Snake Valley Jupiter & Saturn Wk/Nd.

[Dave47tuc]

Hi All. :)
As those who attended Snake Valley Star camp enjoyed it so much we are looking for people who mite want to go again early next year.

Ken has booked a Star camp for November 2006.

But this one will be much more informal. It will be held on March 3rd and 4th and 5th. 2006.
Starting Afternoon on the 3rd. finishing Sunday afternoon on the 5th
So Observing will take place on the nights of the 3rd and 4th

Reason for this weekend. We hope the weather will be good and we are looking to make it a Saturn & Jupiter weekend.
The Moon sets around 10.45 pm local time on the Saturday night.

We will use Saturday for get together Catching up checking scopes out. Solar Observing. Hints on Planetary observing etc.
No formal talks will be given so it’s just a catch up.
We shall have a BBQ dinner on Saturday (you supply own food) you will need to supply own food for all the weekend.
All basically the same as last time.

So this is basically just a get together observing catching up, swapping ideas etc.
The camp has a tentative booking and we are looking for at least 10 people to come to make it worth while.

Please let us know your thoughts and if it is too soon or too late since we had a get together.

Newer members are encouraged to attend we hope to see most of those who came last time come along again.
It’s not far out of Melbourne. A very easy drive.

Post your thoughts and we can get the ball rolling.

Cheers.

[bird]

Hmm, my thoughts...

Are we there yet?? Count me in for all 3 days.

...Bird

[ballaratdragons]

Count me in Dave. All 3 days!!! (2 nights)

Sounds like a great idea for a casual get together and viewing time. I might even lug the EQ mount up there.

It is not too early / late after the other one. It would be nice to get together every 2 months or so but not everyone is always available.

[davidpretorius]

i will be seriously trying to get there as long as you don't go to bed before 10pm like last time.

I will check boats and stuff like that!

[mick pinner]

lt's a date Dave, good idea.

[Stu]

I'll be there with bells and whistles on but only if I'm not in Queensland. My wife booked us to go in March but I can't remember the dates and she's asleep now. I'll let you know tomorrow.

[Dave47tuc]

Geez there's a monkey on my back :confuse2: Oh no its DP :fight:

Remember its for the Friday afternoon then home on the Sunday afternoon.
So really only 2 nights and 1 full day. :)

Saturn will be on the Meridian at around 11pm local time.Jupiter rises around this time also. So will be nice and high around 2- 3 am. :)

Wonder what I have to do to make daveP happy :confuse3:

I know hold a mini Star Party :P Geez I have a sore back :lol:

[janoskiss]

Yes!
Count me in too please!
:jump2: :jump2: :jump2:

[rumples riot]

Count me in too. I bring the new gear. Try for some great imaging.

[Stu]

I'm in! :cool:

[janoskiss]

Awesome! I'll make sure to get fitted for a new drool guard by then. :D

[Wombat_In_Space]

Well after checking with SHWBO I am a yes for this weekend, just means I cant go to IIAC06 in Jan thats the deal.:thumbsup::stargaze:


No wife or kids this time, Ok so that means I will have a spare front seat in the car and enough room in the car to fit a 8" or 10" scope so if anyone would like a lift let me know.:driving:

[robin]

Tell me its not the Labour day holiday weekend & I'll be there for sure.

[Dave47tuc]

No its not.

More on the weekend soon.

[davidpretorius]

my wife wants to come over for a reunion in melbourne same weekend, so sorry Dave, BUT I AM THERE!!!!!!


woo hooooo

not sure if i am bringing the scope on the boat or flying!!!

[ballaratdragons]

Dave, you'll have to call this one MIISAC. 'Miniature IceInSpace Astronomy Camp' :lol:

[janoskiss]

And Mojo should make a Minimature Countdown Clock for it! :P

[ballaratdragons]

Hehehe! Is that one of those countdown clocks that counts down in Milliseconds? :scared:

[Dave47tuc]

Hi All,
The camp has been booked "thanks Ken" ;)
The price for the 2 nights 1 full day. Arrive Friday 3rd in the afternoon and leave Sunday 5th afternoon.

Price is $26.40 per person. We must have 10 people at least.
If not we have to pay for 10. :confuse3:
Going on the replies we have 10 at least.
Payments will be to me. Please PM me for details.
I would prefer you pay up front. Sorry, In case you pull out at last minute and I'm stuck with paying for you.

So you want Victorian get togeathers. Well you have to come along and enjoy Saturn, Jupiter etc. :)

It is the same as last time BYO everything. Cabins and bunk beds on site.
Maybe this time camp out or bring a van :)

Regards.

[ballaratdragons]

I'm definately In Dave! I may be there a bit late on Friday arvo as it is my daughters 15th birthday and I would be hung, drawn & quartered if I dissappeared from home too early!

So that's 2 of us as definites.(Dave47tuc & ballaratdragons)

8 to go (minimum)

p.s. Dave, I've arranged for Powercor to turn the security floodlighting off again! NICE AND DARK!!!

[bird]

See post #2. I guess that makes 3 of us.

Bird

[Dave47tuc]

Thanks for the power bit Ken ;)
We have plenty of people who said they will come. Only definetes when paid.
But on good faith I will suspect all who said they will be there will be. :)

Be great to catch up with friends again. :)

Cheers.

Ps, Very clear tonight I have just set the little Mak up. :thumbsup:
Will be first light for the mak, on the Moon. :clap:
They forcast thunder storms tomorrow night. :cloudy:

[davidpretorius]

i am in,

i have paid!!!

[davidpretorius]

now i want to cook something at the camp!!!!

please indulge me!

I want to get some fat boy steaks 1 1/2" to 2" thick eye fillet steaks cut out of a eye fillet roll (only $18 a kilo from our local wholesaler). I will do a pepper steak sauce, based around cream and brandy.

I will grab some spuds, chuck em in the oven, fry up some bacon, cut the spuds, in with the bacon and cheese.

You guys can add salad if needs be!

The steaks will be cut and rolled in crushed peppercorns on thursday arvo and kept on ice until friday night!

Someone(s) else just has to provide red wine (2 bottles). One glass each only as our pupils are needed for viewing!!!

Now whos in. it is my treat.

[ballaratdragons]

Davo, I'm in on the steak, but no alcohol in or near my food please. Brandy, wine or otherwise thanks.

Sounds yummy otherwise!!

[davidpretorius]

cool,

no wine in sauce, drink only for those that want to and i will knock up the sauce with and without brandy as well!!!

i will do a english mustard sauce and cream instead for those guys not wanting alcohol in the sauce.

i will ask the topless amazon women serving drinks to include more soft drinks etc. i can't have my pupils dilating of course (is that right dave tuc?)

[ballaratdragons]

Fussy beggar I am. No sauce thanks. I hate mustard and not too excited about cream on my meat.

Just plain meat for me (pepercorns sound good though). Sorry Davo, but I just can't eat some things. sorry, sorry, sorry!

[rumples riot]

Yeah, put me down as a definite. I will see if Peter wants to come along also. I will be there Friday afternoon. If I leave here at 9.00 am I should be there around 4pm. That might be a bit early. I will PM you Dave and get your details tomorrow.

[davidpretorius]

that is fine ken, sauce can go in a little dispenser and guys can 'elp 'emselves.

Rumples, i will be arriving into melbourne at 7am, off to bintel at 7.30am, a quick browse and out at 12pm!

then out to snake valley early arvo.say 3ish.

anyway, i will be around as well killing time! we can go to kens house and have a coffee!

[ballaratdragons]

Sounds good to me. I'll put the kettle on! Oh you mean in March!! Fine with me :)

[Dave47tuc]

Sounds all very good guy's. ;)
Forget the rabbit food :P Big steak, chips and eggs for a good night observing :lol:

I will get to the Pm's, if i'm a bit slow please indulge me :P

Just come in from outside, seeing at the moment is poor. :mad2:
I hope it gets better. Moon still looks good thou. :)
Venus is a great cresent phase at the moment. :)

[ballaratdragons]

I just came back in too Dave. I did my first Venus capture with the Toucam. Seeing not good!

[davidpretorius]

seeing ok down here, sucker fan is working flat out. detail on mars at 208x and 250x, but only 4 stars in the trap at the moment.

boy that moon and venus is a splendid sight with the bluish twilight behind it!!

[Stu]

I agree. My wife had her first look at the moon tonight, "wow, that's cool!". :)

Only ninety for more sleeps before jupiter/saturn starcamp! :zzz2:

[Dave47tuc]

Hi,
Just a update on this.
We have only had two people pay so far. No problems. But we do need 10 people fully paid.
As its Xmas we shall be kind ;) but would like all those coming payed by end of January.
So payed so far,
Bird.
DaveP.
& me :P
Ken(BD) will pay on the weekend. :)

Thanks.

[ballaratdragons]

Dave, I will pay soon. I don't want to leave it till the last minute. Thanks.

[danielsun]

What camp where? and when?

[danielsun]

SORRY im an idiot !! i just realised theres 2 pages to this thread and got all the info so if theres still room definately count me in!!!

[danielsun]

How do i go about paying? same as last time?

[davidpretorius]

daniel, pm dave47tuc so he can give you bank details

[Dave47tuc]

Thanks DaveP :thumbsup:

If the weekend looks cloudy :cloudy: we need some back up plans.

So I think all those who are coming that are doing great work on Imaging will do some showing off with there equipment ;)

So a big show off day would be good on Saturday.

Anyone else have some thoughts? :confuse3:

For those wanting to pay Pm me for payment details as DaveP has said. :)

[davidpretorius]

everything in kens original "What not to do at a star party!"


Now that we all know each other a lot better, a serious eyepiece comparison during the day. Line up the tables, series 500 at one end and at the cheap end, the TV's and go thru what you guys actually do when you look thru an eyepiece during the day!
Collimation of the scopes again.
Photoshop session
DVD sessions, videos.
Strippers
Buy / Sell
Have a talk to Bintel Melbourne, get one of the guys to pop on out with some new gear and /or projects
Strippers

[Stu]

God-damn it was good to see strippers on that list! :jawdrop: :party: Twice also! As long as they're not the same ones!

What about a solar observing session for the day? I've put a solar filter on my christmas list but I don't know if santa is going to bring me it or not. ;)

[Dave47tuc]

Strippers :ashamed:
Well DaveP you have the honors :P

Solar Observing would be great. I really enjoyed that last time with the Pst's that where there. :astron:

And DaveP will leed with the eyepiece comparison. ;)

I'm hoping a few high end Apo's will be on show this time. :eyepop:

That mite scare Davep :scared:

[davidpretorius]

me? strip??

no i have a pretty pink dress that i am not getting out of for anybody!!!


with the eyepiece comparison, a daylight one and a night one.

thru dobs, tracking newts, refractors and sct's hopefully robin can make the trip.

i was going to mention solar, but the original thought was what to do if raining, so i thought solar might be a bit hard. strippers are all weather!

when you say high end, is mick pinners 6" high end. excuse the ignorance, but i would love to have a look thru a good to very good refractor. not to compare, to enjoy!

[Dave47tuc]

Geez your funny :lol: You can't get away from that dress can you :P

Yeh solar observing under the clouds :doh: What was I thinking, not! :P

As for high end scopes how about a little 6" Mak ;)
Or a 5" Apo of the Astro-Physics type :)
Nag gts055 to come(Mark) and he can bring his 5" Apo Takahashi ;)
Once you have looked you will succum to the Newt killers. :poke:

Ok only joking :lol:

[davidpretorius]

do not worry, a tracking refractor for wide field is on my wishlist so eventually, i hope to have the best of both worlds

[Stu]

If that Tak :prey2: comes to the camp I will have to think of some way to distract everyone so I can hog it. Maybe if I drop a slab of VB in the middle of the field... :drink:

Nah, people would just trip over it...hey yeah (whoohohahaaa, whoooohaahaaa :wink2: )

I'll drop the money around this week, $26.40 was for both nights wasn't it?

[Dave47tuc]

Yep spot on. ;)

[danielsun]

Hi Dave, Im just waiting for a chq to clear in my net banking acc so as so i'll be transferring the payment to you in a few days! ;)

[Moonman]

I think I'll be in Melbourne that week with the family so I may be able to get over for the friday night (no telescope though)

[davidpretorius]

mike i can chuck it my wagon and take it over, we can go shopping at bintel during the day, let the lovely wife take your credit card into the city!!!

its called trade offs!!!

[ballaratdragons]

I have arranged for the Strippers!!!! ;)

We can have them all weekend if we like. FREE!!!!!











I am at a loss as to why you would want them though?!?

Strippers at an Astronomy weekend?








Here is a pic of them for your inspection:

[rumples riot]

Right, I am now paid up. At least that is what the Bank says on my statement.

So I shall see you there.

Paul

[davidpretorius]

can't wait to see your scope!!!

are you wanting to partake in fat boy eye fillet steaks on friday night? I am cooking and shouting.

[ballaratdragons]

Will be good to meet up, Paul! See ya there.

[rumples riot]

Yeah I'll be in that but no shouting. I got sensitive ears.

Seriously, I like to pay my own way. Let me know how much to chip in. I think I will bring lots of salads though. On a health kick. Don't want to put back on all the weight I lost in one weekend. Protein and salads. Cool.

What is there in the way of barbie equipment? Do I need to bring my camping cooking gear?

Paul

[xstream]

Just yourself and your food Paul.

[davidpretorius]

i am only doing a friday night thing. i am going to buy a roll of eye fillet an marinate etc, chuck in some jacket potatoes. and we can cook em up. i will make a sauce.

everything else is each persons own way.

A roll of eye of fillet costs me around $30, so i am not out of pocket.

Nothing super organised, i just thought i would like cook for my mates!!

[rumples riot]

Well, I might buy a carton of crownies then Dave. Just a couple for each who want them to wash down the meal. Since Ken does not drink I will get him something nice and soft to drink.

Besides this is still months away.

Paul

[davidpretorius]

cool, sounds good, we only need one organised meal event. Last time steve h bought his video and stuff so if it is raining, we will still have a great time!

[Moonman]

Thanks Dave for the offer to transport the telescope.

Things are looking good but not definite. We may at this stage hire a car and head over from Melbourne and take advantage of soverign hill for the kids on Saturday.

Is the $26.40 pp for both nights?

Thanks

[davidpretorius]

kryal castle is very good as well. ballarat is 20 minutes from snake valley, ballarat say 1 hr from melbourne

[davidpretorius]

yes i think 26 is for both nights. that is what i paid to dave47tuc!

[Dave47tuc]

Hi Looks as if its all coming togeather just fine.

DaveP looking after Friday nights bbq, your a champ mate. As Paul said our shout to you for the drinks. ;)

Those who have paid,
Me
DaveP
Bird
Wombat in space. Darren
Rumple riot. Paul.
Danielsun.

Those who have said they will come but have yet to pay,
Ken (BD)
Neilszstar(Neil)
Stu.
Steve?
MoonMan

Any others I have forgotten. :confuse3:
Remember we need 10 people payed up for this to go ahead.
I'll wrorry about this more next month. To busy at the moment. :)

Regards. :)

[Moonman]

Yes I am definitely in for both nights, but just myself as I will be packing the family onto the 3pm plane home on the friday and hopefully grabbing a ride with Davepretorius over if he's still in Melbourne.

Dave47 let me know a bank a/c or address etc to get the $'s to you.

I presume we need to bring our own provisions for food etc. Are there kitchen facilities?

Looking forward to meeting you guys. :nerd:

[davidpretorius]

i am booked on the boat arriving friday morning and leaving monday night.

hmmmmmm so there's a bintel in melbourne now......what to do on my free days in melbourne??????

mike, yes to kitchen facilities and plates and knives and glasses etc. It is a scout camp setup, so just bring food.

I am providing meat and potatoes for the crew on friday night, so just bring your own salad that night.

Ballarat has lots of supermarkets and shops, so i can pick you up friday and go via ballarat and go food shopping etc. Snake valley is 20 mins past ballarat. Ballarat 1hrish from melbourne.

[rumples riot]

In terms of power I will bring two Leads 20 and 30m respectively and two RCD boxes. We use these on building site and this will give the ability to draw 15amps of power. 7 outlets from two boxes. I will need at least 2 the rest are up for grabs. Hope that this is OK with you Dave?

Paul

[Exfso]

I am in Dave, will be coming with Rumples. Ok if I bring the cannon, (not a camera). It will be interesting to see how it performs at a dark site. I have PM'd you for payment details.

Cheers

Peter

[davidpretorius]

Bird had a setup for power near his tent.

In terms of imagers, there will be:
Rumples
Bird
DaveP
Ken

cant think on anyone else????

My laptop has a 2nd battery so i get at least 4 hours. Also i will be bringing my battery charger for any 12 v batteries.

[bird]

Yes, there's power from external power points on the rec. room just next to the observing area.

When in doubt, bring a 10m or 20m power lead. You can never have too many of them.

I'm bringing 2 x 10m leads :-)

Bird

[Dave47tuc]

Hi All,
Things are still moving well, people who are coming or have said they will are as follows.

Those who have paid,
Me
DaveP
Bird
Wombat in space. Darren
Rumple riot. Paul.
Danielsun.

Those who have said they will come but have yet to pay, or about to :)
Ken (BD)
Neilszstar(Neil)
Stu.
Steve
MoonMan. Michael.
Exfso. Peter
gts055 Mark
Julian.
Geoff? :confuse3:

Ken I will have to talk to you after xmas about the cabins. :help3:

There is plenty of power and you guy's are sorting things out, good. ;)

If all those mentioned above come we will have some great scopes on show :jawdrop:

[rumples riot]

Excellent. As long as I have power I have everything covered. Should be plenty of gawking going on. Must say I am looking forward to checking out Anthony's rig. Very curious.

[Dave47tuc]

Cool, the best thing about these get togethers is checking out everyones equipment.

I just hope we get clear and stable skies. :prey:

[ballaratdragons]

No worries Dave! All set this end with booking, and killing the Gestapo Search light!

[xstream]

If I can organise the days off work I'll be there.

[davidpretorius]

are moderators allowed????

[xstream]

Someone has to keep an eye on you lot. :lol:

I don't want to see anyone accidentally slip off the end of that pontoon. :wink2:

[rumples riot]

You'll have to be careful you don't get too close then.

[ballaratdragons]

I wasn't aware that Moderators Moderated at Astro Camps! :confuse3:

What is this world coming to? :scared:

[rumples riot]

They don't Ken, we do the moderating. :P

[ballaratdragons]

We are the 'Astro Police!' LOL!

[Dave47tuc]

A update,
Those who have paid,
Me
DaveP
Bird
Wombat in space. Darren
Rumple riot. Paul.
Danielsun.
MoonMan, Michael
Exfso,Peter.

Those who have said they will may come but have yet to pay, or about to,
Ken (BD)
Neilszstar(Neil) Paying late Jan.
Stu.
Photon. Ian.

These people are unsure if they will come. :confuse3: Hope they do :)
Steve?
gts055 Mark?
Julian.?
Geoff?
Xstream, John.

We need 10 people paid up ASAP. So 2 more please :)

Once we have 10 paid for that's the minimum for the weekend.

Cheers. :drink:

[ballaratdragons]

Good to see the list growing Dave!

Victorians, Tasmanians, ACT, & South Australians! Cool!

[rumples riot]

What's the current update. Do we have a full bag yet?

[davidpretorius]

i am pretty photon from tassie is also coming, i am not sure if he has contacted dave47tuc yet.

he has booked flights

[Dave47tuc]

Hi Paul,
Alls good, we have 8 paid with 2 more on the way so that will be the minimum needed so we are all set to go.

At this stage we don't need to sort out bunk houses, you should be able to pick one when you arrive. BUT if we get more numbers Ken and I will sort out cabins closer to the time. You can share if you want or at this stage only have a bunkhouse to yourself. Still early days but it will be upon us soon.

Remember you must supply your own food and bedding, linen, sleeping bag etc. The bunkhouses do have bunk beds with matrassess some cabins have 4 beds in them and I think some had 6 :confuse3: Ken will confirm that please.

A update,
Those who have paid,
Me
DaveP
Bird
Wombat in space. Darren
Rumple riot. Paul.
Danielsun.
MoonMan, Michael
Exfso,Peter.
Photon. Ian.
Janoskiss,Steve.

Those who have said they will may come but have yet to pay, or about to,
Ken (BD)
Neilszstar(Neil) Paying late Jan.
Stu.


These people are unsure if they will come. Hope they do
gts055 Mark?
Julian.?
Geoff?
Xstream, John.


Any forum members from Victoria who are thinking of coming please do so you are most welcome and its not far from Melbourne.
Any newbies who maybe a bit shy Pm me and I'll give you some more details on the weekend if you don't want to post in public. :help3:
All welcome and come and learn the ins and outs from DaveP he is a great guy and keen to help newbies. We all are of course :)

[davidpretorius]

looking good mr tuc47.

saw a great shooting star 2 nights ago, trail lasted 1 to 2 secs from the east heading west around 3.30 am

[asimov]

Hi! Don't worry 'bout me, just keeping my post count up!

[ballaratdragons]

Yep, that's right Dave! Some have 2 beds, some have 2 bunks, some have 4 bunks, some have 6 bunks. There are 12 bunkhouses in all. Someone is bringing a Caravan so that's 1 less bunkhouse taken up.

Come on, there's plenty of room, and HEAPS of camping space!!!!

[rumples riot]

Thanks Dave47 for the update, I'm cool for sleeping gear. I have a plan. I don't sleep.

Seriously, I have two identical arctic sleeping bags that zig together and I am really cosy in them. Much better than a single, not couped up. Pillow is no problem either. Food is also going to be covered. I am going to buy an Engles fridge 44l or bigger. Been wanting one for ages. Will get the fridge freezer version. So I will have plenty to eat for both Peter and myself.

All I want is a bunk or cabin room with a bed to sleep in, if I do sleep that is.

Thanks again for the update.

[ballaratdragons]

Paul, there are 3 Fridge Freezers in the giant kitchen! If you like to cook you will like the facilities. Or you can BBQ outside like most of the others. The camp is very well set up.

[rumples riot]

Cool, I just want the fridge so that I can keep things cool on the way over. It will be about 7 hours to your place and if it is hot, the food may spoil. No matter how much ice. Anyway Sounds very good, can't wait.

[Dave47tuc]

Hi all,
A few updates. :)
A few more people are on board. Maybe we should have made it a bit longer a extra day :confuse3:
I was thinking we may not need to setup out in the field like last time.
I can't see why we can't use the area around the cabins. I mean in the middle concrete area :confuse2: More stable ground and close to cabins.
To the people that know what do you think? :confuse2: You could set up laptops in a cabin or the dinner room :confuse3: See what happens.

Anyways a update list of people who are on board. We have 16 people at the moment. ;)

A update,
Those who have paid,
Me
DaveP
Bird
Wombat in space. Darren
Rumple riot. Paul.
Danielsun.
MoonMan, Michael
Exfso,Peter.
Photon. Ian.
Janoskiss,Steve.
Stu.

Those who have said they will may come but have yet to pay, or about to,
Ken (BD)
Neilszstar(Neil)
Mick Pinner & family.3.


These people are unsure if they will come. Hope they do
gts055 Mark.
Julian.
Geoff.
Xstream, John.

Regards. :)

[Stu]

One large new family car suitable for telescope transport from peninsula to snake vally is now available. Only large expensive apochromats need apply. ;) Contact Stu for details.

Ha!

[davidpretorius]

i go home monday night, so i will stay if needs be.

field or courtyard, doesn't matter, basically between bird, rumples & me drawing enough power to drive a small city, the light we will generate will mean you would have to be the eastern side of the dandenongs to see dark skies!

[astrogeek]

Where exactly is the camp?

[davidpretorius]

head to ballarat, then south west about 20 minutes and then you hit snake valley

[Twokids]

Hi all,

Just wondering if anyone is taking their kids.

Jodie

[davidpretorius]

mine came over with me last november, but they are going to canberra that weekend.

Wombat brought his kids last time.

I won't speak for all that are coming, but the iis members were great with the kids around last November. That is not to say that there was kicking of the footy near the scopes. There is a games room with a ping pong table and old eightball table. We set up a dvd and projector screen last time, so the kids could watch what they wanted. The bunks are very close, so that I was able to walk back during that special time when you yell at them to stop talking and go to sleep etc.

It obviously be great if there were other kids to play with, but I personally would bring my 5 and 2 years old again even if it was just them.

[robin]

G'day Dave.I was always dead keen to come to this next get-together.Been away from the forum for a month now with work but thought Id better check in & say 'count me in'.I'll be up sat night probably late-ish as I've got to work sat arvo.No kids or wifey, just me & the Meade!

[ballaratdragons]

Cool! See you in March Robin!!!!

[rumples riot]

Another SCT there and my old model to boot. Be good to give people a comparison between the 9.25 and the LX200. Might be a few people a look through both.

[Twokids]

Yeah :party2: ,

Thanks to Darren (Wombat in space) for offering me and my daughter a lift to the camp :stargaze: .
It will be my first time observing with other people interested in astronomy so I am hoping to learn a lot.
See ya there :)

[ballaratdragons]

Onya Darren for giving Jodie & daughter a lift up!!!!! Top stuff!

But how are they getting back? :lol:

The numbers are certainly going up! Should be a great weekend. How many is that now Dave?

[janoskiss]

Fun fun fun fun fun!! :jump2: :jump2: :D

[Wombat_In_Space]

Well Ken there is another person to add my oldest daughter is now comming with me for the weekend.
To all the Dob owners that are coming I will be bringing the Dob Hut with me so you will be able to put your dobs in it once you decide to go to bed, it should be able to hold at least 5-6 dobs on their bases more if we leave them stored with the tube vertical, the Dob hut is a heavy duty waterproof plastic coated canvas tent the type of canvas used on the side of slideaway semitrailers.

Here is an pic of it when it was last used, the trailer in front of the tent is 7'6" wide at the mud gards that should give you an idear of the size of the tent.

P.S Ken I was thinking Twokids might get to hooked on the dark skies and not want to come back.:whistle::lol:

P.P.S Only kidding Twokids. :)

[janoskiss]

I'd like to book space for one 8" Dob, Darren. Thanks! (It's gotten a fair bit heavier since last time, with fan, battery, new finder, telrad, counterweights... So storage space near observing site will be appreciated. :))

Nice tent & Moskvitch in that photo by the way! :D :P

[Wombat_In_Space]

That Moskvitch is my dads toyota corona so it shows you how long the tent has been in the family.:)

[rumples riot]

Hey two kids you have not observed with the wild man yet, might be the last time.

ON a serious note, it sounds like it is going to be a good show. Just as long as I have a nice cabin bed to sleep on, I will be happy. And of course power.

[davidpretorius]

define nice cabin bed???

it is a scout camp and whilst i enjoyed it, my wife kept chasing spiders out of the cabin.

[rumples riot]

Nothin that Baygon will not fix I am sure. Nice Cabin bed is one that I don't have to share and that is in a quietish corner. I am a light sleeper and can sometimes struggle to remain asleep.

Sharing cabins is fine, just not beds. LOL

[ballaratdragons]

It's certainly quiet at the Camp . . . after everyones gone to bed that is!

[Wombat_In_Space]

Ok the Dob hut is filling up so get in early only a couple more spaces.

[Twokids]

Can I please have a spot in the dob hut? Pretty please :)

My scope wants to be with its friends :P

[Wombat_In_Space]

Yours was already given a spot in the tent so no dramas there.

So far we have 2X12" 1X10" 1X8" this gives us enough space for 1-2 more 10" or 4 more 8".

[ballaratdragons]

Or half a 16" :lol:

[Dave47tuc]

Hi All,
At the moment I’m pretty busy with life, and don’t have much pooter time.
Any help with the camp would be appreciated.
As numbers are getting high, Ken we mite look at getting cabins sorted.

We have I think 19 coming with a few undecided.
Anyone who wants to share a cabin mite like to post saying its ok.

So far we have,
Those who have paid,
Me
DaveP
Bird
Wombat in space. Darren Now with daughter.
Rumple riot. Paul.
Danielsun.
MoonMan, Michael
Exfso,Peter.
Photon. Ian.
Janoskiss,Steve.
Stu.
Neilszstar. Neil.

Those who have said they will come but have yet to pay, or about to,or paying on the weekend.
Ken (BD)
Mick Pinner & family.3.
Two Kids, Jodie and daughter.
Robin.


These people are unsure if they will come. Hope they do
gts055 Mark.
Julian.
Geoff.
Xstream, John.

Its not essential that people pay early, as they can pay when they turn up.
We needed 10 people payed at first as this was the minimum required to book the camp. I thank those who have payed up early.
Obviously you can pay me at anytime. Be patient if I don’t get to your Pm’s straight away.

Reagrds,
Dave. :)

[davidpretorius]

i am happy to share!

[janoskiss]

sharing worked last time (even the little kens didn't misbehave too much ;)), happy to do it again.

[davidpretorius]

the boys were good , but dad was a lot naughty!!!

staying up all night etc etc

[bird]

I'm happy to share a cabin, and also setting up close to the cabins is fine by me - I'm tethered to 240v anyway and have several bits of computer gear so being close to the cabin would be ok.

I was out in the field last time and that was ok too, so I really don't mind one way or the other :-)

Bird

[danielsun]

I think out in the feild is the go you get a fair bit more sky from what i remember. But saying that i'm happy to go with what ever the majority decide!
And sharing a cabin is o.k. with me!!!

[ballaratdragons]

I will start allocating once we know who is willing to share and how many need cabins.

[Twokids]

I don't have a problem with sharing a cabin, but I think my daughter might freak out if a strange man came into our room in the middle of the night (her father probably would too:whistle: ).

[Dave47tuc]

Thanks Ken,
I think if numbers stay around what we have now, we should be able to sort it out on the day we arrive. :)

[ballaratdragons]

Sounds too easy Dave! :thumbsup:

[davidpretorius]

you guys would get first preference i should imagine.

i know i did with myself and my 5 year old daughter last time and it was much appreciated!

[robin]

Im going to get a few 6x4's of the last Snake Valley star camp group photo printed & bring them up so if anyone is keen for a copy, I'll have them there.

[ballaratdragons]

Excellent Robin. Thanks for that. :thumbsup:

[Twokids]

Just a quick question,

Is there mobile phone reception at Snake Valley?
I will be leaving my 3yo son at home with his father and I was wondering if he would be able to get in touch with me in case of an emergency at home.
Thanks,
Jodie

[davidpretorius]

cdma i think, but gsm no! my mobile did not work, but kens did. there is a public phone 5 mins down the road, or if you give out kens mobile to your hubby??? you could pm ken.

why don't all 4 of you come and take up a 4 berth cabin. ballarat has some cool family stuff to look at. my 2 and 5 yr old loved it!

[xstream]

CDMA works fine :thumbsup: ......but forget it if you've got GSM.

Robin could you PM me some details to get a 6x4 please.
I won't be able to make it this time round, I can't get the time off work because of others being on leave. :sad:

[ballaratdragons]

That's unfortunate John.
Yes, people are welcome to use my mobile number for emergencies! I have CDMA and get perfect reception at Camp.

[rumples riot]

I'll share a cabin with Peter. I do think allocation should occur prior to the day though. The people who put up the readies first should get preference of site and cabins. I think this is only fair given that we sent money off not knowing if the camp would go ahead.

How many cabins are there? From the sound of it, there are quite a few. And; what date is it again?

Dave is there more than 19 going? Boy big numbers. Interesting to talk to so many of you at last face to face.

[Dave47tuc]

Paul,
A few things there. If the camp was not to go ahead money would have been fully refunded. But its going ahead so all is ok there. :)

There about 10 cabins with upto 6 berth ones.
Forgot the dates already have we :P
The 3rd of March till 5th March.
Arrive afternoon of the 3rd then leave sometime on the 5th.

About 20 or so people so far.

Sorry you want be there John. Hope fully see you later in the year.

Robin I will have one of thiose photos thanks :)

Hope that clears things up :)

[robin]

No worries Dave.In fact Im going to upgrade the size to 5"x7" now so we can get a good look at our handsome faces! I'll get them printed & anyone who wants one can have a print at cost price.

[rumples riot]

Thanks Dave,

I don't think you quite got the drift of what I mean't there. I knew that you would have refunded the money. Did not mean to imply that you would keep the money. Just that we were the ones who ensured that the camp would go ahead.

Yeah my life is so busy at the moment that I have about a million dates running around in my head and could not remember if this one had changed or not. Should use my diary more.

20 or so people is a good turn out for something that as just going to be a weekend get together. Should be interesting.

Thanks Dave for the reply.

[Dave47tuc]

Hi All,
Everything is still "GO" with this weekend. Would like to see a few more coming?? :confuse3:

As its a short time make sure you are well prepared. :)

So far we have,
Those who have paid,
Me
DaveP
Bird
Wombat in space. Darren Now with daughter.
Rumple riot. Paul.
Danielsun.
MoonMan, Michael
Exfso,Peter.
Photon. Ian.
Janoskiss,Steve.
Stu.
Neilszstar. Neil.

Those who have said they will come but have yet to pay, or about to,or paying on the weekend.
Ken (BD)
Mick Pinner & family.3.
Two Kids, Jodie and daughter.
Robin.


These people are unsure if they will come. Hope they do
gts055 Mark.
Julian.

How about a few more people to share the night sky, oh come on ;)

[davidpretorius]

ok, i will start talking it up with the newbies!!!

[Wombat_In_Space]

Ok the countdown to the camp has begun at this house, got the check list ready making sure everything that will be needed will be taken.

Check List:
12" Dob
Dob Hut
EP Case
Laptop
12" Dob again (just incase so I forget it)
Folding chairs
Tarps
3" Eq Newt (for the kids to use)
Food

If there are anythings I have forgot on my list please remind me. ;)

[Starkler]

I guess you wont be doing any sleeping ;)

[Wombat_In_Space]

Thanks Geoff I forgot about that :thumbsup:

Sleeping bags and pillows
aslo
change of clothes

[Stu]

There's one more Takahashi coming now too!

That's makes 2 Tak's and 1 AP. Awesome!

[Twokids]

Me and my daughter? :P

[Wombat_In_Space]

No I hadn't forgoten you Jodie and daughter :P

[GrampianStars]

Can'd do guy's :stargaze:
I'll be here :- http://www.asv.org.au/downloads/StarParty2006Flyer2.pdf

THE ASV ANUAL AUTUMN MESSIER STAR PARTY on Saturday 4th March 2006, where you could win a 10" Telescope, taste and indulge by day in the local Wines, Cheeses, Gourmet Foods and the Lions BBQ Dinner, buy Lavender Gifts and update with the latest in Astronomy, Solar Viewing, participate in Astrotrivia Fun to be topped off by a Star Studded Show at night

[ThunderChild]

(a) Is it too late to register?
(b) How late would it be acceptable to sign up? (It will be impossible to know if I can make it until closer to the date) :ashamed:

Really looking forward to seeing all the faces in this place if I can come!

Chris

[Dave47tuc]

Chris,
Your more than welcome to come along. If your unsure you can make it till late don't wrorry. You can turn up and we should have enough room.
Pm me as soon as you know that you are coming.
Cheers.

[Dave47tuc]

Can anyone who has said there coming but are not now please pm me so we can have final numbers.
Also anyone thinking of coming but unsure let me know so I can put you on a maybe list. Thanks.

So far we have,
Those who have paid,
Me
DaveP
Bird
Wombat in space. Darren Now with daughter.
Rumple riot. Paul.
Danielsun.
MoonMan, Michael
Exfso,Peter.
Photon. Ian.
Janoskiss,Steve.
Stu.
Neilszstar. Neil.

Those who have said they will come but have yet to pay, or about to,or paying on the weekend.
Ken (BD)
Mick Pinner & family.3.
Two Kids, Jodie and daughter.
Robin.


These people are unsure if they will come. Hope they do
gts055 Mark.
Julian.
Thunderchild. Chris.

[Dave47tuc]

I take it everyone is coming :)

Please note if you have paid and do not turn up no refund, sorry :)
But its only $26 so no big harm done if you don't come along. :innocent:

If anyone has any ?????? ask now before you arrive, PM me if need be.:help3:

[davidpretorius]

also, can people please indicate if they will be there friday night for dinner, so i know how many steaks and spuds to prepare


not long to go!

[Wombat_In_Space]

Dave put me down for 1 Adult and 1 child please.

[davidpretorius]

Official friday night peperred steak and spud post

Food confirmed:

1. DaveP
3. Wombat in space. Darren Now with daughter.
4. Rumple riot. Paul.
8. Mick Pinner & family.3.
10.Two Kids, Jodie and daughter.
11. Neil
13. Dave47tuc & Julian
15. Photon & Moonman
16. Bird
17. Danielsun.
18. Exfso,Peter.

Not sure yet:

Janoskiss,Steve.
Stu.

[mick pinner]

certaily will be there for tea Friday.

[Dave47tuc]

DaveP,
remember Jodie TwoKids also. She will coming with Darren.

Also I'm hoping to get there around 2pm on the Friday depending on traffic.
I have yet to comfirm a time with Ken.

Also I'm still thinking of looking at staying one extra night, but I'm yet to talk to Ken on this either. " better talk to Ken" :P

[davidpretorius]

updated, i will check if peter is still coming with rumples and asimov?

i wouldn't mind staying sunday night, might have to arrange a lift for ian and michael to the airport on the way past on sunday arvo.

i catch the boat on monday night

[danielsun]

Yes thanks Dave!! You can definately count me in for dinner. http://www.iceinspace.com.au/forum/images/icons/icon14.gif
Just let me know how much $ and i can either deposit in your acc or fix you up when i arrive. ;)

[bird]

Davo I'll be there Friday night, please include me in the dinner plans!

Bird

[davidpretorius]

thanks daniel / bird, no cost, i am simply buying a couple of rolls of eye fillets off a local butcher, peppering them up thursday and cooking friday. going to wrap up some spuds in aluminium foil.

my contribution to the weekend. dave47tuc (March) and ken (november 05) went to heaps of trouble to organise, this is something i can contribute.

[davidpretorius]

'updated and bumped'<BUMPED up>

Official friday night peperred steak and spud post

Food confirmed:

1. DaveP
3. Wombat in space. Darren Now with daughter.
4. Rumple riot. Paul.
8. Mick Pinner & family.3.
10.Two Kids, Jodie and daughter.
11. Neil
13. Dave47tuc & Julian
15. Photon & Moonman
16. Bird
17. Danielsun.
18. Exfso,Peter.
19. Janoskiss,Steve.
20. Ken


Not sure yet:

Stu.
<!-- / message --><!-- sig -->

[janoskiss]

One more for Friday please, Dave. Cheers. :)

[davidpretorius]

A quick update guys, the organizers (dave47tuc) computer has gone up in flames literally.

Can all correspondance or queries please be sent via pm to myself. I can then forward to Mr Dave47tuc!

[ballaratdragons]

Davo, I will be late on Friday night coz of my daughters 15th Birthday but could you please keep a small pepper steak aside for me if there are any left. Doesn't matter if it's cold and shrivelled by the time I get there. Ta mate.

[davidpretorius]

will cook it when you get there!

[ballaratdragons]

Ta Davo, but I can nuke it if need be to re-warm it.

[robin]

Hi guys, I'll be bringing copies of the 05' starcamp group photo up to Snake Valley.Already have orders for several copies so let me know if you'd like one.The copies will be 5"x7"on lustre paper & for sale @ cost price of $5 each

[davidpretorius]

Davo here, Dave47tuc cute secretary:


Can anyone who has said there coming but are not now please pm me so we can have final numbers.
Also anyone thinking of coming but unsure let me know so I can put you on a maybe list. Thanks.

So far we have,
Those who have paid,
Dave47tuc
DaveP
Bird
Wombat in space. Darren Now with daughter.
Rumple riot. Paul.
Danielsun.
MoonMan, Michael
Exfso,Peter.
Photon. Ian.
Janoskiss,Steve.
Stu.
Neilszstar. Neil.
Julian.

Those who have said they will come but have yet to pay, or about to,or paying on the weekend.
Ken (BD)
Mick Pinner & family.3.
Two Kids, Jodie and daughter.
Robin. - Saturday night only


These people are unsure if they will come. Hope they do
gts055 Mark.
Thunderchild. Chris.

[iceman]

Looks great Robin! Do you want a 300dpi hi-res version of the logo?

[Wombat_In_Space]

Robin can I get 2 photos please.

[robin]

G'day Ice,hows that camera going mate?! I scanned the IIS stickers you gave me at 250dpi.But if you wanted to send me a 300dpi version, make it about 15cm long.That'd be great.
Wombat, I'll hold 2 pics for you no worries.

[bird]

Just a quick whine about the weather here in Canberra...once again last night started out beautifully clear before the wind switched to the east and brought low cloud around midnight that stayed till dawn. It's starting to drive me nuts! 80% of the evenings have been like that.

I am so looking forward to trying from a different location, bring on this camp, I can hardly wait!

Bird

[davidpretorius]

that is the only problem with november's great night, expectation for march!!!!

with a trip to bintel, seeing birds & rumples new scopes, even rain won't see the weekend a waste

[Astroman]

Is there going to be a camp this year in november? if so when and how much :D I need to start planning early, I maybe going to QLD in AUgust, and the flinders ranges in October so might aswell continue to travel to ballarat.

[davidpretorius]

Not sure to be honest, I will check with Ken and dave47tuc. I can only do one a year to the mainland on the boat unfortunately

[xstream]

Robin, I asked earlier in the thread but you may have missed it.
Could you please pm some details so i can get a couple of photos of you please as I can't make Snake Valley this time round.

[robin]

Ah nuts, sorry for not replying mate.Didnt see it.Ive missed alot of posts unfortunately being away with work.
I'll pm you.

[Dave47tuc]

Hi All,:)
well I have a very old PC desk top running and I can check my Pm's. Also do a reply like this is!!:mad2:
Its all very slow and frustrating. Thanks DaveP for your help.;)
Any urgent ?? please Pm DP who can email me. My email is not as frustrating.
At this stage all is a full go for the camp. I will ring BD soon to finish things off.
DaveP is on top of Friday's meal Thanks mate.
Your list showed Julian a maybe. But he is coming with his 5" AP.:cool:
So I will see you all there.:)
Regards. & :drink:

[bird]

Hi Guys,

I'll be getting to Snake Valley around lunchtime on Friday - but I don't know where Ken (BD) lives... I know it's somewhere close by, but could someone give me directions, so I can call in and say g'day when I get there?

If you don't want to post the directions then you could PM them to me instead...

regards, Bird

[davidpretorius]

bird,

i have left a message on kens mobile to let me know, and i can then pm you with it

[Dave47tuc]

Hi all,
everything is ready for this weekend. Spoken to Ken (BD )
So just turn up and lets hope the weather is good.

I'm trying to be there at 2 pm. So try not to turn up before that or you will have to drop into Kens first.
Ken is meeting owner on Friday afternoon. To get keys etc.

Remember BYO food Etc. Pm me if you have any ? or DaveP.

See you there.;)

[EzyStyles]

darrrrrnnnnn!! my Mrs birthday is this weekend! I really want to come down and get some knowledge but seems like i can't :(

[janoskiss]

Dropper inners are still welcome, right Daves?

[davidpretorius]

ok bird, have rung ken, get to the general store, his place is first house on the right after the bridge, aprox 500m.

[davidpretorius]

i would encourage all melbourne people to drop on out during the day. I intend to write up the imaging tutorial book, work on my peltier coolers with bird etc etc

[GrampianStars]

Say Ken just shine a laser up in the sky every 1/2 hour for directions ;)
was going to Heathcote :mad2:
due to fencing isues have changed my timeline
Sat nite looks good for me weather & missus permitting [3hour round trip] :prey:

[iceman]

Good luck with the weather, guys! Look forward to seeing the results of a productive weekend!

[ThunderChild]

Is it still Ok to come? I'll come if it's not too late.
This will be my very first time away on a star party!

I've got a few questions I hope someone can help me with (since there are now 10 pages to this thread, it's getting harder to go through everything that's been said, so I apologise if these have been covered already).

* How to get there (from Melb direction)? I can see that "Snake Valley" is just west of Ballarat, but where exactly do I go? Is there an address or a landmark I'm aiming for?
It looks like a few of you are meeting up at Ken's place - I'm not sure if that's something I should be endeavouring to do too (if that's allowed - Ken's never met me before!) or just trying to turn up at the site.

* What time's are most people getting there? I'll need to come straight from work (will leave early). I will not be able to get there mid afternoon like it sounds a lot of you are doing. What would be considered the latest time that makes sense/wouldn't be rude to get there?

* Are there any cabins left? I can bring my tent if needed, so that's no problem if they're gone. Am happy to share.

* What is everyone doing for tea Friday night? Are we bringing our own or eating together?

* What is the cost per night? Is it Ok to come for only one night?

In short, I don't know what to expect or what to bring (besides the obvious stuff - like my scope!).
Also, are there any faux pax within the astro community I should know about (like don't drive into the viewing area with highbeams blazing! :doh: ).
Don't want to get off on the wrong foot by being an annoyance.

Looking forward to seeing the faces behind the names.
The forecast for Friday (for what it's worth this far out) says it will be fine and 33 - so looking good!

[davidpretorius]

* How to get there (from Melb direction)? I can see that "Snake Valley" is just west of Ballarat, but where exactly do I go? Is there an address or a landmark I'm aiming for?

20 minutes from ballarat: i found the best way was get to ballarat, head thru the arch of victory and then turn left (http://www.iceinspace.com.au/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=3440&d=1123342868)

It looks like a few of you are meeting up at Ken's place - I'm not sure if that's something I should be endeavouring to do too (if that's allowed - Ken's never met me before!) or just trying to turn up at the site.

i would say that guys are arriving at kens aprox 500m from the general store on the right from 12pm. It is less than 1km from the camp, so try the camp first, or kens. i am sure ken won't mind

* What time's are most people getting there? I'll need to come straight from work (will leave early). I will not be able to get there mid afternoon like it sounds a lot of you are doing. What would be considered the latest time that makes sense/wouldn't be rude to get there?

from 12pm onwards. I am picking up more tassie guys from the airport at 3pm, so i will be aiming to get there between 4:30 and 5pm

* Are there any cabins left? I can bring my tent if needed, so that's no problem if they're gone. Am happy to share.

you should be fine, throw in the tent just in case. We have one cabin booked for Two kids and her daughter and Wombat has his daughter as well. There should be enough room for all us blokes to share snoring noises

* What is everyone doing for tea Friday night? Are we bringing our own or eating together?

i am cooking up some tassie eye fillet and some spuds on friday night. basically the rest of the food is up to yourselves. Two or three large fridges, lotsa plates and utensils are there already and pots and pans


* What is the cost per night? Is it Ok to come for only one night?

I think it is the same price for one or two nights - dave 47tuc can confirm.

In short, I don't know what to expect or what to bring (besides the obvious stuff - like my scope!).
Also, are there any faux pax within the astro community I should know about (like don't drive into the viewing area with highbeams blazing! :doh: ).
Don't want to get off on the wrong foot by being an annoyance.


don't worry, dave47tuc is a grumpy old *******, but we tie him up to a tree until 10pm and then let him loose with his green laser. He is like a school teacher with a cane (just jokes)

#1 rule, we are there to have fun, we have experienced guys and new guys. I was new last time and like this forum was welcomed with open arms. There is a field where we set up, so don't panic re lights etc. The cabins are fairly separate to the viewing field. Also there is a highway running past, so the occassional log truck with kangaroo scorch lights on rockets past anyway.

The imaging guys will generally set up away from the viewing guys mainly cos we have laptops and other light glaring stuff.

The main basics apply, don't touch other guys stuff without asking first. I can't think of anyone that would say no, if asked a question or to look thru their scope. Common sense mainly.



Looking forward to seeing the faces behind the names.

ditto

The forecast for Friday (for what it's worth this far out) says it will be fine and 33 - so looking good!

[robin]

The forecast is looking good so it should be clear skies & smooth sailing.

[ThunderChild]

Thanks for your response David!
What is the cost for the w/e?
Looking forward to seeing you there.

[janoskiss]

Looks like clear skies are forecast, but I would not expect good seeing. But I'll take clear skies without any complaints. :D

Chris, cost is $26.40.

[davidpretorius]

'updated and bumped'<BUMPED up>

Official friday night peperred steak and spud post

Food confirmed:

1. DaveP
3. Wombat in space. Darren Now with daughter.
4. Rumple riot. Paul.
8. Mick Pinner & family.3.
10.Two Kids, Jodie and daughter.
11. Neil
13. Dave47tuc & Julian
15. Photon & Moonman
16. Bird
17. Danielsun.
18. Exfso,Peter.
19. Janoskiss,Steve.
20. Ken
21. Chris (ThunderChild)

Not sure yet:

Stu.

[Wombat_In_Space]

For those of you that are going to be getting to the camp after dark there will be 2 red flashing lights and a hazzard tirangle at the first driveway in to the camp, this driveway leads into the cabins area of the camp. :campfire:
This will help those that have not been there before to find the camp. :driving:

[davidpretorius]

psssssst, there will be a moderator in our midst!!!

so watch your p&q's. no spamming anyone else's comnversations and whilst chattting at the camp, stay on topic!!!!!

and most of all have fun!!!!

see you all there!!!

[ThunderChild]

Nah don't worry - he's only a young boy (see thread in General). :rofl:

What time you planning on eating your yummy steaks?
Are we all bringing stuff to add to the feast?

[davidpretorius]

i will get cooking underway by 6ish i reckon as i will arrive by about 5pm.

ken is coming later, it is his daughter birthday, so i will throw his steak on later.

I reckon keep it simple, bring some salad etc.

And anything that may aid the digestion process ie beer for medicinal purposes only of course!!!

Steaks won't take long to cook and spuds should be able to keep warm, so no speeding to get there!!!

[janoskiss]

I just got the boss' okay for taking Friday off!! :jump2: I'll be leaving home around noon.

[robin]

Change of plans...I'll be up friday night as well as saturday night now with wife & son staying fri night so add 3 more for fri night.
Are there any cabins left because if theres not, we'll have to bring a tent.

[davidpretorius]

'updated and bumped'<BUMPED up>

Official friday night peperred steak and spud post

Food confirmed:

1. DaveP
3. Wombat in space. Darren Now with daughter.
4. Rumple riot. Paul.
8. Mick Pinner & family.3.
10.Two Kids, Jodie and daughter.
11. Neil
13. Dave47tuc & Julian
15. Photon & Moonman
16. Bird
17. Danielsun.
18. Exfso,Peter.
19. Janoskiss,Steve.
20. Ken
21. Chris (ThunderChild)
24. Robin & Family

Not sure yet:

Stu.

[Dave47tuc]

Thanks DaveP & Steve for the replies.:D

The cost is $13.20 per person per night.
I have a list of those who have paid. Everyone else will be asked when they arrive thanks.:poke:

Some cabins are booked Bird has the cabin he had last time. :thumbsup:
Also Mick Pinner is getting the large cabin for his family.
I think there's another Robin so your family can have that.
Twokids have a cabin for herself and daughter. Same with Darren.:)

Most may have to share but there shoud be enough for all.
DaveP has listed most things, Thanks mate.;)

Please be carefull if you arrive late.:)

Most important rule is be nice to everyone.:)
Newbies don't be shy asking ???:help3:

And yes I'm the only grump thats going:screwy: (right Dave:rolleyes: )

[davidpretorius]

santas little helpers we are!!!.

by the way dave, someone accused you of being grumpy, i have explained to them that they are not welcome at the camp!!!

[robin]

Thanks mate.My wife & son will be there for fri nite only as he has to return to Warrnambool on sat for a mates 10th birthday.But I'll be there fri & sat nite.
Dont forget I'll have the nov IIS group photos there.Several are already spoken for so tell me if anyone would like one.I'll also have a set of Meade series 4000 plossls there for sale in great condition at a bargain price.

[ThunderChild]

Room for one more?
I invited my brother to come around to do some observing with me the other night. He caught the bug and wanted to go out and buy himself a scope! :D

Since he's pretty short of cash, I told him to hold off and do a little more observing through mine or to come to something like this.

[danielsun]

Hi everyone, i hopefully should be arriving at about 3 or 4 ish. The car decided to play games today cutting out at random (elec fault). Got the mechanic looking at it tomorrow. But either way i'll be there!!!!! obviously if i can get one to myself that would be great but if we all have to share a cabin, (only if Bird doesnt mind again) i would be happy to share the same one again with him as last time because that cabin had the biggest ensuite by far and the view from the 1st floor balcony overlooking the lake was stunning!!!! And because Birds a good bloke of course!!
Hang on!! Thats if we can still fit in because of the new monster scope!!!!

[bird]

The car is packed and I'm heading off! See you guys tomorrow...

Danielsun, not to worry - I asked the nice mr Dave47tuc a coupla months ago about sharing that same cabin with you since it worked so well last time :-)

Bird

[davidpretorius]

drive safe mate!!! watch out for other idiots!!!

[janoskiss]

Who are you calling an idiot, Davo? :mad2: :P

[davidpretorius]

anyone not from canberra or tassie!!! :)

[ThunderChild]

Well, you will insist on driving under-age...
Oh that's right - that wasn't your real birthday! :P

[ThunderChild]

Actually, the use of the word "other" means you were implying something about Bird - were you not? :rofl:

[Twokids]

I'm about to begin packing for tomorrow. I hope I don't forget anything. Just to check, I don't need to bring plates/utensils do I? Is there drinking water there or do I have to bring it?
I'm dropping my scope off tonight at Darrens house, so at least I can't forget that.
My daughter is so excited :jump2: . She's been counting down the days for a month now. It's finally down to ONE. Yeah!!!!
See ya all there,
Jodie

[davidpretorius]

correct there are thousands of plates and cutlery

drinking water on tap in a huge kitchen

the weather looks good and also the jetstream is looking ok as well

18 - 30 degrees most days

catch you there.

I will be taking a trip into Ballarat on sat I reckon, so anything people may have forgotten, i can get at a supermarket.

The local general store shuts early.

There are 2 or 3 big fridges and a large pantry

davo

[Dave47tuc]

Hi All,:)
Those who have paid have a cabin.
Everyone else will be allocated one when they arrive.
Some or most will have to share.
There's plenty of room.:whistle:

Mick Pinner has pulled out so that's one big cabin empty.(not for long):D

Safe trip and see you there.:thumbsup:

[janoskiss]

Acc to latest forecast, wheather is looking best for Friday night. We may get some clouds Saturday night. :prey:

[bird]

I've made it to Seymour, this is where I normally stop for a trip like this, about 8 hours driving is enough for one day.

I'll be at Kens place easily by noon tomorrow...

Bird

[robin]

Ah bugger....why did Mick Pinner pull out?
The forecast is looking good.Friday night may well be the pick of the bunch but we'll see.

[Dave47tuc]

All,
Looks like we will get cloud tonight and maybe tomorrow. The system coming in, is breaking up and slow moving.

But what ever will be will be:D

Safe trip and see ya there.:)

[janoskiss]

We'll get some good gaps in those clouds tonight, I'm sure. By Saturday night the cloud band could have passed us. :prey:

[ThunderChild]

I'm certainly hoping tonight will be good (since that's as long as I can come for this time!)

My brother and I will be leaving Box Hill around 5:30 - not sure how long it will take, but I'm guessing we will be there somtime near 7:30?

Starting to get excited! :jump2:

[ThunderChild]

Hi Dave - where was that picture taken from? I need to build up my list of such resources.

I saw this from http://www.snow-forecast.com/maps/auscloud_24.shtml
showing expected cloud cover and wind direction for SE Aus for 10pm tonight. No idea how reliable it is, but if it's correct, it looks fantastic!
No cloud and neglible wind movement over the Ballarat area! Yeeha!
(thumbnail has been cropped and scaled down - go to the site for a proper image - it was a bit big to post here).

[Twokids]

I'm packed and ready to go. Leaving for Darrens in just less than an hour. Chloe wants to leave now, now, NOW. :D
See you all soon, Jodie

[iceman]

ThunderChild - http://www.iceinspace.com.au/?resources

[Wombat_In_Space]

Well trailer is loaded 3 scopes onboard dob hut, shade unit for those that want to sit outside during the day, all is go for the trip.

[danielsun]

Cars packed , done some final checks and now i'm on my way!!!
See you all soon!!!!

[janoskiss]

Car is loaded, just filling up the esky now. Will be good to catch up and see some new faces too. :)

[xstream]

Not looking very pretty guys.
http://www.phys.unsw.edu.au/%7Emap/weather/noaa-17-200603030029-msa-precip.jpg

[acropolite]

Should have all come down to tassie, the weather has been clear here for a while now, and if you bring rain, we could do with that also. Good luck with the weather and enjoy yourselves. :face:

[xstream]

Looks like they'll get a good one tonight.
http://www.phys.unsw.edu.au/%7Emap/weather/noaa-12-200603031849-mcir-precip.jpg

http://weather.wvec.com/auto/wvec/global/Region/AU/2xJetStream.html

[ThunderChild]

Got back today from Snake Valley (could only stay one night).
I loved it! Got to meet some new people and put some faces to the names I've been speaking with. It was my first one too!

We had a little cloud last night, but not too much - and the skies cleared completely later on too. Seeing seemed Ok.

I enjoyed Jupiter and watched one of the moons coming out from behind.
Also saw a really good fireball - lot's of "ooh aah's" were generated by all and sundry. :D
Got a good look at the Sombrero galaxy, which I thought was pretty funky too.

I could go on and on - it was just a really nice experience.
You've heard of "aperture fever". Well, I think I now have Dark sky fever - the panorama there so completely obliterates anything I get in Box Hill, I hope it hasn't wrecked backyard viewing for me. :(

And Ken (who lives just down the road) - I am now insanely jealous of your sky. You might find my on your doorstep in future!!!! ;)

[janoskiss]

Back from Snake Valley. Had an awesome time, looked through some awesome scopes; thanks Julian, Peter, Ken, Stu, Paul (evil Rumples :P), Daniel and everyone else for being so friendly and making this a very enjoyable weekend. Thanks Dave for getting us together!

We had great viewing both nights, but the second night was exceptional! At around 3am, seeing got so good I could not believe it. Right in time for GRS transit too! I got the best views of Jupiter ever. The amount of detail seen through the EP was incredible. Expect some great things from Bird from that night!

I also had a great time viewing galaxies through Ken's 12". :eyepop:

Just a shame so many of the people there are no longer IIS members (sorry to end my post on a sad note).

[Moonman]

Thanks for a great weekend folks. I certainly learned heaps and seeing some the equipment gave me good ideas on where to go into the future with it all. Special thanks to Dave47 for organizing the weekend. Hope to see some of you all in November if it happens. Thanks Steve for fixing my rattly EP. I guess we all have to start somewhere.

[janoskiss]

I only picked on it. Daniel fixed it! ;)

[Twokids]

Thanks for a wonderful weekend guys. Chloe and I really enjoyed ourselves. A special thanks to Darren for giving us a ride up there. We wouldn't have been able to go otherwise.:2thumbs:

It was great to be able to meet so many of you that have been teaching me through your posts. I hope that I can make it to the next camp and catch up with you all again.

My partner is now worried that I'm going to spend a heap of money on all of the things that I was so impressed with at the camp. I'll have to work on that. :wink2:

Now it's about time for me to head off to bed. I need sleep.
Thanks again,
Jodie

[davidpretorius]

a great time, well done all for making it so fun!

[danielsun]

I really have to give a big thanks to Dave 47 tuc for his efforts in orginising such a great weekend.If it wasn't for guys like Dave tuc Dave P and Ken Ballarat Dragons these memorable trips just wouldn't happen so well done!! Also a special thanks to Dave Pretorious for helping Dave tuc out (computer crash) and for the fantastic dinner (eye fillet steaks)which Dave P prepared and cooked for everyone there free of charge which i thought was very generous and a great effort!!
When the clouds cleared the sky was a spectacular site with a few of us going till about 4.30 am both nights until the dew hit!!
Sat night was better and Dave 47 tuc's and julians guided tour of the night sky with the lazer pointer was great!!
It was great to catch up with everyone again Dave tuc Dave P, Ken, Darren, Steve, Bird, Neil, Stu (Birds new scope was a highlight!!!) and it was great to meet new faces, Chris thunder child+Damien, michael moon man, Jodie and Cloe ian photon, peter exfo and even Rumples.
So thanks to everyone it truly was a great weekend had with great company!!!

[Dave47tuc]

Thanks all:)

Good time and nice skies. It was a bit hot for me:P

Nice to meet Paul and Peter and the guy's from Tassie.

Cheers.:D

[Wombat_In_Space]

For all those that missed the camp and were there and to busy with other things at the camp here is the first batch of photos:

1: Birds Scope setup on Sunday
2: Birds Scope setup on Sunday again
3: The cooling setup on birds scope
4: Birds mount
5: My 12" dod ready for the night
6: Kens (BallaratDragons) EQ mount and 8"
7: Neil's (Neilzstar) Celestron C8
8: Peter's (Exfso) Takahasi

I would also like to thank Peter (Exfso) for allowing me to use his EP's in my 12", I have put on my Xmas wish list a Takahasi 7.5 LE EP.

[Wombat_In_Space]

Here is the second lot of photos:

1: Steve(janoskiss), Daniel (danielsun), Peter (Exfso).
2: Jodie & daughter (Twokids).
3: Paul's (Rumples) 9.25" Celestron & Dave P (Davidpretorius).
4: Dave P (Davidpretorius) working hard on a new stepper control unit.
5: The guys checking out what Bird was up to.
6: The observing Field.
7: The accommodation huts.
8: The observing Field with a few of the mounts waiting for the evening setup activities to happen.

[Photon]

Hi All, Yes, it was a great weekend at Snake Valley I learnt heaps. It was truly great meeting all the very friendly people.
I fully support the thanks expressed in replies below, but must give special recognition to Dave Pretorius who not only supplied and cooked meals, entertained us Saturday with his new found soldering skills, but also very kindly (and carefully) drove my Dob and gear (plus Michael's gear) all the way from Launceston to Snake Valley and back again this evening. He introduced me face to face with the boys at Bintel after meeting him in Melbourne too. Thats the sort of guy he is!
(I enjoyed the heat too, I think I have tropical blood!) Thanks everyone for sharing your knowledge and equipment with us Taswegions.
Kind Regards Ian Gillespie

[Wombat_In_Space]

And here is the final lot of photos untill I get my film developed:

1: Robin's (robin) 10" LX200GPS
2: Dave's (Dave47tuc) MK-67

[davidpretorius]

thanks ian for kind words and for breakfast.

great pictures wombat!!! thanks for catching paul and i in the act of doing a drug deal.

sorry matt, i forgot my socks to go with my sandals!

birds scope, i saw it heaps, but it never fails to stop me in my tracks. It is like being at a nudist camp with john holmes!!!

the workings of birds cooling and scope are immaculate and so well done. In feeling sorry for my attempt at cooling, bird kindly donated his old cooling system to me.

top bloke is young bird. tutorials on registax,letting people play with his scope at any time, helping me focus my scope etc etc.

dave47tuc and his knowledge of the sky had us enthralled - awesome!!

wombat with his toolbox of goodies to help me with the soldering of my focusser and the desoldering of my fingers!!!

wombat and ken running around like little boys with their first leggo set. had to be there, but watching these guys dream up stuff was so funny!!

little dragon for helping me do the sauces.

great to catch up face to face with rumples and exfso (old fart - grumpy bum!!!) and chew the fat. great scopes guys, thanks for letting me play!

and everyone else for being there. great atmosphere with great mates!!

[bird]

Just got back, stopped last night in Albury to break the drive up a bit. Was another great weekend, met some more new faces including Paul(rumples) and Ian(photon), Jodie(twokids) and others - and caught up again with the familiar faces from last time.

The weather Friday night was clear but windy, and I had some trouble with the wind so on saturday I moved into the courtyard around the cabins and had a much better time of it. The seeing on Sunday morning at about 4am was terrific, the best views I've had so far with the new scope. Fog and high haze made things a bit difficult but I should have at least one good run, maybe more.

Many thanks to Dave47tuc and DaveP for making this another memorable weekend!

Bird

[robin]

Snake Valley was good fun again & compared to what I've been having down on the south coast, the seeing was great.Saw a fantastic fireball very early sunday morning & with the LX200 in 'guided tour' mode,got great views of many parts of the sky.Centaurus A was outstanding on sunday morning about 1am.Thanks to all who were there, another friendly get together & thanks Paul for the good oil on ccd cleaning & the 3d counterweights work like a charm.
Ive attached 2 montages.See you there again.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v242/makemineameade/SV1.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v242/makemineameade/SV2.jpg

[janoskiss]

Great collages Robin! Thanks! I reckon these are much more interesting than pre-organised group shots ... if you can make one with everyone in it that is.

[Stu]

The two best night for me ever!
As dave said at the camp I fell in love with Tak at the camp (not much else to sleep with I guess...well, steve was in the same room but I preferred the Tak). I spent about 45mins on friday night staring at a superb wide view of the carina neb. Still dumbfounded.

Couldn't tell the difference between the 5" Astrophysics and the 5" Tak. But didn't really expect to, you would need a month with each scope I reckon.

By 2:30am on saturday a few of us were stuffed, so packed up, and sat in the field watching meteors. Good stuff. Thanks Dave47.

[Stu]

Great pic's robbo!
You managed to get me and peter and both Tak's in the same shot!!

[robin]

Thanks a lot Stu & Steve.Yep, love montages & love endless pics of people & their scopes.What a fun time although Im always in a pickle debating wether or not to 1.set up scope in evening then go to bed till 2am...or 2.Just stay up all night in case i miss something spectacular! Stayed up most of fri nite till 4.45am then went to bed sunday morning at 2.30 for a 4 o'clock rise & imaging session but due to dew, my scope was dripping buckets of water & no more observing.

[danielsun]

Brilliant stuff there Robin!!
I liked how you threw in all the different state no. plates and the shot of your scope with the background night sky is fantastic!!
Well done!!!!

[robin]

Thanks Daniel, good onya mate.Yeah, there i was on SCT hill overlooking the valley of the dobs & waiting for the seeing to improve & decided to do some tripod mounted time exposures of the night sky.I like doing montages & the licence plates from 4 states shows that the weekend was not huge in attendance numbers but people came from far and wide to make it a fantastic success.Quality not quantity.Mind you 20+ astronomers in one spot is a great turn out by any standards.
By the way, if any people want a high res version of any of those pics, PM me your email address with a description of the pic & I'll send them to you.