SVAA October 2009 Astro camp.

[mill]

IT'S SNAKE VALLEY CAMP TIME AGAIN :eyepop::eyepop::eyepop:

16TH - 20TH OCTOBER 2009

Booking for the 9th 'Snake Valley Astronomy Camp':
There are 12 bunkhouses ranging from 2 bunks to 8 bunks.
The Camping Area/Observing field will accommodate about 40 tents/caravans.

There is power supplied to the Observing Field :thumbsup:

FEES:
Bunkhouses (per person)
2 nights $40.00
3 nights $60.00
4 nights $80.00

Campsite (per person)
1 night $18.00
2 nights $36.00
3 nights $54.00
4 nights $72.00

Children under 5 y.o. - FREE

The Spectacular 'SATURDAY NIGHT FEAST' will be on again!
Adults -$20.00 - Under 15 yo -$15.00


We will need to know:
* How many nights you are booking in (1, 2, 3, or 4)
* Which nights (Fri, Sat, Sun, Mon)
* Bunkhouse or Camping
* How many people are you booking in
* Will you be booking a Saturday Night Feast

Please note, Bunkhouses CANNOT be booked for one night only.
We have previously lost bookings due to bunkhouses being used for only one night when people wanted to book them for 3 or 4 nights and couldn't because of the one night stayer booking it first.
Alternatively, the Campsite is available for one night if that's all you can stay.

To make your booking easier, please copy/paste this list below into your post and fill it out.
Thank you :)


Name -
Number of Nights -
Which nights -
How many people in your booking -
Bunkhouse or Campsite -
Saturday Night Feast -


Please provide these details in here with your booking :thumbsup:
It is important or we can't book you in properly and some one else may get your booking.

[erick]

My booking is in already. Four nights! Fingers crossed for four great nights! :thumbsup:

[danielsun]

I'm in for the 4 nights in a bunkhouse and the Saturday night feast.

Thanks Mill.;)


Cheers Daniel.

[mill]

You are booked in Daniel :thumbsup:

[Hagar]

I'm booked in. Can't wait. This is a very layed back camp with a bunch of great freinds. Looking forward to seeing you all again.

[stephenb]

Definately wanting to get there for the first time. Just trying to decided - Bunkhouse or swag? mmmm

What the Saturday Night Feast all about??

[erick]

Fund-raising for the local CFA brigade. Roast, veg and salad and lots of desserts - usually all you can eat then, and early am snacks for the next two nights!

[mill]

Stephen.
The tent is more adventuress because of all the snakes in Snake valley :P
The roast is just a culinary delight for the taste buds :thumbsup:

Please let me know when you made a decision :)

Martin.

[erick]

An awful lot more power cables to trip over than snakes!

[barx1963]

Name - Malcolm Barker
Number of Nights - 2
Which nights -Friday and Saturday
How many people in your booking -1
Bunkhouse or Campsite -Campsite
Saturday Night Feast - Yes

Looking forward to it again!

[mill]

Thank you Malcolm :)
You are booked in.
Looking forward seeing you there.

[stephenb]

Name - Stephen Ball
Number of Nights - 1
Which nights - Saturday
How many people in your booking - 1
Bunkhouse or Campsite - Campsite
Saturday Night Feast - Yes

[mill]

Thank you Stephen you are booked in :)

[mill]

Only two months to go till the Snake Valley camp :eyepop:
Book now to avoid dissapointment.

[danielsun]

Can't wait.:)

[Jen]

Aww man im hanging out to go to one of these events big time and i think this one is the closest to me how many km's from Swan Hill to Snake Valley is it again :help:
I seriously need some astro lessons ;):whistle:

[mill]

Jen it looks like you are only about 248 Km from Ballarat :)
Comon i know you want to come and be under the stars with a bunch of loonies :P
PS: There will be some good people there to teach you astro lessons :)

[stephenb]

Jen, this is my first astro camp in some 20 years. COme straight down to Bendigo, then south to Castlemaine, onto Daylesford then Ballarat. It's a lovely drive, with some great provincial towns to stop through!

[erick]

Just do it, Jen! :thumbsup:

300km, 4hr - Easy :hi:

[Jen]

:D Ok cool thats an easy trip i do like driving :P
I just need to wait till hubby forgets that he had to take time off work tomorrow to look after the kids while i take off and rock it out in Melbourne with P!NK again :lol: And i will throw this trip to him see how i go hehe WISH ME LUCK
Is there many kids that go there around 8 to 14 year olds?
Maybe i just kidnap them and take em wif me lol, well my 14 year old daughter wont be interested she couldnt give two hoots whats up there in the sky but my 8 year old son loves astronomy ;)

[byronpaul]

Jen,

I'll be there with my 12 yo son for 3 nights - Fri ~ Sun.

He spends a bit of time in the evening observing with me and then goes to bed. By day to watches a bit of TV (in the caravan), plays DS, kicks the footy, etc. He wasn't bored at all at the March camp and is looking forward to going.

I can vouch for the value of this camp. I learn't heaps and it's great to see what the experts are doing and then go and try it yourself. As Doug (Hagar) said, it is really laid back. It's also a lot of fun seeing the friendly banter between the "imagers" of their hits and misses ....

The guys are really open to questions and have plenty of advise to dish out if you need it. It's also great being able to check out their equipment that's there including experimenting a bit with eyepieces, filters, etc, in your scope.

Hope to see you there

[danielsun]

Come along Jen, It is a good friendly group and i'm sure you will really enjoy it. :thumbsup:


Cheers Daniel.

[Jen]

:thumbsup::thumbsup:Aww thanks guys keep talking ya neally talking me into it hahahha ( i better start doing some sweet talking around the house ) :lol:
Maybe if i let hubby buy his meg welder that might just be my ticket to go :rofl::rofl:

[leon]

Hey Jen, if you get tired coming to Snake Valley :shrug: you can rest up at my place, have a coffee, or something stronger, :whistle: I'm only a 19 minute drive from the Astro Camp.


Leon :thumbsup:

[mill]

Dont fall for that Jen ;) :rofl::rofl::rofl::rofl:

[Jen]

:lol::lol::lol: Ill remember that Leon :thumbsup::rofl:
:D

[stephenb]

Hey Paul, hope to catch up with you at SV.

Jen, you never mentioned before that the poor man needs a new welder?? Well, that changes everything!! :lol:

[Jen]

:lol::lol: yeah well that should keep him amused for a while :lol:;)

[byronpaul]

Yes ..... we never did catch-up.

Really looking forward to the camp ...... not only is the observing great at night, but the days are just so relaxing:zzz2:

[Jen]

:thumbsup::thumbsup::thumbsup: ok bugger it im gonna do it ;)
Count me in guys im coming to party up and learn a thing or two while im there :D

[mill]

Jen can you fill this in please so we know how many nights you will be there and post it back here?
Would be nice to meet you at SV camp.

Name -
Number of Nights -
Which nights -
How many people in your booking -
Bunkhouse or Campsite -
Saturday Night Feast -

Martin.

[Jen]

:thumbsup::thumbsup: Awsome Martin i think im gonna rough it and take a campsite :D
Im not sure how many people im bringing yet so i will fill that out for you in the next couple of days. Friday, Sat and Sunday i think :P
Will let ya know as soon as i can :)
Cant wait wooohoooo :whistle:

[mill]

That is ok Jen :thumbsup:
Looking forward to it and watch the snakes :P

[Starkler]

Name - Geoff
Number of Nights - 2 maybe 3
Which nights - fri,sat
How many people in your booking - 1
Bunkhouse or Campsite - bunkhouse
Saturday Night Feast - yes

:thumbsup:

[Jen]

:scared: huh snakes oh they dont bother me as much as spiders do :lol::lol::scared:

Ok i need tips on recomendations on what to take so far on my list is a esky full of alcohol :lol: (we are allowed alcohol right):P
I havnt been camping in a long long time :rolleyes: I think i better start practising putting the tent up before i make a fool of myself LMAO :rofl:
Whats the weather like in that cold place that time of year if it still gets dewy its prob no point in bringing the scope it will fog up in 10 minutes :doh::shrug:

[mill]

Geoff you are booked in and it would be nice to catch up again :thumbsup:

[mill]

Alcohol is very good because the nights will be still a bit nippy :lol:
Bring the scope (i have a paint stripper gun in the van, that'l teach the dew :D).
Just joking :rofl: , most of us pretty boys will have a hair dryer :whistle:
For the scope afcourse:help:

[byronpaul]

Jen,

campsite is pretty basic - it's more just an open field. There is power to this area but that's mostly used for the scopes.

You don't really need to bring any kitchen or cooking stuff as you can use the facilities there. There is a big kitchen with fridges, stoves, pots, pans, cutlery, kettles, plates, etc.

You would need to bring your own food and drink, but most people opt for the Feast on the Saturday night.

Bring as much alcohol as you can pack :drink: ..... helps keep you warm when your out observing :astron: ....

Yes, you'll need heaps of warm clothes and sleeping stuff ... it does get cold at night. :cold: But the days are usual good.:sunny:

Toilets and shower facilities are also provided ... they even have hot water :D

There are also plenty of people on hand to help erect tents, etc, so that won't be a problem.

As mill said, bring your scope!!!!

[Starkler]

Jen it can get down to 0 overnight so make sure you bring plenty of warm clothes and bedding. Two blankets were not enough for me so I ended up sleeping in my freezer suit :ashamed:

[Jen]

:lol::lol::lol::lol:

[Jen]

:eyepop: 0 degrees at nite time in October :cold::cold:
Ok lots of alcohol, lots of food and lots and lots of warm clothes and blankys and scope oops neally forgot that :rofl:ok got that on my list.
Thanks guys :thumbsup: im getting really excited i fell like a little kid hanging out to go the candy store :lol:

IS IT OCTOBER YET?? :D:lol:

[danielsun]

Only 5 weeks to go!!

[Jen]

:eyepop::eyepop: i better start packing :rofl::rofl:

[nickatnite]

I would like to sign up for the Saturday night if its not too late!

Name - Nick Croucher
Number of Nights - 1
Which nights - Saturday
How many people in your booking - 1
Bunkhouse or Campsite - Only a very small campsite required
Saturday Night Feast - Sounds lovely

I'm a bit of a newb, but I am really keen to meet some nice people and hopefully get some good advice.

[stephenb]

Martin, is there somewhere to cook a breakfast in the morning? Otherwise I'll just bring my camping stove.

[erick]

Full kitchen - gas cook top, oven, microwave ovens, toasters, fridges, jugs plus moths and flies to taste.

[erick]

We'll be on our bestest behaviour - except no promises about the fight for dessert at the Feast :D

If you get in by early afternoon, that might be a good time to chat and get advice, before it gets dark.

My apologies for Sat afternoon - I have had a commitment arise back in Melbourne - I'll have to go to town and get back after dark - see if there are any Feast scraps left :sadeyes:

[stephenb]

Phew, if "the horned one" won't be there, will that mean more food for the rest of us? :lol:

[Jen]

;) cool :thumbsup:

[stephenb]

Whenever I go camping, I normally bring my own stove, or have a campfire, but I suspect the campfire is not an option at SV

I love cookups and regularly to a big country brekky, both at home and at work (because we are all shift workers, our workplace has a kitchen).

Better bring a second esky. :campfire: :cheers:

[Jen]

:hi::hi: woohooo see you all there ;)


IS IT OCTOBER YET? :P

[mill]

Nick and Jen you are both booked in (your sister too Jen :) ).
PS: what is your sisters name?

[leon]

Bloody Hell Jen, :scared: no it is not October yet, ;) but it is not far away. ;);) :lol: :lol:

Leon :thumbsup:

[Jen]

Woohoooo my sis name is Carolynn :thumbsup:


:lol::lol: nice Leon the PINK suits you hehe ;)

:lol::lol: look out guys here i come it will proberly be the last camp i get invited to :rofl::rofl:

[Starkler]

Might need to update my booking to include an extra of the Dave47tuc variety.

[erick]

:thumbsup:

[Dave47tuc]

Yep I will b there. Thanks to Geoff :thumbsup:

Friday Saturday and where in for the feast please:)

[DavidU]

I might try and tag along for this one.

[mill]

David you are booked in and it will be a pleasure to see you again.

DavidU as soon as you know something defenitive can you let me know please?

[desler]

Name - Darren (desler)
Number of Nights - 4
Which nights - Fri, Sat, Sun Mon
How many people in your booking - 1
Bunkhouse or Campsite - Campsite
Saturday Night Feast - Yes Please.



Darren

[pgc hunter]

don't you know that UDLs bugger up ya night vision?

My beverage of choice would be pink Nesquik, I suggest you follow my lead. :P

[mill]

Darren you are booked in :)

Who needs night vision when you are drunk and the scope takes pic automagically pgchunter :P

[mill]

PS: Only about 4 weeks to go :cool::cool::2thumbs::2thumbs::eyep op::driving::rockband::stargaze::st argaze::ship2::party2::party2::part y::party::newbie::gday::birthday::c lap::clap::rundog::rundog:

[danielsun]

Glad to hear you can make it Dave, look forward to catching up,:thumbsup:

[Jen]

:lol::lol: yeah well thats why i got all you guys there to do all that for me while i kick back on the deck chairs and learn :rofl::rofl:

A strawberry Nesquik does sound nice though for brekky ;)

[pgc hunter]

learn to drink pink Nesquick? I can teach you if you wish.

[COLOR=darkorchid][B]

It's my favourite colour of Nesquik aswell. Also pink Cruisers are really super awesome on cloudy nights, even if the cute Dan Murphys checkout chick thinks I'm a fruitcake for buying it.

[Jen]

:lol::lol: i love the banana nesquik too ;)

[pgc hunter]

yes but the pink one is uber superior. If you want to be awesome like me, you must drink pink Nesquick and also pink Cruisers, particularly if you want to look hard infront of your mates.

There is no shame in drinking pink beverages.

[Jen]

:D ok its a deal :thumbsup: so are you coming to the SVVA camp this year i will have one of them with ya so pack one in your esky with my name on it :lol:

[pgc hunter]

Na I'm not goin.....

my hot pink nesquick shall be consumed at home.

[Jen]

:sadeyes::mad2: awww cmon it will be fun the clouds will be clear there :lol:
I had a chat with them the other nite :rofl:

[stephenb]

Two requests...

1. Will there be anyone attending with a PST during Saturday arvo?

2. Will there be an AN in attendance on Saturday night?

[pgc hunter]

ahhhh no can do sorry, long story........

[erick]

AN = Argo Navis? Maybe mine, if my SDM is ready by then. What do you have in mind?

[stephenb]

I wanted to secretly strip it from the owner's scope and mount it on mine :lol:
Seriously, I just wanted to see one in action. Fingers crossed SDM039 will be in attendance.

[erick]

Happy to, if I can. :)

[Paddy]

Just booked in for the Saturday night. I'm looking forward to catching up with everyone.

[mill]

Only 1 Month to go until the SVAA camp :cool::cool::driving::stargaze::sta rgaze::party2:

[Jen]

:clap::clap::clap:

[peterbat]

Name - Peter Batchelor (peterbat)
Number of Nights - 2
Which nights - Friday, Saturday
How many people in your booking - 1
Bunkhouse or Campsite - Campsite
Saturday Night Feast - Yes Please

[peterbat]

Hi Stephen, I've just booked in for Friday and Saturday nights. I'll have an AN on my Lightbridge 16.

Peter

[Jen]

Is it October yet?
:rofl::rofl::rofl:

:question::question:

:D

[leon]

Hi guys well I suppose I had better come again, last time was just great, ;) below please find my booking and details.

LG :D


Name - Leon Geljon :) :)
Number of Nights - 4 :thumbsup:
Which nights - All Nights :thumbsup:
How many people in your booking - I
Bunkhouse or Campsite - Campsite, and a cover for the SS, please :lol: :lol:
Saturday Night Feast - Absolutely :thumbsup:

Leon :thumbsup:

[byronpaul]

Good to see Leon ..... you can pass on a bit more knowledge to us newbies ... :P

[mill]

Ok Leon you are booked in :thumbsup: and no way you get a cover for your SS, even though it looks nice :P (it is still a Holden :rofl::rofl::rofl: ).

[stephenb]

Beauty Peter, thanks. Looking forward to mettng up with everyone.



Still a few weeks to get this horrible weather out of the way, Jen.

[Jen]

:clap::clap::clap:
Good on ya Leon see ya there :thumbsup:

Any more late campers need to sign up ;) c'mon it will be fun :thumbsup:

[mill]

Almost Jen almost :) :party2::tasdevil::tasdevil:

[leon]

My God, she is excitable. isn't she, :tasdevil::tasdevil: how the hell are we going to tame her when she arrives. :shrug::shrug:

Leon :thumbsup:

[mill]

Leon i have various sizes of straight jackets :2thumbs::2thumbs::2thumbs::wink2:: wink2::evil2::evil2:

[leon]

Thanks Martin, :help: I'm sure it will take more than one of us to handle this one. :lol: :lol: :shrug:

Leon :thumbsup:

[Jen]

:lol::lol: LMAO why would you wanna tame me its gonna take more than a straight jacket to tame me down :lol::P:P:P:P
Is it October yet :rofl:

[barx1963]

Martin

Can I change my Booking to a Cabin/Bunkhouse?
Details now are
Name - Malcolm Barker (barx1963)
Number of Nights - 2
Which nights - Friday, Saturday
How many people in your booking - 1
Bunkhouse or Campsite - Cabin
Saturday Night Feast - Yes

Thanks!
Malcolm

[mill]

Malcolm you are now booked in for a cabin/bunkhouse.

Cheers Martin.

Whoooooohooooo!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Only 16 day's to go.

[dalemadison]

Name - Dale Madison
Number of Nights - 2
Which nights - Friday/Saturday
How many people in your booking - 1
Bunkhouse or Campsite - Campsite
Saturday Night Feast - Yes

[Starkler]

Yes it is :D

[pgc hunter]

My sources tell me her weakness is UDL's. Get a couple of cases of those and you're good to go :thumbsup:

[stephenb]

Martin, I need to change my booking to a bunkhouse, I'll PM you.

[mill]

Dale you are booked in :thumbsup:

[leon]

Martin, what is the total number to date coming, :shrug: can you put up a list of names like last year, sorry to make more work for you, :P na not really. :lol:

Leon :thumbsup:

[mill]

Bugger Leon :P
Here it is then.

Ken,
Eric,
John G,
Doug (Hagar),
Dan,
Daniel (Danielsun),
Martin (Mill),
Malcolm,
Stephen,
Paul,
Geoff (starkler),
Margaret,
Rodney.
Nick,
Jen,
Carolynn,
Dave 47Tuc,
Peter (exfso),
Darren (desler),
Patrick (canis minor),
Peter (Peterbat)
Leon
Dale

[byronpaul]

Can't wait ..... will be packing the caravan this weekend in readiness .... as next weekend is BATHURST :driving::driving::driving:

Looking forward to meeting new people, trying new things and improving my knowledge of the night sky and it's wonders :astron:

[mill]

Stephen your booking is changed :thumbsup:

Cheers Martin.

[leon]

Well thank you very much Martin, ;) sorry to have bothered you. :P :lol:

Leon :thumbsup:

[erick]

Looks like I won't have my 12" rebuild by camp. No problem - please just be nice to any guy you see wandering around camp with an eyepiece case looking for a scope to play with :sadeyes:

[byronpaul]

erick .... you welcome to give my scope a run for it's money .... :thumbsup:

I certainly got more out of the last experience having you set me a few targets :P

[Rod]

Hi Martin,

I just came across this thread and am interested in coming on the Friday and Saturday. Are there any rooms in the bunkhouse left? Also where can I get directions?

Thanks,

Rod.

[mill]

Hi Rod.

I think that there is one bunkhouse left.
If not, are you willing to share a bunk house with someone without smelly feet and snoring :P
Also will you be attending the Saturday night feast?

Cheers Martin.

[Rod]

Hi Martin,

Yes I am happy to share and promise to keep my feet clean! I'll be there for the feast. So book me in.

I'll be bringing a 12 inch motorised newt.

Can I get a map from somewhere?

Thanks,

Rod.

[Paddy]

You're most welcome to spend as much time as you like at my scope Eric

[mill]

Hi rod here are 2 images to show the road to the camp.

[Rod]

Thanks Martin,

I look forward to meeting everyone.

Rod.

[erick]

You mean I don't get a room mate again :sadeyes:

[erick]

You are evil Paddy! :D I should have said - 12" aperture and less - I cannot afford to be tempted by bigger! I'm informed by greater powers that this is my last telescope! ;)

[mill]

:rofl::rofl::rofl:You got that right Erick :hi:

[mill]

Rod you are booked in :)

[peterbat]

Hi Eric, I'll have my LB16 there... You're welcome to spend as much time as you like on it :-)
Gave the primary a quick clean this afternoon, but not really happy with the result - seemed like a lot of stuff not coming off and a few spots where the coating has oxidized. Be keen to get advice during the weekend from anyone...
Peter

[Paddy]

I know the feeling, Eric. This is (theoretically) my last scope too. But you might be surprised at how well a 12" stacks up against a 16". There is a difference, but when I was deciding about upgrading, I compared my 12" side by side with 16" and 18" scopes I wasn't blown away by the bigger scopes.

[stephenb]

Here we go :rolleyes:... "my mirror's bigger than your mirror" :lol::lol:

[mill]

Whoohooo better over compensating than undercompensating :P

2 weeks to go gents and girls :)

[peterbat]

In hindsight I think I would have preferred to go for a 12". Much easier to move around, and the views don't seem to be THAT MUCH better with the 16".

Peter

[barx1963]

Only 8 more sleeps!:D:D

[erick]

OMG! Who can sleep!! Come on next week!

[DavidU]

Ok, is there any bunk houses left?

[mill]

Yes David still 2 bunk houses left.

[byronpaul]

This time next week I'll be there :party2:

[barx1963]

You can tell we're in Vic were observing events are fewer than for our Northern cousins, everyones getting excited.
7 days to go!!!!:face:

[mill]

Huh? Who is excited?

:cool::cool::cool::cool::cool::cool ::cool::cool::cool::cool::cool::coo l::cool::cool::cool::cool::cool::co ol::cool::cool::cool::cool::cool::c ool::cool::cool::cool::cool::cool:: cool::cool::cool::cool::cool::cool: :cool::cool::cool::cool::cool::cool ::cool::cool::cool::cool::cool::coo l::cool::cool::cool::cool::cool::co ol::cool::cool::cool::cool::cool::c ool::cool::cool::cool::cool::cool:: cool::cool::cool::cool::cool::cool: :cool::cool::cool::cool::cool::cool ::cool::cool::cool::cool::cool::coo l::cool::cool::cool::cool::cool::co ol::cool::cool::cool::cool::cool::c ool::cool::cool::cool::cool: :cool::cool::cool::cool::cool::cool ::cool::cloudy::cloudy::cloudy::clo udy::cloudy::cloudy::cloudy::cloudy ::cloudy::cloudy::cloudy::cloudy::c loudy::cloudy::cloudy::cloudy::clou dy::cloudy::cloudy::cloudy::cloudy: :cloudy::cloudy::cloudy::cloudy::cl oudy::cloudy::cloudy::cloudy::cloud y::cloudy::cloudy::cloudy::cloudy:: cloudy::cloudy::cloudy::cloudy::clo udy::cloudy::cloudy::cloudy::cloudy ::cloudy::cloudy::cloudy::cloudy::c loudy::cloudy::cloudy::cloudy::clou dy::cloudy::cloudy::cloudy::cloudy: :cloudy::cloudy:

[erick]

I snuck a peek at the forecast. Promising.

[leon]

Martin you idiot, :lol: :lol: :lol: but I know where you are coming from. ;)

Leon :thumbsup: :thumbsup:

[Jen]

:D:eyepop::eyepop: 5 more sleeps

I practised putting up the tent today hehe

Oh and my sister has now become my brother my sis pulled out due to work so im bringing my brother Corey instead

:D:D:D:D:D

[mill]

Pfwhewwwww!!!!!! i first thought she had a sex change :rofl::rofl::rofl::rofl:

[Jen]

:lol::lol::lol::lol: lmao

Ok so hows the weather looking for the weekend any idea yet ?

[Dave47tuc]

They are predicting rain for most of the week. And a cold front going through Sth Vic Thursday into Friday and Saturday.:sadeyes:

BUT that can be ok because when it clears and it always does it will be very nice sky :stargaze:

[leon]

Better the wet and clouds now, ;) and the clear skies on Friday. :thumbsup:

Leon :thumbsup:

[Jen]

:eyepop::eyepop: oh man this yucky weather better go away grrrrrrr

Ok whats the back up plan for crappy weather where is the best pub to go to ? :P Bit of karaoke or a cool band or doof doof stuff im happy i love to dance and party the night away as you all might have noticed hehe :cool::cool:

Hey Leon look out if my tent gets flooded out im hijacking your caravan :rofl::rofl::rofl:

[leon]

Hey Jen just want to remind you, you are in Snake Valley, ;) there is no night life, other than us standing under the stars. :lol: :lol:.

It has a general store, :eyepop: and one pub, :eyepop: but not the type you may be accustomed to. :P

Leon :thumbsup:

[leon]

Oh I see Jen, is that why you brought your brother instead of your sister, :confuse3::confuse3::confuse3:some stand over tactics hmmmm :lol::lol:.

Leon :thumbsup:

[richardda1st]

If it's not to late I would like to join in on the saturday. :D

More than happy, no, I will insist that Eric make use of my scope.
Remember Eric, Size Doesn't Matter.


Name -Richard Busuttil
Number of Nights -1
Which nights -Saturday
How many people in your booking -1
Bunkhouse or Campsite -Camp
Saturday Night Feast -YES

Must make sure to put super glue on my focuser just before Eric inserts one of his lenses.:rofl:

[mill]

Ok you are booked in Richard.

Superglue ready for use :P

[Jen]

:lol::lol:yes Leon he is my baby brother but he is 6'3 im only 5'2 :rofl::rofl:
I need someone to pitch the tent for me LMAO :lol:

[Jen]

3 more sleeps
:party::party::party:

:jump:
C'mon guys any more late comers hehe
How many have we got coming now :D;)

[mill]

Well Richard is coming and DavidU.
In total 30 humans are coming. (Is that politically correct these day's?? :P ).

Ps: David your IIS personal messaging isn't working and your email address is unreachable.

Could you enter the night's here and if you are coming to the Saturday night meal? Also you can pay in full at camp or per night.

[mill]

Don't forget that we will be having 'live' music on Saturday Afternoon before the Feast

[Jen]

Really hey thats cool i didnt know that :P i hope it Pink Floyd or Pink :rofl::rofl:
As long as its not country music hahahhaa :question:

[mill]

Well i have "The wall from Pink Floyd (video)" and the Pink concert here on the puter (also video).
Will bring my projector with me so we can play movies etc.

[Jen]

:clap::clap::clap::clap:
:tasdevil::tasdevil::tasdevil:

[richardda1st]

Thanks Martin, looking forward to meeting some of the ISS members.

Birds of a feather - astronomy and the Floyd.

[Starkler]

I can bring the new star trek (2009) movie if anyone wants to see it.
Nahhh you have all already seen it I bet :P

[erick]

Wish I still had the 6mm GSO plossl! :lol:

[erick]

OK, I can toss in Pink Floyd Pulse DVD and a few David Gilmore concerts.

Who is bringing the big surround sound system with sub-woofer?

Some Space DVDs as well?

If we want to do videos in the Rec room, we have to find a way to cover those upper windows?

[richardda1st]

Pulse yes, :D

6mm :eyepop:NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO

[mill]

Talking about old movies :P :P

[Dave47tuc]

With all this chatter one would think it will be cloudy all weekend. Music, Videos, Astro camp not so much:D

Who's bringing:drink: the beer oh BYO no problems:lol:

[leon]

Yep David, they are talking as if the clouds and rain will be there all weekend, :sadeyes: "THEY OF LITTLE FAITH" :P

Leon :thumbsup:

[DavidU]

Leon, are you going to show us that beaut Holden of yours?:D

[richardda1st]

David, get back to work solving my azimuth problem, please.:P

[danielsun]

Last weather report said showers clearing Saturday but it seems Sunday and Monday nights sound promising for clear night skies.
Can't wait.



Cheers Daniel.

[DavidU]

Shall do !

[leon]

Ah yes David it will be there, it has to pull the caravan mate, talk to you soon.


Leon

[Jen]

:) Um so am i going to have to wear a name tag so you all know who i am LOL :lol::lol::lol: Is there going to be any other wifeys there :lol:

[byronpaul]

erick, I've got surround sound in the caravan ..... but we'll have to draw staws with my young bloke who's already got his pile of DVD's lined up :P

[mill]

Saturday afternoons Live Entertainment
4:20 - Jam Sandwich
4:30 - Be Good to John
and maybe a possible appearance from Kevin Thompson

followed by the Saturday Night Feast at 6:00pm

[leon]

Na Jen we will know who you are, or just wear something pink, so we can identify you.

Leon

[Jen]

:lol::lol::lol: :lol::lol::lol:

[mill]

Two more day's :2thumbs::2thumbs::cool::cool::rock band::astron:

[DavidU]

Martin, is there bands playing? Very short set lists .

[DavidU]

The weather is looking a bit sad. Will it still be on if the weather is bad?

[erick]

Absolutely! Over several evenings there will be quality observing time - that has been the past experience.

[Dave47tuc]

The weather will get better. If I know that area I would bet Sunday or Monday night will be great. We may even see it clearing Saturday night:thumbsup:

[leon]

You must have faith my sons. :lol: :lol: :lol: it will be a ripper of an event, laid back and very hospitable, weather is of no concern, it is on regardless, ;) see you all there :thumbsup:

Leon :thumbsup:

[mill]

Yeh dont look at all those hurricanes and monsoons approaching :P
The event will go on as usual, although with some shaking mounts :rofl::rofl:
See ya all tomorrow or the day after tomorrow or the day after that or or or :lol: :hi:

[Paddy]

Forecast for Sunday includes frost - this sounds good for viewing Saturday night!

[Starkler]

Giving advance notice that myself and Dave might arrive Saturday instead of Friday.

[Rob_K]

Good luck everyone, I know you'll all have a fantastic time!! :thumbsup: Would have loved to have gone, but didn't quite work out this time...

Cheers -

[Jen]

It sure will be still on because i will still be there :lol::lol:

What time are some of you getting there tomorrow ?

:campfire::campfire::campfire:

[DavidU]

Sat arvo after work etc. Is there bands? or entertainment? a post above alluded there was.
I'm trying to get my wife to come as well.( limited by $)

[Jen]

Yep there sure is :thumbsup:

[barx1963]

Well its been raining all day here in Colac, but the sun is out now so hopefully thats the worst of it:D
Sunday forecsat on the Elders site http://www.eldersweather.com.au/vic/central/ballarat
Shows frost then sunny for Sunday so that is hopeful!

[nickatnite]

I have some bad news :-(

A work emergency has me on a flight to Wellington tomorrow morning so I wont be able to make it on Saturday as I had planned. So no looking up for me at all this weekend, but more catastrophic, I will be missing out on the feast as well.

:(

Nick

[mill]

That is ok Geoff.

See you and Dave on Saturday.

[mill]

I'll be there at about 11am Jen.

[mill]

Depends on what time you will be there and you didn't make a booking yet.
The Saturday night feast starts at 6pm and before that, the bands have been playing.

[Jen]

:thumbsup::thumbsup: ok cool i think i will leave Swan Hill about lunch time so i be there around 4ish :D:D:D

One more sleep :P
:cool::cool::cool:

[Rod]

Hi Martin,

Unfortunately I can no longer come this weekend. Given the late notice, I'm happy to cover the costs. PM me an address and I'll forward a cheque.

Hope you all have a great time.

Rod.

[DavidU]

Dave (DavidU)
* How many nights you are booking in (2)
* Which nights (Sat, Sun)
* Bunkhouse
* How many people are you booking in 1
* Will you be booking a Saturday Night Feast (yes)

[byronpaul]

I'm planning to get there about lunchtime Friday, set-up, then sit back and RELAX :jump::party::drink::zzz:

[mill]

Thanks David, you are booked in :)
Looking forward to meeting you :thumbsup:

[mill]

Rod that is ok, we do not require a payment :)

Cheers Martin.

[mill]

All those who will come to the SVAA camp, disregard the above, we do require a payment :P

[danielsun]

Can't wait!!! Hoping to get there at about 2:pm.


Cheers Daniel.

[Jen]

:) me too but im going crazy here trying to find a driver for my DSI cam to work with vista (its not working dam it) :bashcomp::bashcomp::bashcomp:
:tasdevil::tasdevil::tasdevil::tasd evil:
:argue:
:help:

[barx1963]

Should be there about 2-30pm, work permitting! Nearly packed. Can't wait. It's clear as a bell outside at the moment, hope it continues.....

[danielsun]

Jen, do you have a meade DSI pro? If so I have the driver disc for mine and will bring it with me.


Cheers Daniel.

[stephenb]

Hi Martin,

I have to pull out of the camp due to a (small) family emergency. I have emailed you.

I hope you all have a great weekend. :thumbsup::thumbsup:

[Jen]

No more sleeps yayyyyyy
Im on my way can i get a mobile number off one of you guys in case i get lost PM me please :P
See ya all soon :thumbsup::thumbsup::thumbsup:

[DavidU]

Anyone there yet? Anyone live on the internet??

[stephenb]

Is there anyone online up at SV? I hope the skies clouds have cleared for you all and sorry I cannot make it this weekend. We look forward to some reports soon.

[DavidU]

Well I finally got there at 8.30pm (work) I managed to meet most of the folks and watched Doug do a PS job on NGC253 (awesome).
The clouds were high but intermittently thick, and at about 12.00 it was excellent seeing (albeit dewy).
There was a lot of imaging going on in the lower field and I watched and chatted till about 1.30 when frost bite took over LOL.
I suspect there will be some fine images from Doug, Martin and co.

[barx1963]

Got back from Snake Valley this AM. Great 2 days, weather was not perfect but a couple of crystal clear hours after about 11-30 on Sat night made it all worthwhile. Thanks Ken and everyone else involved for the hospitality, the music, the food at the feast and the conversations. Good to see Jan having a great time seeing new objects, I thinks its time you got yourself a dob Jen, someone sell her one!
Very pleased that my 12" proved as useful as the couple of 16"ers there on the brighter targets, very happy as it was the first time the beast has been under an even vaguely dark sky.
I have attached some photos of the camp ground, some shots I took of a family of swans on the lake with 4 or 5 cygnets and a pic of the slightly crooked security light that was vandal proof until XXXXX got involved!!!

See you all next time. Hope the weather is OK for the next 2 nights.

Malcolm

[Paddy]

Ah, yes, it was good. Arrived Saturday and left Sunday. It was great to catch up with some people I knew and great to meet some for the first time. And 3 hours or so of good observing. Thanks Ken, Martin, Eric and all the Snake Valley crew for a great time. And I have to say as a strictly visual type of astronomy chap, Doug's demo of processing in Photoshop was amazing! What some of you imaging types know and can do is astonishing.

[desler]

Just finished my Nana-nap after getting my imaging set-up working last night in some of the best dark skies I've seen. I say that I got it working, but the assistance provided and advice and help offered from Doug, John, Peter, Martin and Daniel had to be seen to be believed.

And always, ken, albeit slightly under the weather, was the consummate host, with stories, live entertainment and a friendly welcoming environment.

I haven't even attempted processing the data I captured last night, but have a wealth of new things to try, It was my image of 253 that Doug tackled to the ooohs and ahhhhs of the watching crowd! To be honest my jaw dropped when I saw his final product with my data, I simply had no idea that the data was even there, oh that learning curve gets steeper and steeper.

All in all, given a couple of average weather days, I've had more fun and laughs in the last few days, and learnt more, than in the last year, Thanks all, yes, including you Jen!

Bring on March!

Darren

[erick]

Shush! ;)

[erick]

Guess who got lost - but finally made it there!

[erick]

All those who left Monday and before.... How can I say this tactfully.... Monday night was an excellent night!

I have 756 timelapse images between dusk and dawn - of the field and stars looking towards bearing 125 deg (between ESE and SE). Working on producing a video.

[Jen]

:eyepop:
:lol::lol::lol::lol:
shhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh.......... and i wont tell about the light LMAO;)

[Jen]

:tasdevil::tasdevil::tasdevil:

:mad2: i dont wanna know how much of a lovely nite you had with the sky i didnt want to come home dam it :D
But i had the best time ever, even though the skies wernt good to us the first few days. You guys were great :thumbsup:
But i was that tired today i slept in :lol: didnt wake up till 10am supposed to be at work at 9 :rofl:so i didnt end up going to work today either oops hahahah :lol:

[erick]

OK, like I'm a beginner here so please be like kind.

A summation of about half of the timelapse images into one image (using Startrails.exe)

Star trails (join the dots! :D ) plus obligatory aircraft plus wandering amateur astronomers.

No cleanup of the combined image afterwards - sorry.

IMAGE REMOVED - see the whole night in a later post.

[Hagar]

My summation of the Camp.......
Well I guess a great time was had by all. The weather gods didn't look to favourably on us for the first couple of days but Monday night was something else. The skies have to be seen to be believed. Even with sky glow from Melbourne and Ballarat Mag 7 stars were easy to see. Very easy.
A great bunch of people and a very relaxed atmosphere make this camp one which shouldn't be missed. Great to see you all again.

And JEN, she deserves a paragraph on her own. A bubbly personality and really just like she appears in here. Nothing stops her from having a good time. She teamed up with Tanglefoot (Leon) now that's another story, to visit every telescope on the field, gave Erics Newtonian an errection looking at the pelicans on the lake (where is the photo Eric?) and managed to survive her 4 days with a bunch of blokes without anyone tormenting her too much, even though at times she deserved some torment.

The facilities at this camp are really second to none when you look at a lot of the other camps and provide space to work and play even when the weather is not so great. Definitely a must go camp for me.
Martin, Ken and the guys from Snake Valley AS deserve a real pat on the back for the organisation of the camp. Well done Guys.

I came home to a house full of termites and found they have taken a liking to my Oregon roof bearers so the Flick man is on his way and hopefully it wont be a million dollar exercise.

Book me in for March.

[erick]

May I express my appreciation to Ken and Martin for all they did to get the camp up and running and to make it a great time for all (I sincerely hope that it was). There sure was a lot of hard work, before, during and after the camp. I reckon they will be collapsed somewhere to recover.

Many others contributed to the success of the camp, but I fear missing a name, so I won't try to list them. :thumbsup:

[Paddy]

I have to add that one of the special experiences of the weekend for me was seeing Doug impersonating (perhaps unintentionally) a rather tall leprechaun.

[ballaratdragons]

:thumbsup: My pleasure.

[Dave47tuc]

Great camp again. many thanks Ken :thumbsup:
Great to catch up with everyone :thumbsup: Damn it was cold but there was plenty to drink :drink: to keep one warm eh Jen ;)

Funny thing is the first camp in 05 was no lights and even cabin lights where changed to red. But now with all this imaging:camera: lights everywhere and tents glowing like igloos on the ice :P

Sorry Jen Monday night was great :stargaze: and as you say size does matter:lol:

Thanks Geoff for the lift up and the views through your scope.
Great to talk to all the image rs as well you all do a great job for all that effort.:thumbsup:
As I said great to catch up with all and meet some new faces, see you again under the stars:stargaze:

Dave. :)

[Jen]

Awwww thanks Dougy for a paragraph of my own :D:D

Now that i have finally caught up on some much needed sleep :rofl:
I wanna say book me in again next year :rofl:
;)

[erick]

I've now summed all the 700 or so images after full dark and before dawn's first glimmerings. Done in StarTrails.

It's done a nice job of summing all the noise as well :shrug:

Sirius to the left and Canopus to the right, I think.

Best I can do - here it is:-

[barx1963]

Excellent work Erick. Looking forward to the animation.

[Jen]

:thumbsup::thumbsup: That pic looks cool Eric ;)

[erick]

Grump! Youtube is giving me an "unknown error" when I try to upload the AVI? :sadeyes:

[Paddy]

Great picture Eric. I love all the red light trails around the site!

[DavidU]

Sorry I had to leave pronto on Sun morning, MrsU has been ill.
Leons car was very nice!

[barx1963]

Ken and all. Thanks again for a great camp, looking forward to the next one. So I can do a bit of planning (my weeekends are ususllay booked in up to 6 months in advance) when is the March camp next year?

[desler]

Excellent Eric! Can't wait for the video.
Hardly managed to keep my eyes open all day, better arrange some more time off after the next camp.

Darren

[leon]

Hi Guys and Gals, ;) thanks to all for a top event, :thumbsup: it dose get better each year, and yes I am now named tangle foot, buggered if I know why :shrug: :shrug: well if tents didn't have ropes all would have been well. :lol:

Never mind, we all survived the weekend and it seemed that everyone have a good time.

The only drawback, was that I have to turn up for work this morning at 7am. :sadeyes:

Leon :thumbsup:

[danielsun]

:)Nice one Eric ,can't wait to see how the video turns out :).
I dont' know how but it just keeps getting better every year!! Thanks to Ken and everyone who attended I had a top 4 days . Also a special mention has to go to Martin (mill) for helping me iron out some pc problems, also John G and Doug (Hagar) whom are always willing to help out and share their Knowledge.
I have been busy trying to sort out the odd 250 pics I took over the weekend so here are a few for now.
And yes Jen, sorry to say but the last night was stunning:P :lol: Though we all did have lots of fun anyway.:)


Cheers Daniel.

[Jen]

:thumbsup::thumbsup::thumbsup: nice pics Daniel :D

[DavidU]

Great pix Daniel
Nice to meet you on Sat.

[erick]

I think I know why. Video shows one "desler" still going strong at dawn after everyone else had crashed (even me - I just left the camera clicking away)

[erick]

Nice captures, Daniel. Glad I pointed out the crescent Moon to you. Everyone who knows the camp site, check the water level in the lake. Highest I have ever seen.

[desler]

As I said to Doug, after three unsuccessful nights, Monday, great sky and equipment working, there was no way I was going to shut my eyes!!!!!

All good fun!


Darren

[mill]

Nice photo's Daniel (grasshopper).

[danielsun]

Thanks guys.
Yes, Nicely spotted Moon there Eric .:thumbsup:Otherwise I would have missed that.;)



Cheers Daniel.

[danielsun]

Eric, Here is the lake in March 08 and now.

[Paddy]

Nice photos, Daniel. You must have a bit of culling to do if you've got 250!

[Jen]

:eyepop: wow Daniel there is a huge difference in those pics :thumbsup:

[peterbat]

just adding my voice to the chorus of thanks to the folk from SVAA. Even though the weather wasn't fantastic on Friday and Saturday nights, we managed some time out under the stars, and as usual I came away with a few items added to my to do list...

First cab off the rank was to add a board at the base of my scope, so that airflow was forced up and around the mirror, and further up the tube. Thanks for the ideas Paddy. I used a piece of coreflute to cover the base, leaving holes for collimation knobs, feet, fans, etc. Once installed, I turned on the fan and noted an immediate difference - the cover over the top of the secondary cage inflated, and the shroud was pushed away from the trusses! :eyepop: This should help with preventing the mirrors dewing up.

Next project is dew heaters - Malcolm has given me a few ideas here, so now I'm tossing up whether to buy or build.

Already looking forward to March!

Peter

[danielsun]

Not wrong Paddy, here's a few more and also one in there of the live entertainment back up band on Saturday night ( Ken and his boys).

Cheers Daniel.

[Starkler]

As always a nice relaxing weekend and it was great to see old faces again and a few new ones.

As theres so few photos I'll put a few of mine here.

[Starkler]

Things have changed since the first SV camp back in 2005 when the field was full of silver tubed dobsonians and a few lx200's. Nowadays its mainly refractors on eq mounts with the number of cables hooked up to them accounting for the skyrocketing copper prices over the last few years.

In a field full of telescopes there were only a small handful actually equipped to take an eyepiece:confused2: They missed some lovely views of Jupiter at dusk.

So here is my nod to astrophotography.
Canon A720IS snappy, single exposure 15sec , iso800, F-something?
Processed in Irfanview (contrast/brightness sliders) :lol:

[mill]

Geoff that picture is actually pretty good.
Come over to the dark side (Dart Vader voice inserted here :P ).

[Dave47tuc]

Photo's I took with my phone:shrug:
My mum has my camera for her Holiday on a ship for a month:rolleyes:

No need to explain.

But Geoff what is Leon doing looking into your scope like that :screwy: looking for spiders :help:

[Dave47tuc]

More.

[Dave47tuc]

last little one:D

Also I forgot to say. Thank you to Martin as well as Ken for there organisation. And John G for his run through on a G8:thumbsup:

[desler]

Great Pics Dave.

Just looking at all the equipment on show is impressive.

Darren

[Jen]

:thumbsup::thumbsup::thumbsup: nice pics Geoff & Dave ;)


Hey is it March yet?:question:
:rofl::rofl:
:D

[robin]

Great pics Dave, I'll have to plan ahead & get back up to SV. Its been a while

[toetoe]

Thanks for sharing the pictures, always enjoy looking at pics from Snake Valley. Dave, those pics from your phone are fantastic, well done mate. :)

[leon]

Bloody hell, here she goes again, :lol: :lol: IS IT MARCH YET.


Leon :thumbsup:

[GTB_an_Owl]

you boy's did encourage her Leon :lol:

you won't be able to keep her away now

all future star parties will have to have live entertainment and beer fridges -
just for Jen ;)


geoff

[Jen]

:lol::lol: yes Leon i had the best time and you were all a lovely bunch of fellas. I cant wait to go again ;)


:lol::lol: Thats right Geoff they all talked me into going hehe now they wont keep me away :D

[danielsun]

Great pics there Dave and Geoff! :thumbsup:
Geoff, Nice start to your imaging. ;)

That's O.K Jen I also can't wait for March.:)




Cheers Daniel.