Party".

John, the help I require is people to help with procuring donations of Astro goodies from Astro dealers for prizes, a co-organiser on the weekend and volunteers to help run the workshops on the Saturday. And anyone wanting to give interesting and informative talks about the Cosmos, Telescope tips, Astrophotgraphy, etc. will be very welcome.

We will also need a minimum of 10 definite people to finalise the booking of the camp. It currently has a tentative booking.

Any help greatfully accepted.

[toetoe]

Ken, myself and brother in-law (Graham) are a definite yes for both nights.:clap:

[ballaratdragons]

Excellent Peter, Thank you.

Keep it coming folks. It is going to be a great weekend!

P.S. Andrew, It is a fluke. I've never heard of the Vicsouth one.

[Dave47tuc]

Should be there will confirm soon.:D

VicSouth Star party, last years link,

http://astronomy.trilobytes.com.au/vicsouth/vicsouth2004.htm

There was also a write up in the AS&T February edition, pages 74/77. On the VicSouth Star Party.

Ken, was the week before considered? It had a better Moon and was on the Melbourne cup weekend.

[ballaratdragons]

Dave, the week before was considered but I got PM's saying it was no good for some,
and the Camp is booked that weekend.

Hope you can make it still.

As far as the Moon, it might make some interesting 2 - 3 day old Moon cresent pics. (sorry, just trying to see the positives)

[Dave47tuc]

No that's all:cool: Ken.

I should be there. Just trying to get a few more on board.

Would like to get the 18" we use down here up there.:whistle:

Well done on getting this off the ground, It should be very good.

:cheers:

[iceman]

Looks great Ken, good luck with it and I'm happy to help you out promoting it when it gets closer.

You should also send the details into the mags as they will most likely print something about it in their "astro activities" sections.

Also for your "flyer" IceInSpace image, it might be better to use this one:

[ballaratdragons]

Thank you for all your support Mike. I will inform the mags and use the better logo.

Would be good if the founder could make it (nudge nudge).

[xstream]

Hear Hear Ken!
Yes Mike, what about it? plenty of time to plan for it.:D

[atalas]

WOw go Ken! hope all goes well ,Im from Sydney but your making me think about it.

Louie:2thumbs:

[ballaratdragons]

Cool Louie!

There may be a date change though (90% sure there will be) to the Melbourne Cup weekend and 3 nights available for $39.60

Xstream (has come on board to co-organise) and I are working out the final details. Stay tuned.

[ballaratdragons]

It is official. The 2005 IceInSpace Star Camp at Snake Valley will be held on the Melb Cup weekend. 28th Oct - 1st Nov. (No Moon!)

Xstream and I are working out the finer details to make this a truly fantastic loooooong weekend.

More News as it evolves.

My apologies to those of you that made plans to come on the original date.

[slice of heaven]

Well done BD
The 3 day w/end for the Vic guys will make it worthwhile travelling the distance.

$40 is a pittance for 3 nights stay

That should make for a good get together. I'll do my best to get there, but I'll have to wait till we get closer to the date before I can confirm.

Slice

[ballaratdragons]

Wait for even better news Slice.

Hope you and other S.A. folk can make it over.

Other States as well!

[Smokey]

Unfortunately I will be unable to attend :sad:
(refer PM Ken)

[ballaratdragons]

The 2005 IceInSpace Star Camp will run for 4 nights.

Held at the 'Snake Valley Camp' approx 20 minutes from Ballarat, Victoria.

Starting at 5pm Friday 28th October through till afternoon Tuesday 1st November.
This invitation is open to all, not just IceInSpace members.


Costs are:

2 nights - $26.40
3 nights - $39.60
4 nights - $52.80
Children under 4 - Free

NO ENTRY FEE

12 seperate Bunkhouses sleep 2 - 8 people and there is plenty of camping space for tents and caravans.

The bunkhouses have beds, just bring your bedding. (book early if you want a bunkhouse)

Fully equipped Kitchen with 3 fridge/freezers & microwave, Meeting Room with TV/Video & Overhead Projector, Recreation Hall including Billiards & Table Tennis.

Lake for swimming, fishing, sailing, canoing etc, and State Forest for bushwalking.

Toilet & shower blocks, Laundry & drying, Campfire Area & BBQ.

General Stores & Fuel within 10 mins, Golf Course - 5 mins, Ballarat - 20 mins (Sovereign Hill etc.)

Astronomy competitions inc. best astro photo, best home-made accessory and others.

For the beginners there will be workshops on Mirror Cleaning, collimating, Star Map reading etc.

Speakers on Deep Space Objects, Leonids, etc.

The Meeting room is available for Astro & non-Astro Videos/DVD's.

Large Very dark Viewing area for the all important night viewing.
Powercor will be turning the Security Floodlight off for the duration of the Camp.

We will also be going on excursions for those interested in seeing the ruins of a Gold Diggings and Processing site and the Historic Wooden Trestle Bridge.

On Saturday Evening we will be going to visit the Historic Ballarat Observatory and see the scopes hand-made on site in the 1800's.

Bring along your canoes, badminton sets, kites, or whatever and most importantly - your Telescopes! (come along even if you don't have a scope, there will be plenty to look through)

For bookings or further info: post in here or email Ken: chrl @ tpg . com . au

These dates will not be changed as the camp has been booked.

[Starkler]

Im in for sat and sunday nights I reckon.
Egh, I'll pay for 3 just in case :)

[Dave47tuc]

I'll be there Fri, Sat, Sun, Mon and leaving Tue.:)

[ballaratdragons]

The bunkhouses come in the following configurations with upper/lower style bunks: (first in, first served)

What is still available:
2 bunkhouses with 4 bunks,
1 bunkhoue with 6 bunks,
3 bunkhouses with 8 bunks.

There are 7 other bunkhouses already booked.

If we get a lot of bookings you may have to share your bunkhouse.

This page is being edited each time a booking is made so keep an eye on it to see what is available with bunkhouses.

We already have:
7 confirmed bookings for all 4 nights
4 confirmed bookings for 3 nights
5 confirmed bookings for 2 nights

Don't forget tents and caravans are allowed.

[ballaratdragons]

Here is the new flyer if anyone wants to print it out for friends etc.

Come on all you interstate people. Make an Astronomy holiday out of it!

[ballaratdragons]

I have emailed the info about the Star Camp to Aust Sky & Telescope.

IceInSpace Members: Book quick before too many non-members do.

Pushy aren't I :D

[rowena]

curiousity... how far/will it take you to drive from sydney to ballarat?

also are the bunks single or double beds??



taah

[ballaratdragons]

Thanks Rowena,

Same fee for everyone. Cheap. Bunkhouse tent or caravan.

All the bunks are singles. The Camp was originally designed for school groups.

Sydney to Ballarat - approx 12 hours. (some say 10 but at what speed! unless the roads are better now.)

Hope that helps.

[rowena]

heheh warp speed scotty! engage!

cool thanks for that!

i edited my original post, because i thought i read something about caraavans and tents, but i couldnt find it being mentioned after i posted! :)

[ballaratdragons]

That's OK Rowena.

The camp charges by the person, not whether you use a bunkhouse, tent, or caravan.

Pricing is out of my hands, but it is still cheap!

[iceman]

Looks great Ken. I'll speak to the wifey tonight about the possibility of coming down, but it would be quite an excursion with 3 young kids (6, 4 and 1).

Should someone choose to fly to Melbourne, how far is it from the airport if you got a car? I'm quite certain that driving 12 hours with 3 young kids is out of the question :D But who knows, might be a driving holiday too.. go down the great ocean road, see the 12 apostles etc.

How far is it from Melbourne, for daytime trips etc?

[Starkler]

I think 1 1/2 - 2 hours from Melbourne with Tullamarine on the right side of town at least so its freeway/highway all the way.

[toetoe]

Ken,
I`m in for Frid, Sat and Sunday nights. (2 people)

[ballaratdragons]

Peter, I have booked you in.

Mike,

That would be great! The whole family is very welcome.

Ballarat is 1 hour from Tullamarine Airport (same from Avalon Airport).
Snake Valley camp is 20 mins from Ballarat.
Great Ocean Road about 1 hour away from here.
Snake Valley to Melb. 1 1/2 - 2 hours.
Sovereign Hill in Ballarat is a huge hit with tourists.

Let me know ASAP and I will book you a Bunkhouse.

I sent emails to about 8 Astro Shops. Lee is the only one to answer. He said it sounds great! Be good if he turned up with a demo of the new GS16" Dob. (bit big to carry on a plane though LOL)

[ballaratdragons]

The Camp will be listed in 'Activities' in the August edition of 'Aust Sky & Telescope' mag.

On hearing this, the manager of the Camp has removed the '60' Maximum limit to as many as we want. He is opening up the 2nd camp site & shower/toilet block.

There are still 8 bunkhouses left or bring your tents, caravans, lean-to's, campervans or any shelter you have.

[iceman]

Hey guess what..

My family and I will be there!!

At this stage, anyway.. the wife is keen to check out melbourne and surrounds, we'll drive down.

We'll book a hotel/motel around Ballarat, not too keen on bunkhouse with 3 kids and we don't have tent/caravan. Can you recommend any off-site accomodation?

Will probably be observing on the sat/sun nights, and using fri and mon nights as stop overs to stay somewhere overnight during the drive.

[atalas]

Hey Mike go getum champ!


Louie :family:

[iceman]

haha Louie, but it'll be a telescope being knocked over, not a lamp :D :family2:

[ballaratdragons]

That's great Mike. You are the first from long distance. It's good to have the Boss coming.
:cheers:
I will have to search out some motels etc in Ballarat for you and get back to you.

Now all we need is more from up your way. :whistle:

[atalas]

Hey Ken you might get his stalker too! still thinking about It ,It's still a way off as yet.


Louie :D

[ballaratdragons]

Louie,

You watch how fast the time will go by!

Be great to have you here. Drag some other shadows down with you.

How often do Astronomical holidays come along.

[xstream]

Not only that Louie, the company of good guys like myself and Ken and the rest of the gang....:whistle:

[atalas]

How much time do we have to let you know as a definite?


Louie :)

[ballaratdragons]

There is no rush Louie unless you want a bunkhouse instead of bringing a tent or van.

Half the bunkhouses have already gone.

Quick, quick, hurry, hurry.

[cahullian]

count me in Ken x 5 people I will be bringing the tent i think as I need the body heat off the wee love of my life.My son and daughter and her boyfriend.looking forward to it mate. Sat and sun for sure will let you know if friday is a go in the not too distant future.
Gazz

[iceman]

Good stuff Gaz!

[GrampianStars]

G'day Y'all
The VicSouth Desert Spring Star Party is an annual weekend of astronomy held in addition to the ASSA Astro Camps in western Victoria (Australia) during the mild weather of spring - when the skies in the region are generally clear at night. VicSouth is jointly hosted by the Astronomical Society of Victoria and the Astronomical Society of South Australia, and offers a great weekend of social and astronomical activity as well as some nice observing targets.

The 2005 VicSouth Desert Spring Star Party will be held between November 4-7 at the Little Desert Nature Lodge, 16km south of the town of Nhill - about halfway between Adelaide and Melbourne.

postal : Fraser
PO Box 434
Christies Beach
SA 5165
http://astronomy.trilobytes.com.au/vicsouth/location.jpg

You get Dark sky down to visually 7+ mag

[ballaratdragons]

Onya Gazz. Excellent!!!!

Booked you in!

Do you want to book 2 Bunkhouses or are you all staying in a tent?

Great to have more long distance attendees.

That's 16 confirmed bookings so far staying at the camp, plus Mike & family staying in Ballarat.

Come on folks there are still 8 Bunkhouses left and LOTS of camping space!

[cahullian]

Thanks for booking us in Ken we are all looking forward to some great viewing and a lot of laughs.
If we can all fit into one bunkhouse that would be great. If not we will take the tent with us.

Irish

[ballaratdragons]

All taken care of Gazz. Leave the tent at home, I've booked your group into bunkhouses.

You will have to leave the tent behind anyway to fit your scope in LOL

[cahullian]

Thanks Ken your a legend mate. Im really looking forward to some good viewing and having a butchers at your tatts.

Irish

[asimov]

:( I cant make it, but I hope you all have a great time & good on ya ken!:thumbsup:

[ballaratdragons]

Thanks John. We will.
:thumbsup:to John Xstream too, as he is co-running it with me.

Just got home from our Ballarat Astro Society meeting and the Camp's Saturday night tour of the Historic scopes and facilities has been booked in!

Still waiting for Ballarat Astro Society members to join us in here. (I keep inviting them!)

[Starkler]

Ken do you need deposits by a specific date? Its not like its a large sum of money for us visitors.

[ballaratdragons]

No Geoff,

IceInSpace members do not need to send a deposit.

[Starkler]

Cool , I would just hate to see you out of pocket if people dont turn up.

[ballaratdragons]

Thanks Geoff,

You can send up your accomodation fees now. In fact, anyone who would like to send through their fees now can do so, that way your accomodation will be definately secured.

FEES PER PERSON:
2 nights - $26.40
3 nights - $39.60
4 nights - $52.80
Kids under 4 - Free

Send to:

Ken James
c/o Snake Valley Post Office
Snake Valley, Victoria. 3351

Please state number of nights staying, which nights, include your member name (so I know who you are) and include a return address if you want a receipt.

Non-IceInSpace members can either register as members and reply here, or phone for info and bookings on 0418 425 207

[Daring Dave]

Ken

If there are places left Count me in for at least 2 nights.... Sat/Sun


Cheers

Daring Dave

[ballaratdragons]

Thanks Dave! How many people and do you want a Bunkhouse or are you bringing a tent?

This is a current rundown on available accomodation.

What is still available:
2 bunkhouses with 4 bunks,
1 bunkhouse with 6 bunks,
3 bunkhouses with 8 bunks,
and heaps of camping space.

There are 7 other bunkhouses already booked.

This page is being edited each time a booking is made so keep an eye on it to see what is available with bunkhouses.

We already have:
7 confirmed bookings for all 4 nights
4 confirmed bookings for 3 nights
5 confirmed bookings for 2 nights

Don't forget there is also heaps of room in 2 camping areas for tents and caravans.

NOTE: This page is out of date. A new up-to-date list is in the other thread found on this link: http://www.iceinspace.com.au/forum/showthread.php?t=2590

[iceman]

Ken, is it possible to get some idea of types and costs of off-site accomodation nearby? If you don't have time (I know you're a busy man), i'll just search the 'net.

Thanks muchly.

[Daring Dave]

Ken

At this stage just myself.....Id like a bunk but am happy to do the tent thing if others need the room...

Cheers

Dave

[ballaratdragons]

Mike, I will find out about 'In Town' accomodation for you.

[ballaratdragons]

For anyone wanting to come to the Star Camp but wanting to stay in a Motel, the closest one is 20 minutes from the Camp. Here is their site for info and pricing http://www.ballarat.com/peppinella.htm

We still have bunkhouses available at the Star Camp and tons and tons of camping area for tents and caravans.

Info about the Camp will be out soon in Australian Sky& Telescope magazine so book before the bunkhouses go!

[iceman]

Thanks for the info, Ken.

I've created a new sticky thread to collate and summarise all teh relevent information, here it is (http://www.iceinspace.com.au/forum/showthread.php?t=2590).

[robin]

Hi Ken, I'll be there one way or another.I'm working that weekend probably up until 7pm sat nite so weather permitting, I'll head up from Warrnambool in the evening.

[OneOfOne]

Hi guys,
I just joined the forum yesterday and myself and several friends are hoping to make it to the camp. This will be the first experience for all of us so we hope to meet many of you up there!

Here's to good weather. I will post another general message in a suitable group to introduce myself properly.

[iceman]

Hi OneOfOne, great to hear you'll be coming to the camp.
There's an updated thread about the camp, here (http://www.iceinspace.com.au/forum/showthread.php?t=2590). Which reminds me, I need to update the page on the website with the correct link.