Blue Mountains - August

[mental4astro]

Hi all,

I've spoken to Rod at the Katoomba Airfield, and he has generously availed the airfield for astro viewing for Saturday August 22, :thumbsup::D.

After the exposed site of Hargraves, I really wanted something more protected during winter. The airstrip fits the bill.

Access to it is via Medlow Bath, turning right into Railway Pde from the Great Western HWY (coming from Sydney) & left into Rutland rd / Grand Canyon rd.

Peter (hickny) is up for the trip.

If weather permits, I'll be there a little early to set up a sign or two.

Mental

[Wavytone]

Family voted for Blue Mtns - so Blackheath it is, for this weekend (15th) and I guess 22nd as well.

[Wavytone]

Mental - checked out Govett's Leap on Saturday night - it has no streetlight these days though there were kids fooling around in cars. The trees don't help though, so the Katoomba airfield is a better compromise if you want to be out of the wind and still have a decent view of the sky.

Another area I've tried is Centennial Glen - this is the walled valley below Mt Victoria, there is a road down there from Shipley Plateau - its always dead calm in there (I've landed there in my paraglider by day), dark with good skies. Only problems are wombats and possums which are quite plentiful down there and they'll come right up to you in the dark.

[mental4astro]

I'm more concerned with Drop Bears & Bunyips. Trully mercyless animals. More U.S. service men disappeared to these than have been dropped in Kings Cross.

Does Centennial Glen fog-up much at night?

[Wavytone]

If it is foggy in the 'glen then it is calm (and clear) up the top at Hargraves. If there is an unpleasant wind at the level of Shipley Plateau no fog in the valley.

Similar applies at Mt Banks, by the way.

PS re the nightlife just realised why its no good - mozzies are a huge problem down there and there are tiny bats which will fly quite close in the dark catching the mozzies, these can give you a hell of fright.

I'm not keen on the assorted noises close by at night either which include some pretty big roos, wombats, the pesky liarbirds and horses. Not sure if the roos would have a go at kicking you either, i wouldn't want to find out at night. BTW there are roos on Shipley too, so watch the road.

[Wavytone]

Hi Mental, if its looking OK I'll head for Katoomba airstrip - ring mid arvo to see if you're going. Will bring the RKE's.

[mental4astro]

The Blue Mountains webcam shows it clear with the cloud cover moving east- good for now. It is breaking up over Sydney too.

I will call the Airfield a little later.

Ta for the EPs Wavy.

[mental4astro]

Rod has given the GREEN LIGHT. Sky clear & dry track, :thumbsup:.

See you there.