Blue Mountains-March, Katoomba Airfield

[mental4astro]

Hi all,

We've got the go-ahead for a session at the Katoomba Airfield for Saturday 13'th of March, with a provisional backup date of the 20'th in case of a washout. Thanks very much Rod!

I'll try to be there around 7pm. I'd really like to take some pics to the place and of the crowd, ;).

I'll see about bringing some chillie popcorn too.

Mental.

[En1gma]

Yes!! I'm gonna go for the popcorn only!!!

Rob

[mental4astro]

No worries Rob. Developed a taste from last time, eh?

As always, beginners, tyre-kickers, imagers, visual types, in fact everyone is welcome.

Access to the Airfield is through Medlow Bath, next village west from Katoomba. From the Great Western Hwy, turn into Railway Pde, then right into Rutland Rd (also known as Grand Canyon Rd). The Airfield is 4km from this intersection, the last 3km now a smooth dirt road, freshy graded.

[En1gma]

The popcorn was the highlight of my night Alex.

In fact, I don't think I have seen a retail packet of the ones you make at all. It's usually, butter, caramel etc.. all that sweet sugary unhealthy stuff.

Enough about popcorn, I will also be bringing along a friend who is interested in astronomy.

Rob.

[eclipse]

Providing the weather is good to us, we will be there again. Thanks once again for organising it. We had a few days in Coonabarabran recently, although the moon was up, the skies were great, but the seeing was poor due to the strange weather.

Les and Deb

[AG Hybrid]

Chilli Popcorn??? Hell yeah! Ill have me some of that! Ill just look through everyone elses scopes while I munch.

You better bring enough to go around Alex :lol:

[mental4astro]

As things would have it, neither Hickny or I can make the 20'th if this Saturday is washed out.

I did get a new EP, :rolleyes:... Does this count? :cloudy:

[Wavytone]

The synoptic charts look good for Saturday night, and this time I can make it :) Will probably have dinner somewhere in Katoomba.

[mental4astro]

Dinner up at the Mountains, mmm.

Last time up there, we had pizza at a really good place in Wentworth Falls. I think it's called 'The Grand Olive'. 'The Grand Olive' is good tucker! Wouldn't mind them again.

See how we go.

Could also be a hamburger from a place nearly next door to The Olive. They aren't too bad either.

[lacad01]

Hopefully I can make it as well. Originally I was going to go up to Ilford for the w/end but other things got in the way. Here's hoping Saturday is clear :prey:

[AG Hybrid]

*Crossing Fingers Saturday is Clear* Havn't been to a dark sky site since November!!

[sasup]

woke up to an overcast sky this morn:sadeyes::sadeyes::sadeyes:

[mental4astro]

Way too early to tell what will happen tonight.

Plus, the weather at Katoomba can be very different from here in Sydney.

I often use this live webcam at the scenic skyway to help gauge things. You can take control of the camera and move it around:

http://www.scenicworld.com.au/index.php?option=com_wrapper&view=wrapper&Itemid=44

Looks terrible now.

I'll make a last post around 4:30 before I leave and have a word with the Airfield on conditions.

Mental

[Wavytone]

Alex, it's 2:30 and the webcam still shows a solid cloud-deck... I'm going fall back on plan B, I think.

[mental4astro]

:( :( :(

Just spoke to Rod at the Airfield. Cloud, and doesn't look like clearing any time soon. Wind is from the east from the ocean and rising and clouding up over the Mountains.

Last option left is it does clear for around 8:30pm here in Sydney, Hickny is prepared to open up the oval at Randwick Girls' High School.

Let's see what happens.

If nothing tonight, see you next month.

Mental.

P.S.: reminder that next Saturday, 20'th of March, is NOT on.

[eclipse]

Alex thanks for letting us know that tonight and next sat are off. Hopefully we will be there next month!
Les and Deb

[Wavytone]

I'm a tad surprised no-ones doing much tonight or tomorrow, the moon sets soon enough, and anyway what's wrong with looking at the crescent moon for a little while...

[mithrandir]

You could go to the pony club. I was considering that but think I'm getting a migrane.