Lostock May 2010 new moon

[Arthur Alchin]

Before I Start: We are aware that this date coincides with the SPSP @ ilford but are arranging this as a quiet alternative for those not going to Ilford. Cost about $20/head (the more that go the cheaper it gets) for Thur, Fri, Sat night (arrive during the day thur leave late morning early afternoon Sunday)

Anybody interested can you let Geoffro (inmykombie) or myself know asap and we can fill you in with the particulars ( it is essentially a camping W'end but you can sleep in the house as it has about 20 beds). Bring your own food and beverages. Previous visits have been very casual and enjoyable.

We will be booking the site anyhow so let us know if you are interested. (no queuing for amenities)

my Contact number is 0411438858, you can PM Geoffro (and me also)

[Inmykombi]

I plan on going, and I look forward to all the usual antics.

[Allan_L]

as if you could keep me away.

Upper or lower hut?

And I promise I wont buy anything new between now and then.
That should help with the weather gods.

(If we do this in May, probably wont want to go out West again in June I suppose)

[Arthur Alchin]

I think that Geoff is going to give Brian a call maybe today for the top house, it's better for the scopes, I will bring the weedeater.

[sally1jack]

What dates are you talking about ??

[Arthur Alchin]

13th, 14th 15th and 16th May. Sorry for the omission Phil

[sally1jack]

No problem. I'm in , atleast for sat night maybe friday as well
:thumbsup:
Phil

[Inmykombi]

Message left on an answering machine at the given number for Lostock, so I will be expecting a call soon.

I did leave a message on another number ( the caravan park at the Dam, with no reply ).

I will keep ya posted

Wooo hooo

Geoffro

[Inmykombi]

UPDATE....

I have left messages on 2 different phones over three days with no reply at all.

Arthur.
You may have to work your magic and see if you can get onto your regular contact.

:shrug::shrug::shrug::shrug:

[jakob]

Very interested, need to check the with the chief co-ordinator!
Regards Jakob.

[Allan_L]

Hi Jacob,
Starting to worry because hadn't heard from you in a while.
Hope you can make it. :thumbsup:

[sally1jack]

I know when i rang last time they where very slow in getting back to me geoffro
Phil

[Arthur Alchin]

have also now also left a message on Brians answering machine: will see when hw gets back to us. I know he was running a working party @ lLostock this week so that is why he probably hasn't returned our calls

[GTB_an_Owl]

did you tell Brian we wanted another flat spot on the hill Arthur ? :P

geoff

[Allan_L]

Hey Good Idea Geoff ! :)

And one for my camper too while you're at it.
It is not easy sleeping uphill!

[Arthur Alchin]

Have also heard of another camp about 3 kms from Paterson on the river. Owned by the girl guides assoc. An old school, might be worh looking at in future.

There are also 2 girl guide camps (with amenities) on the C/Coast: one at somesby and one at Central Mongrave. don't know how they would suit the monthly star party.

[Inmykombi]

Lostock top house now booked for 13th - 16th May.

There will be some paperwork coming to me via mail this week to fill out and send back, but other than that....start planning folks.

Geoffro

[Allan_L]

Woo hooo !!!

[Arthur Alchin]

going to have to bite the bullet and give the imaging a go this time

[gb_astro]

Book me in for the Saturday, maybe Friday too.

Greg.

[Inmykombi]

OKI DOKI Greg.....:thumbsup:

[Arthur Alchin]

if the owl wants another flat spot does that mean that we will see him there???

[GTB_an_Owl]

at great expense and loss of opportunity for profit, the owl has indeed decided to join you mob of misfits at Lostock.

SOMEBODY has to keep you all under control

geoff

[Rhino1980]

Count me in for Saturday fellas. Its been too long...

[Arthur Alchin]

Hey "the owl"
don't forget the handcuffs and chains like last time, you remember?

[Allan_L]

:eyepop:Suddenly I see that staying in the Campervan was a good idea !:eyepop:

[Inmykombi]

And who may I ask will keep you under control Mr Owl ?:lol:

[GTB_an_Owl]

Mr Tooheys keeps me under control Geoffro

just make sure you bring plenty of it

geoff

[Inmykombi]

I'll be bringing the usual Mr Bundaberg....;)
I am sure I could squeeze in a Mr Tooheys in betwwen.

Geoffro

[Inmykombi]

I have now received the paperwork to pay the hire fees etc.

I will send it away ASAP and then we just have to wait....

Cheers.

Geoffro.

[Arthur Alchin]

ripper Geoff, good work

[Rhino1980]

Let us know when we have to pay up Geoffro.

[Inmykombi]

Will do Ryan.

Should be great company as usual.

Cheers

[Inmykombi]

Hi all,

Its time for a head count as I have to send the money off in advance.

Hire fees are :

$100.00 total for the top house for the 4 days / 3 nights, plus, $3.00 per head per day on top of that.

My estimate is about $200.00 total.
So if 8 of us go it will be around $25.00 per head for the 4 days...

PLease post your intention quick so I can send this away..

cheers.

geoffro.

[gb_astro]

Geoff, put me down for the Friday, Saturday/Sunday.

Greg.

[Rick Petrie]

I'm good so far.:thumbsup:

[Arthur Alchin]

Did they change the rules geoff, usually drop the money in at the caravan park on the sunday when you return the keys.

Anyhow i have requested the time off so include me in. Its the thus to the sun isn't it?

[Arthur Alchin]

let me know when you need the money and i'll drop it over or maybe at the PC in april

[jakob]

I'm in. (Have to buy guy ropes and pegs for the Scope but.)

Thanks for the organizing :thumbsup:

[GTB_an_Owl]

i'm in Geoffro

geoff

[sally1jack]

I'm In
Phil

[Allan_L]

Please count me in.
Leave approved.
Thur to Sun.

Do you take PayPal ?

[Inmykombi]

Yeah you can just pay me " pal ":lol:

Sorry I dont take that form of payment.

Please hold all payments until the weekend we are there. I have checked and I dont need it beforehand.



geoffro.

[gb_astro]

Jakob, hope that's not a weather forecast!

Greg.

[Rhino1980]

I'm definately in for the Saturday night mate.:thumbsup:

[Arthur Alchin]

A little resurrection before the threat falls off the bottom of the page.

Is it the "usual" deal on the Thursday, meet at the Twin servos at 0830-900hrs and travel on Channel 8?

This is so exciting i am beginning to count the sleeps (it's pointless counting the stars, it's to cloudy)

Anybody need a lift?

[Inmykombi]

8.30-9.00 sounds good Arthur.

Usual Coffee and laughs before we head off up the road.

Cant wait .

Oh, I have a workmate and his lady friend coming for 1 or 2 nights also.

They are interested in the stars and he ( Steve ) has an 80mm set of binos.

Should be great.

Geoffro.

[sfrost]

Hi Guys,

I am Inmykombie's friend who's coming up for this event with my lady friend. Just thought i'd register and say gudday.

I don't see us staying up till 4am ... but I will be bring up a bottle of port to share ... hope that makes up for it.

Steve
:)

[Arthur Alchin]

Welcome aboard, looking forward to meeting you both. Don't forget some warm clothes, it can get pretty cool in May when there is nothing between you and the rest of the universe.

Will be bringing some etoh in one form or another also (and also a small Webber BBQ if anyone wants to cook anything),

Always a very friendly and often humorous get together.

See you there.

Arthur

[Inmykombi]

Good to see ya on here Steve.
Dont forget a few essentials like Sleeping bags, pillows and blanket or doona and maybe a beanie and gloves as well in case it gets cold.
Bring your 80mm Binos too, and you can use my tripod and adaptor to use for as long as you want ( for a glass of Port that is ) :P
If you dont want to pack food, there is a grocery store at Gresford where ou / we can stock up on whatever we need.

We meet at the Northbound side of the Twin Service Stations just North of Wyong on the F3 about 9 am on the Thursday for a " cuppa" and then we all drive together.

Geoffro

[sasup]

Im keen to come up for sat. I have heard good things about the place

[Arthur Alchin]

and you know Sasup, they are probably all very correct

[sasup]

OK I got the free pass so I'm wanting to come up friday avo and stay till sunday morn if its ok? Whats the go with food prep? Is there any shops or is it pack it if you want it? Thanks

[Arthur Alchin]

:welcome:We normally take our own tucker and drinks. Saying that there is a caravan park 6 kms back on the road but their range of stuff is pretty basic (milk, bread, ice blocks etc). Dinner time seems to be a very social occasion.

We have fridges in the house as well as a reasonable well decked out kitchen with cook tops and microwave etc.

I usually take a small Webber BBQ that anybody can use. We are about 30 kms from the closest town (East Gresford) but occasionally someone needs to take a trip in for something or rather.

Also if you have a UHF CB we usually stay tuned to Ch 8, Apparently Gresford has a Ch 8 repeater but i don't think anybody has ever activated it.

Also be carefull on the road from gresford out to there as occasionally you may encounter cattle, tractors and trucks on the road and some may even move out of your way

[Arthur Alchin]

don't forget guys, anyone who plays a bit of music, bring your gear as it always fills in a bit of the daylight hours

[sasup]

Sounds great, Ill bring some good old grog to go with the bbq and Music.;)

[Arthur Alchin]

hey everybody: only 23 sleeps to go (except for me as i have to minus my nights duties where i don't sleep)

[Inmykombi]

wooooo hooooooo.

[Arthur Alchin]

hey everybody: only 17 sleeps to go (except for me as i have to minus my nights duties where i don't sleep) YIPPEE.

Is it time for a head count for possibles and probables??

[GTB_an_Owl]

i only have one head Arthur

geoff

[Rick Petrie]

Thanks for the 'heads up' Mr wise one.:P
Will be back from US of A soon and are hangin' for a fix.
See yaz
Cheers

[gb_astro]

I'm still in for Friday/Saturday nights.

Greg.

[Inmykombi]

I am definately in for the three nights.

And I have a mate from Sydney who will be coming with his lady friend for the Friday and Saturday nights.

How many sleeps now Arthur ?

geoffro

[Allan_L]

i am there.
weather or no.

[Arthur Alchin]

15 sleeps and counting. I have to do 10x 12hr shifts between now and then, heavens i'll need the break

[Inmykombi]

Whether the weather is cold.....Whether the weather is hot.....Whether the weather, Whatever the weather.....whether there's weather or not.....


Just thought I'd chuck that in for good measure.....:lol:

[Rhino1980]

Yep still coming along for Saturday night. Just me, my gear and some port

[paulF]

I was hoping i can come but no car and Motorbike in the shop and will be staying there for a couple of weeks :(

[Arthur Alchin]

Hi Paul, how much gear do have in toe, if you could get up by train I could pick you up at the Tuggerah station on my way through but it would be early as we meet at the twin Servos just nth of Wyong at 830-0900 ( could pick you up at tuggerah about 0800-0815hrs if you could get there by then).

As far as food etc we usually stop for some supplies at East gresford where there is a Pub and an IGA type supermarket.

I'll leave it with you to decide, I do have a spare seat in the car and some space in the trailer. I will be returning on the sunday could give u a lift back to tuggerah

[paulF]

Thanks very much for the offer Arthur but i wanted to take my newly acquired 10 inch DOB on me :( Also i am not a big fan of public transportation, i hate trains!!!
Again, thanks very much for the offer, really appreciate it :)

[Arthur Alchin]

Countdown is 11 days and getting more excited

[jakob]

Me too!
Searching for warm clothes, just stayed in Jinabyne and nights are cold.
:D:D:D

[sasup]

still coming

[Allan_L]

9

:party2:

[sfrost]

Geoff, Sharon and I were coming up on Thursday night.

I will tune my UHF to channel 8 on approach.

Will talk to you on Friday anyway .... don't forget my bacon and egg roll !!

I am looking for places of interest for Sharon and I to visit in the area ... any ideas ?

Steve :thumbsup:

[Arthur Alchin]

HI Steve

The dam is always a pleasant view to visit, there are a couple of wineries on the way and an olive grove type place although I haven't visited either, YET.

Dungog is on the vicinity and there is a national park neay by but i think it is 4WD only, again i have a pretty good idea where it is but haven't been there.

Haven't ventured to many other spots as i always BLine straight for the camp

Arthur

[Arthur Alchin]

Also ripper Sasup, looking forward to catching up with you, see you there

[Inmykombi]

My mate Steve who is joining us at Lostock has a pair of binos that are out of collimation.
If anyone knows how to re-allign them, I am sure he would be grateful.
I may have a go at it if no-one else knows how to do it.

They are a decent aperture so its worthwhile trying I think.

Cheers.

geoffro.

[Allan_L]

Six !!!

Woo Hoo !

:cool: :cool: :cool: :cool: :cool: :cool:

[Arthur Alchin]

Yes Allan, only 6, yippee!!!!!!!!!!

Also Geoff, can you gett the make and model and we could search the net for the user manual or whatever that may describe the colx

[Inmykombi]

Hopefullt Steve will Read this a give it to me...

[sfrost]

The Model appears to be "Precision"

Doesn't seem to have a model number on it... jut says.

20 x 80
195ft at 1000yds
65M at 1000M
BAK-4 Prisms

I have to go out now but will post up a photo of it later

[edit] .... the Binoculars look almost identical to this one.

http://www.celestron.com/c3/product.php?ProdID=509

Played around with it again tonight ... no luck. I have a smaller pair and will bring those.

Steve :)

[Rhino1980]

Hey Geoffro just checking if there's still a bunk available or do I need to bring something to sleep on? Looking forward to this!

[Inmykombi]

G'day Ryan,

I think there may be some spare bunks still, but it maybe a good idea to bring an air mat or similar just in case.

Only 4 sleeps to go and then were off.

[Rhino1980]

Righto thanks mate, see you all on Saturday :thumbsup:

[Arthur Alchin]

3 to go
:rofl::rofl::rofl::rofl:

[sasup]

Im hoping to be there around 3:30-4:00 friday.
:thumbsup: Can I have a Roll Call???

[Inmykombi]

Looks like about 10 coming in all.

Just to clarify costs.

$100.00 for the house for the weekend ....divided by all comers.

Plus $3 per head per night.

I have to pay the caravn park at Lostock, so if everyone could have their fees ready for me, I would appreciate it very much.

Average amount $17-19 per person....

Hopefully this good weather will hold out and we will have a ball.

Bring the " woolies " as the weather looks like getting cold.

I hope there is wood there for the internal fireplace too.
Maybe if anyone has wood, they coulod bring some just in case.

Yes 3 sleeps to go....

[Inmykombi]

Bring them along Steve and I will have a squiz at them during the day between cups of tea and afternoon snoozes;)

[Arthur Alchin]

I have an article on collimating binos, don't know if it of any use. (got it yesterday). Will have the tool box as usual

[Arthur Alchin]

Geoff (inmykombi), Allan, Arthur, Geoff (the owl), Rick (?), Jacob, Ryan (Sat), Sasup (Fri/ Sat), Steve and friend, Greg (? Fri/ Sat), Phil (? which night)

Haven't heard from Geoff (the filter), or Dino

Anybody else who turns up casually

[Allan_L]

t w o ! !

:cheers:


Packing underway.
I want to try to get to twin servos before you lot leave this time. :)

[Rick Petrie]

Do you know any 'short' cuts Al??????:P

[sally1jack]

Hope to be there sat night, i have some work at my place that i have to be there for , so if i finnish in time i'll be there.
phil :thumbsup:

[Allan_L]

:rofl: :rofl: :rofl: :rofl: :rofl: :rofl: :rofl: :rofl:


Well, actually, I do.
But do you Trust me ???

:work: :work::work: :rover2:

[Inmykombi]

Hi, Does anyone have Geoff Filters phone number to call him ?

And also Deeno's as well ?

It would be good if they could come along as well.

Beware of Alans Shortcuts....they go via Galston Gorge and WINDSOR :lol:

[Rick Petrie]

You know what they say about trusting anyone who says 'trust me'.????:rolleyes:

[Allan_L]

Boy! One tiny slip up and you're dead meat around here.
...and they never let you forget it. :ashamed:

At least my friend Mr Owl hasn't put the boot in........(yet) :)

We had a good time, didn't we?

[GTB_an_Owl]

NOW! - is it my turn NOW! ?

i seem to remember someone that took a short cut to lostock (well maitland anyway) and found that it were'nt any shorter (in time anyway)
and he didn't get lost ! (that we know of)

who was that Allan ?

geoff

[Allan_L]

van packed.

excitement building like a hurricane.

and it was shorter. remember you left before me and i got to the roundabout first ! at slower speed too.

well thats how i remember it. :P

[Inmykombi]

Van packed, only a few things to go.

[gb_astro]

See you guys Friday afternoon.

(Don't forget to set your recorders for that ABC TV, Voyage to the Planets,
Thursday night, before you go.)

Greg.

[GTB_an_Owl]

hope you packed it all in tight Geoff ;) :D

what time - 7am ?

bullovers at the big M for breakfast i reckon



geoff

[Rick Petrie]

Freezer suit is packed.:thumbsup:
Now...mmm what else do I need.:question:
Brekky at the golden arches....dejavu.:D
Breaker breaker...looks like we got us a convoy!!!!

[GTB_an_Owl]

somebody bring a chainsaw for the firewood :cold:


geoff

[Inmykombi]

7 am geoff.
There is still abit of room left, maybe even for an 8 " Dob.:eyepop:

[Arthur Alchin]

ill try and remember the chainsaw, the weedeater, the rake, damn no room for a spade to help jacob out

[sfrost]

I won't be bringing up my lady friend I'm afraid .... she has to work. :(

.... and I really did want her company too .... oh well.

So that means I will leave Sydney about 10 - 11am on Friday Morning ... will get up there in the afternoon. :)

[sfrost]

Geoff, I am bringing up the Nikon. Remind me to take a GOOD photo of you for your avatar :D

[ steve runs away ]

[Inmykombi]

Hey .....whats wrong with my mug on my Avatar ??:eyepop:

Just remember to keep channel 8 open and follow the letters to planet "X"

We will have a "Piping Hot " cuppa waiting ...

Geoffro

[jakob]

:DI'm on my way!

[sasup]

You are not going to believe this but my boss just called and yep i have to work sat morn at 5am, but when the navy calls. ok I will stop screaming now. I just cant catch a break, its something every month. I am just so shattered, I was so looking forward to this. I may even start to think about selling my gear and take up finger painting. Just unbelievable.

[gb_astro]

Sorry to hear that sasup.
Don't think anyone has net access up there, so I will let them know.
Greg.

[gmbfilter]

Bugger can't make it:mad2:

Hope you all have a good one :hi:

[Inmykombi]

Well ....home again. Thanks for a great long weekend everyone. I had a great time away. I like this time of year for observing, it offers a lot of different stuff to see.

Work tomorrow.


Oh before I forget.

There was an orange work type jacket left behind at the house when we were packing up.
It could belong to Ryan I we think.

I have got it at home ( just me size too....what a score... )
So if you are missing one, let me know and I will take it to the PC next time.

Cheers to all.

[GTB_an_Owl]

another great weekend away guys - thanks for putting up with me.
special thanks to Geoffro for playing taxi

two ordinary cloudless nites (probably below average actually) and one cloudy nite that rewarded with a couple of good breaks for those that stuck it out.
totally enjoyed myself and the company again - these trips of ours are great.

hope everyone got home ok

geoff

[Inmykombi]

Just added a photo of the visitors we had on each of the mornings in the crisp cold air.
Taken thru Geooff's ( Mr. OWL's ) 80 mm spotting scope with small handheld camera.

[Arthur Alchin]

These are turning out to be an excellent repolarising event to recharge the batteries as it were.

Thank you all for a great weekend i look forward to the next. If only other guys could get involved in the opportunity we have.

My only photo of the weekend is below (I hope)

[Rhino1980]

Hey fellas, thanks for the company and a great night. It was great to finally get some light into El Tubo Grande again! Geoffro that's my work jacket mate, I knew I'd forgotten something when I got home, I had this forboding feeling but couldn't work out what i'd left behind! I'll grab it off you at the PC next time.
Cheers guys!

[sfrost]

Hi guys, just a note to let you know that I made it home safely. I enjoyed the weekend very much and as some of you were aware, I ride motorcycles and am use to writing up reports at the end of some of our weekends.

Here is my report for the Lostock weekend.

http://stephenfrost.id.au/Ride_Reports/Astronomy_at_Lostock.html

Enjoy

Steve :)

[Rhino1980]

Steve that report is awesome with the images and graphics really setting it off!

[GTB_an_Owl]

yep - great report Steve

glad you enjoyed yourself

geoff

[gb_astro]

Thanks everyone for a great couple of days.
So good to be out of Sydney for awhile.

Greg.

[Rick Petrie]

Ditto to all the above and a big thanks to Geoff for the organisation.
Your report Steve was a gem and probably the best report I have ever seen.:eyepop:
The atmosphere of the place was again pristine although the atmosphere up top was overall a little disappointing. There were however some times where the seeing was really good.(luck o' the draw I guess) but all in all some great viewing was had.
Thanks to all the guys for some fine belly laughs and diverse discussions which made it all the more interesting.:question:
Definitely do it again sometime soon.
Cheers:)

[Inmykombi]

OK . No worries Ryan I will bring it next PC visit.
You may haver to remind me though.
Washed and cleaned as well in exchange for another squiz through that superb 10 inch Newt.

[Rhino1980]

Deal. Don't worry about washing it though mate, it'll get covered in coal dust the very next shift anyway! Is someone going to post some pics up from the night, I think it was Jakob taking some candid shots of people and equipment?

[jakob]

Thanks to all of you for the very enjoyable days.
I had a greate time and am now more conscius about certain bodily sounds thanks to who?

Here are a few pics I took (cant' compete with Stephen's production!):
Regards J.

[jakob]

More pics:

[Rhino1980]

Thanks for posting pics Jakob. Two things made me cackle to myself through the night, Geoffro's "backfiring" and the Owl's random funny comments cutting through the night air!

[Allan_L]

Hi Guys!
Just to let you know I made it back at last.

Wow what a great time.

After leaving Lostock I headed for Bretti reserve on Thunderbolts Way, near Gloucester.

A huge Free Camping area (with a limit of 1 month stays, please).

Had the place virtually to myself, except for a few grazing horses and even fewer passing campers.

Great place Arthur. HUGE and FLAT.
No lights (vandals trashed solar panels and Council not replacing).
Pit toilets. A Little better than at the Pony Club.
And DARK Skies! Very! Amazing. But cold!!!!

Fireplaces. Two streams meet. Barnard River I think. Great Fishing. And the regulars say it is great for downstream air mattress expeditions.

Here are a couple of happy shots to give you the idea.

Looking forward to going back again soon!
(but the regulars say it can get crowded on weekends and holidays!)

[jakob]

Thanks for the report!
Sounds good, pitty I couln't join you.

The solar panel must have been useful!
J.

[Arthur Alchin]

So Allan i guess you were impressed by Bretti Reserve. It has great horizons.

I am interested in taking the camping gear and scopes up there soon if you are interested.

I tend to have some weekdays off but don't know whether that suits you.

I would have to take the generator to charge the batteries during the day

[Inmykombi]

It does sound great Allan,

How long does it take to get there ?

geoffro

[GTB_an_Owl]

plug it into your tom tom geoff

geoff

[Arthur Alchin]

Have been to Bretti Reserve a couple of times, timewise: about the same time as Lostock but you go up through Hexham and up to the bucket way, across to Stroud and glousester and start climbing the thunderbolt way.

The road last time i was there was very good and you can make good time as a lot is the Pacific Hwy, Am i correct Allan.

there could be a quicker way cross country but i don't know of it.

[Allan_L]

www.youtube.com/watch?v=aQjeknQlAVE (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aQjeknQlAVE)



About 230k. (3+ hours)
You can go up Pacific Hwy and via buckets way.
or
through Maitland and Dungog.

I think the former is marginally quicker.
but the latter is probably more scenic.

roads both way are very good (all sealed)
The NEW Pacific Hwy is excellent these days.

Al

[jakob]

Keep me in the loop, I may be able to join in.

[Allan_L]

Yes, I am interested. But I may have difficulty getting more time off in the short term.

Ohh and before I forget, Bring a shovel!!! Those horses take huge dumps, and don't mind where. Joanne suggested taking some star posts and police tape, it should keep them clear of our observation/camping area.

Perhaps a few days in the week before the June new moon?