Moving House - out of Sydney sort of

[madwayne]

Hi All

I thought I would post some pictures that I took yesterday while starting the horrendous adventure that is moving house. Photos are off my 50D and 18-200 F3.5-5.6 lens.

I currently live in very light polluted Miranda and by this time next week, if all goes according to plan, I will have my house move completed to Waterfall. For those that don't know the Southern reaches of Sydney, Waterfall is about half way between Sydney and Wollongong on the Princes Highway. Our population is around 500 and are completely surrounded by National Parks, Royal National Park to the East and Heathcote National Park to the West. It is listed as the southern most suburb in Sydney, but it really is like it's own little town. A beautiful part of the hustle and bustle that is Sydney. Given what happened in Victoria recently I was a bit apprehensive about moving to a town that is surrounded by bush but these are the risks you take and after all if you want to wrap yourself in cotton wool based on maybes you may as well live in a padded cell. I intend on joining the bush fire brigade so if members on here can give me some idea of the time it takes from your work life and hints or tips I will be grateful. Things like fitness requirements, knowledge, training etc are what I am looking for. I'm basically a city slicker with a strong desire to help my new community.

My astro plans are to be semi permanent and I have included a photo of my view South as well as one of my feathered "neighbours" to give you a feel for what I can see. So hopefully I will be able to deliver more images than I have in the past as I have always had to rely on club nights to get data as my view in Miranda is very restricted and very much light effected.

All I need now is some clear sky from around Saturday night next week would be good.

Clear skies!

Wayne

[RB]

Congrats Wayne and I hope the move goes smooth and well for you.
You'll see a big difference once you move to Waterfall.

I used to live in Sylvania for years (in the 80's) and know the area well, although it's changed quite a bit now.

Visiting the National Park was a favourite pass-time for me, fishing, hiking or just going for long drives, it's a lovely area indeed.
When Haley's Comet was at it's peak I had gone up to Stanwell Tops a few times to try and get better views.
I also finished my studies in Electronics down at Wollongong TAFE.

Looking forward to your images from the new location.

Cheers mate.

[ngcles]

Hi Wayne,

I reckon that's a good move Wayne. You're only a few K's down the road from me at Engadine.

Are you a member at Sutherland Astronomical Society? (It's hard to know evereyone!).


Best.

Les D

[madwayne]

I am indeed Les, have been for about 12 or 18 months. We met once out at Bargo, my laptop was screaming out light about half way down the air strip when you and a few others were down the South end and we got clouded out. I will make a point of introducing myself to you at Mudgee mid April and sharing a glass or three of red.

The move will make for a very quick trip home after Waterfall Oval nights and I will only be about 40 minutes from Bargo (at a guess).

Wayne

[cruiser]

Hi Wayne,

Its great to hear you are making it to a more suitable sight for casual viewing from home.

Looking forward to seeing some shots from the new location. You certainly wont know yourself being able to go out at weeknights.

Brett

[madwayne]

Gidday Brett

Good to hear from you and thanks for your well wishes.

Hows that HEQ5Pro and ED100 going? Must nearly be time for an upgrade :lol:.

Wayne

[cruiser]

The gear is going very well although cant say the same for Sydney skies of late, but its looking ok for tonight if I get the chance.

You do know that when you get things set up at the new place Sydney wont see clear skies for at least 6 months and you'll have to travel elsewhere ;).

[madwayne]

Brett

Wash out your mouth!

I have made a sacrifice for all astronomers in greater Sydney. I have bought no new gear for months and months, 50D's and lenses don't count in Wayne's World, and moved house. I can't do much more.

It does look like it will be a belter tonight. My gear is in Canberra at the moment but I will have it back to me at the end of this week. I had left it at my parents with all the house moving plans and other stuff going on it was best not being home distracting me.

Wayne