Bretti July 28th-31st 2011: Early notice

[Arthur Alchin]

For those who Like/ want/ need fair notice of events: July 28th -31st 2011 seems a good time for the Winter getaway. (About 12 weeks away)

As we are up near the Barrington Tops the temperature will be very cool to cold :eyepop::eyepop:therefore a freezer suit or clothes suited to very cool conditions would be necessary for the nights (last winter the temps we experienced overnight were about -2) but the viewing was every bit worth it. And a good sleeping bag/ blankets for comfortable slumber.

We managed to get a good camp fire going which lasted for days and well, all is good. This years dates coincide with the Southern Aquanids (28th and 29th July).

Remember this is a "camping" weekend so self sufficiency is the key word. The site has very limited amenities (pit toilets) and 2 fresh water rivers running through it but it is free. Previous trips have all been great (although the last 2 were wet) and stacks of fun.

There is heaps of room at the site for tents, caravans and motorhomes and access is very good for all.

Feel free to ring me (Arthur) on 0411438858 for any info.

PS if everyone who was able was to take some fire wood (even a small amount) it would make it much easier once there.;););)

[Inmykombi]

Woo Hoo.... Another one to look forward to.:eyepop:

Putting this one in my diary as I speak.

Thx Arthur.

[Arthur Alchin]

Is there a way of stopping this thread from falling off the end of the page and into oblivion

[GTB_an_Owl]

YES - just bump it now and then :poke:

geoff

[Rick Petrie]

Phew.....just got in in the nick of time.:P
Should be a goer....but a bit too early yet.:thumbsup:

[Arthur Alchin]

Keeping the thread alive

[Allan_L]

Noted with interest and intent. :thumbsup:

[Inmykombi]

A local supplier of Apple Charlotte will have to be sought Allan....;)
Also, I am going to try my hand at baking a Damper in my camp oven next camp.
Now I have masteredcooking a Roast Beef, its time to move on to other things.:D
Looking forward to this trip already....

[Allan_L]

WooHoo ! :thumbsup:

[GTB_an_Owl]

forget the damper Geoffro - go straight for the apple charlotte

geoff

[Rick Petrie]

With all the rain we had last camp, wasn't the roast beef a 'damper'.:)
We don't want it any 'damper' than last time.:P
I'm with you Geoff,bring on the apple charlotte.:thumbsup:

[Arthur Alchin]

Maybe i could try and do some scones in the jaffle iron's i take with me (recipes anyone???). There are still two of the pancake mixes in the trailer and the maple syrup for morning tea.

[Arthur Alchin]

Maybe the bakeries in gloucester have got them.

[Inmykombi]

I will still try a Damper , and just think how it will be smothered in jam. :eyepop: mmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm

Jaffles and Apple Charlotte also sound great.......

[Allan_L]

It is starting to sound more like an episode of Masterchef rather than an Astro Camp 1 :lol:
(I guess that's the level we sink to, when our weather sounds like a B Grade movie Title --> "Damp & Damper" :P )

[Arthur Alchin]

Master-chef?? NO!!!

Australia Has Talent???? NO!!!!

"The Stars of Night Time Entertainment??? YES YES YES!!!!

[Arthur Alchin]

:welcome:Just a subtle reminder that this weekend is still a goer at this stage. We need some ideas of how to get some fire wood for our monumental camp fire (no it doesn't interfere with our viewing (and no we don't set it up in a tent).

I think that it is established that there will be some very talented cooks present, particularly specialising in bush tucker (eg damper).

(Might even take a video camera and make an amateur doco for viewing at IIS camp on how you can do amateur astronomy on a budget.
Might call it "Frugal Astro-Camping" :lol: :lol::lol:)

[Allan_L]

Bunnings sell it by the 20kg bag (I think) for about $15 ?
We could each bring a bunnings bag ful. :question:
...and it will be dry ;)

[scagman]

That is a very expensive way to buy your wood. (50bags= ton=$750)One bag would last about five minutes in a open fire, you would be better off getting someone to organise a trailer load(1/2 ton), cost would be about $200-$240 a ton(well thats the going rate down here).
Just my 2cents worth.

[Arthur Alchin]

Just keeping the thread alive still trying to think of solutions to the question of firewood?

[GTB_an_Owl]

take the chainsaw and rob a few paddocks on the way up

geoff

[Inmykombi]

If we all take a bit of firewood, we should be OK.
I will pick some up from the local servo beforehand I guess.
It'll be very cold as it was last year , so we'll need a good supply to keep the kettle on the boil.:D

Geoffro.

[Arthur Alchin]

Bumped
:eyepop:

[Allan_L]

perhaps more appropriately
. :cold:

[Matty]

Hi Geoff and Allen.
Many thanks for the invite Allen I will endevour to get the time off to attend at Bretti. Sounds like a fun time although a bit chilly. Better rug up for the occasion. Even better will bring some nice warming reds from work if you guys would enjoy a tipple?:D

[Allan_L]

Hey thanks Matty.
But we are all about fun.
We only "tipple" on days with a "y" in it. :)

It will be cold.
A lot of us have "freezer suits" for the cold nights (because colder generally means better "seeing" ).
If you want to buy one, I know someone who sells them.

[Arthur Alchin]

Wow new sleeping bag rated at -5 degreesn. Yes thata the way.

:):)bh

[Inmykombi]

Is the sleeping bag a double Arthur ?;)

Just kidding

Geoffro.

[Allan_L]

:lol:LOL
I was beginning to wonder about you guys ! :rofl:


Can't wait

[Outbackmanyep]

Hey guys,
the news around my location is that a couple of bridges have been washed out in the recent rains, i think you should check the accessability to the reserve as it takes a while to rebuild a bridge out here.
Mind you i am not saying that it is hard fact, the source is not reliable as you know how local heresay goes sometimes, but i'd be checking the crossings with NRMA or RTA to make sure.

Cheers

[Inmykombi]

Dont Worry Allan,

What happens at BRETTI.....Stays at Bretti.:rofl:

[Allan_L]

If it gets any colder I'll be looking to join yas. :confused2:

[Rick Petrie]

Now you guys have got me really worried??:confused2:
I didn't know double sleeping bags were rated up to three???:P
That info will definitely be staying AT Bretti!!!!!:D
Those bridges,if they are out, is the only thing that will save the rest of us.:lol:

[Arthur Alchin]

I will go for a drive in the next week or two and have a gander: will let you all know

[Inmykombi]

Excellent Arthur, We will be waiting your report.

I hope all is OK with the bridges.

Geoffro.

[Arthur Alchin]

28 days and counting and no there is no room in my sleeping bag for other "males" of the species.

[bahoogas]

Arthur, I think i'll only be able to come if you make an exception for me...

[Arthur Alchin]

Is it time to start getting excited about the camp at the end of July??

I am getting excited at the prospect of 4 days away and the days leading up to it are disappearing quickly.

Do we have any other members out there that are willing to exchange their electric blankets and gas heaters for the beauty of the winter skies with a dedicated band of Astro-hoodlums who go to great lengths to see the beauty of the universe (and also have a great deal of fun at the same time in the daylight hours).

You need your camping gear, food, drinks and of course anything else you want to take.

There is ample room for caravans, RV's and tenters and best of all the spot is a freeby!

PS: I am very very selective as to I allow to share (:rofl::rofl::rofl:) my new sleeping bag but i will have the old ones there if needed

[Inmykombi]

Cant wait, and yes the days are going past quickly.

Good noew is I have fixed my GPS issues and the scope works a treat now.

Bring on the clear skies and of Course the good ole campfires.

dont forget the warm clothes as it will be very cold I suspect.

[Allan_L]

To the Fire Master, Joanne is organising a modest bag of timber for me to contribute to the heating effort. Old hardwood. I think it should burn slow and work a treat. But we need a lot more so anything you can bring will help. (but make sure it is "untreated" she says)
:campfire:

[Inmykombi]

I will make sure I bring timber thats been treated very badly indeed Allan.:P

I may be able to purchase a trailer load of timber from my neighbours who are having a tree removed. Its pretty much dead, and has been for a couple of years now so it should be dry enough to burn.

I will try to get it for a song, but it may be the case of chipping in 10 to 15 bucks each for a trailer load of the stuff.( maybe 100 bucks a trailer full.)
I will keep ya posted on this.

Not long now. Getting excited to get away and regain some scruples.:D

[GTB_an_Owl]

Geoff - STOP!

i pinched my drop saw back from son on the weekend

i have a heap of old hardwood i plan to cut up
transporting it to bretti is the only problem

geoff

[Arthur Alchin]

Let me know if you need money geoff and how much

[Allan_L]

Sounds like we are going to have more wood than we can shake a stick at !:eyepop:

[Inmykombi]

Just enough for a week or two in FIJI please Arthur....:lol:

[GTB_an_Owl]

i should easy have a trailer load
i just need a trailer to put it in ?

so DON'T go buying any wood

geoff

[Rick Petrie]

I have a trailer we can use if someone's got a spare towball. ( and towbar, and vehicle for towing)

[Inmykombi]

Thanks Rick and Geoff.
I could use Ricks Trailer and take the timber up there.

The timber I had planned on getting, was turned into woodchips today by the tree removers. At least I can get some Mulch from the neighbours now, as the pile is huge.

OK well we will work on Ricks trailer and your wood Geoff and me taking it there.
Sounds like a plan to me.

All sorted.

cant wait....

[Arthur Alchin]

RIPPER!!!!! I knock off work on the Wednesday morning so will be able to travel up on wednesday instead of thursday and have another night up there.

Once up there i can also do a peruse around for some more wood and get the campfire spot sorted out (2-3 mtres in diameter????)

Where do we want to set up this time? where we were last time or on the flat area near where Allan was if it is vacant??

Yes, getting more excited by the day.

[Allan_L]

So, what about my wood? :confused2:

[Arthur Alchin]

How much do you have Allan, could i pick it up and take it over to Geoff"s place so that it travels in the trailer??

[Arthur Alchin]

I can also probably carry some long lengths of wood on the ladder racks of my trailer if necessary but they would need to be over 1800mm long

[Allan_L]

Probably an armful or two.
Yet to be de-nailed and cut into shorter lengths

or i can leave them as long bits ?

[Allan_L]

I can bring them, I just wanted to make sure they were still welcome :P

[Arthur Alchin]

My word they are Allan, The more the merrrier as it were. I just suggested that in case you needed a hand to get the wood up there. ( not going to waste time with a chain saw again)

I am just wondering whether i need to take the weedeater again. I have a new hand saw in case we need to cut up any wood.

[GTB_an_Owl]

Geoff/Rick

bring the trailer to my place as soon as you can
i will cut and fill in at the same time

geoff

[Inmykombi]

Your wood is most Welcome Allan,

I may also go up a day early with you Arthur and setup.
Personally I liked the spot we had last Summer near the "Loos".
It was flatter and a better spot for setting up scopes etc.

And Geoff, that sounds great, if I could pick up the trailer from your place....that would be no trouble at all.

Woooo Hooooo....:D

[GTB_an_Owl]

just looking at the temperatures for Bretti this week

any body had experience of cooking breakfast AND tea in freezer suits

looks like the only time we will not have them on is between 10 and 4 during the day :cold:

[GTB_an_Owl]

the saw is set up and i am ready to cut wood gentlemen

geoff

[Inmykombi]

When Rick gets back Geoff, I ( or he ) will get the trailer over to you for filling up with that precious firewood to keep us warm. By the sound of the temps. we will need heaps to get warm.

Thanks mate talk soon.

Geoffro.

[Arthur Alchin]

Hey Geoff (the OWL)
Do you want me to chuck a spare tent in the trailer for you to use (it's just sitting in the garage at present) :)

[GTB_an_Owl]

what! - and miss the fun of contriving my own?

i should be right thanks Arthur - will let you know if i need it

this trip's design should be - small - double sided - roof lining - fireplace

Mmmmm - a tepee design maybe with buffalo skins

ta
geoff

[GTB_an_Owl]

ok - we have a third of a trailer load cut

geoff

[Inmykombi]

Geoff, I will talk to Rick soon, when he is back on Deck, and discuss the trailer movement.

Keep Cuttin'....:D

Geoffro.

[Arthur Alchin]

When we get up there and empty the trailer of the wood i can always put the trailer on tbe car and go for a drive and find some timber along the road like last year, that worked.

Anyone else.coming up on the Wednesday? ? ?

[jakob]

I will try, just can't wait to get up there!:thumbsup:

[Arthur Alchin]

Ripper Jacob, will be great to catch up with you

[Inmykombi]

Great to see you again Jakob.
Safe travelling and see you there.

geoffro

[Allan_L]

Hi there,
I am in
Toowoomba.
Van is in Mercedes Service Department.

Hoping it will be ready today (broke down last Saturday in tenterfield).

If all goes well, I hope to be able to come up early too.
But after a few days of minus 5 mornings in Tenterfield, and not much better in sunny Queensland (where I had to be towed to the Merc Dealer), I am in need of some warm nights first.

Also, after breaking down in Tenterfield on Saturday, and being told I would have to wait till Tuesday for a tow to toowoomba to nearest Merc dealer, and being told my van was too big for NRMA to tow and having to arrange my own tow, and finding Mercedes service booked out for over a week --- my Doctor rang me and told me my pathology had come back and he needed to see me urgently that day (Sunday) and knowing he does not work Sundays ---:confused2: :help:

Lets just say, I hope to be able to come to Bretti.

Apart from the firewood, Personal Note: remember the petrol for the generator(s) !!! ;)

[Arthur Alchin]

Yes me also! 20 litres of the best vintage gasoline. Better use it before i pay extra with the carbon tax.

[Rick Petrie]

Hi Al.
Sorry to hear of all that misfortune with the mobile house and I hope all is well with you mate and you get mobile soon.
Back from Vanuatu and getting trailer ready for firewood in tow!
Rick
PS Hard to take this cold after Vanuatu. @#$%)^%^

[Rick Petrie]

Trailer delivered. Owl's cut wood. Enough for a few days by the looks.
Bring it on!!!:thumbsup: All we need is Mr weatherman to come to the party with some clear stuff.:)

[Inmykombi]

I have been meaning to ask Rick.
What sort of plug does the trailer have. ?
I have a rectangular one on my van.

Geoffro.

[Rick Petrie]

Geoffro
It's a seven pin inline rectangular. Should fit if you have a standard female plug insert socket.:thumbsup: :P

[Inmykombi]

Fantastic Rick, thx mate.

I also helped The Wise Owl fill the trailer with the wood today.
Should be enough for a few days I reckon.

Looking forward to getting away.

[Inmykombi]

Only 6 sleeps to go.. woooohoooo.

[Allan_L]

and the weather forcast is for fina and sunny from tuesday through to sunday double woohoo :D

[Rick Petrie]

WooHoo2:)
Hope Mr Owl kept that wood pile dry in this deluge?;)
What am I thinking......of course he did.:P

[GTB_an_Owl]

i tried ?

geoff

[GTB_an_Owl]

wed/ thur nite at 7pm...............-1 degree :cold::cold::cold::cold:

geoff

[Allan_L]

Here's a tip I learnt at Tenterfield:
Fill the kettle each night, and put it in the Fridge, to stop it from freezing.
Then at least when you wake, you can get a cuppa going.

[Arthur Alchin]

A couple of nights might be down to -4

[Inmykombi]

Looks like I am sleeping in the freezer suit inside the sleeping bag....Brrrrrrrrrrrrr.

Cold night should equal clear nights too I expect.

I prescribe Rum and coffee for observing sessions below 4 degrees.

5 sleeps now....

[GTB_an_Owl]

i'm afraid 7timer is saying "dewy" will be there with his two brothers Geoffro

geoff

[Inmykombi]

Looks like the dew heaters will get a workout.
I better charge all the batteries to cope with the load....:rolleyes:

[Rick Petrie]

So what time is it on Wednesday at the twin servo's you lot and who will be there?
Have we got us a convoy, rubber duck???:P
Weather is looking commendable at this stage.

[Allan_L]

Yes. Or should I say "Ten Four Red Leader"! :driving: :rover2: :rover1:
I am looking forward to the normal witty conversations on the CB on way.
It's been too long.
And ... I have a new GPS so we could try some exciting "short" cuts.

Prefer to leave after morning peak (and school zone times)
But I will fall in with the majority.

[GTB_an_Owl]

i probably can't leave till lunchtime

have to take wife to the train a little after 8am then go home and finish packing the car

so you will have to hitch the trailer on your own Geoffro -- sorry

i might have a couple of things tied on the top of the trailer as well Geoffro (mattress / tarps and whatever won't fit in the car)
will make sure i tie all down well

geoff

[Rick Petrie]

So that means we can now get lost and have a legitimate excuse??:lol:

[Rick Petrie]

Geoff
If you want, I can put your mattress in the van as we did last time? Might help save some space. Could help Geoffro hook up as well. Going past your place.

[GTB_an_Owl]

yes - well - mattress probably better in the van Rick - thanks

will leave it where you can get it

geoff

[Inmykombi]

I may need some help lifting the trailer as its heavy wih all the timber.

Will you be there till about 7.30am Geoff ?

[GTB_an_Owl]

its not that heavy Geoff

i have lifted it up a bit to drain all the water off the tarp

but yes - will probably have to leave around 7-30 to get the wife to her train

geoff

[Inmykombi]

If we meet about 9 am at the twins servos, is that OK by all ?


Rick will help me hitch the trailer in the morning, before we get going.

[Allan_L]

If this trailer is as full as you describe, then there seems little point in me bringing any more. It is very heavy and bulky and not much point carrying it up in the van if it is not needed.

Better to keep it for next time.

Agreed?

[Arthur Alchin]

900 sounds great

[bahoogas]

Are you guys sure you want to go to Bretti? The pony club is looking better by the minute.

[jakob]

I won't make 9.00, 11'00 is more likeley for me. I'll see you at Bretti!

[Allan_L]

Hi Jakob.
Glad you could make it this time.

Guys!
9:00 !
Is that arrive or leave?
What about my suggestion to leave it until after school zones finish?
I'd be happier with a departure time of 10:00 from the servos
If its rainy I am not likely to be there by 900 anyway.
and the Forecast appears to have deteriorated a little, I now note.
Hmm! what say the experts?

Excitement building.
I wonder what I will forget this time? ;)

[GTB_an_Owl]

trailer ready - tarped and tied down (some of my tarps on top of wood)

Rick - for the van i will have my mattress, 2 tables (one for our observing gear) and 2 chairs - that OK?

not even thought about packing the car yet - so i won't make the servo - or be here in the morning when you get here - we have to leave about 7ish now to get the wifes train (do a job on our way)

geoff

[Arthur Alchin]

Yes James, i think the pony club this weekend is for the faint hearted and those not in touch with their pioneering spirit.

[Rick Petrie]

No worries mate. Are they within eyeshot?

[Rick Petrie]

That's a bit harsh Arthur, not all are in a position to get away like us.
We will be thinking of those at the PC though, and we all hope for clear skies wherever we are.:thumbsup:

[Inmykombi]

I am running around like a chook at the moment trying to unpack the van and re-pack the scopes and camping stuff.

I'll be at the servos by 9 and hopefully a speedy departure to get up there and get setup.

[GTB_an_Owl]

will leave my extras on top of the trailer or in the front shed Rick

geoff

[Inmykombi]

I could leave them on top of the trailer too Geoff, to save time in the morning, but they might be missing when we get there....:shrug:

[erick]

Well it looks like I'm locked in for the PC - first time. Faint-hearted? Not sure, but hearing you guys complain about the temperatures - Geez, we know we are just getting started when it hits -6 deg at Snake Valley! :P

Install a real toilet and hot showers and I'll join you guys next year. I don't mind the cold, but a man's gotta have some luxuries :D

[Allan_L]

Hmm!
Has anyone explained the "facilities" at the Pony Club to Erick? :shrug:
Well I hope you have a good night there Eric and I look forward to seeing you there next time.
Maybe next week? :welcome:

Thanks again for your courtesy when I was in Melbourne early this year. :thumbsup: :thanx:

[Rick Petrie]

Hi All
Arrived home yesterday from what you would call an exceptional few days of clear dark night skies and perfect warm days.
Six of us made the journey. Allan L, Arthur A, Geoff Owl, Geoff M (Inmykombi), Jakob and myself.
Most of the time it was crisp cold nights and very dark with the temperature on the Friday night getting down to -4. Daytime temperature around 23.
Good company any many tails were discussed on mostly astronomy stuff but plenty of other diversional therapy.
Geoff M and Jakob both made camp oven dampers which were to die for.
Arthur made hotcakes. Allan provided lunch on the day I left but the Apple Charlotte was particularly Mmmmmm.
Jakob provided a lovely Port and rum to keep warm. Mr Owl provided..well, you know! (Don't you just love his blue 'house'.)
We were very lucky to jag so many clear nights and would definitely recommend all who can, to try and make the next planned trip.
Some photos attached.

[DavidTrap]

Looks idyllic! Green with envy - glad you were blessed with such good weather and company.

DT

[GTB_an_Owl]

you leave my BLUE HOUSE alone buster

it served its purpose well

got home safe and well about 3-30 sunday

WHAT A GREAT FOUR DAYS

geoff

[jakob]

Great pics, thx Rick.
Just having cuppa at the servos on the F3.
Fantasic 4!!!! days, thanks to the oranisers and woodcutters & damper tasters.
Regards j.:):D:P:eyepop::thumbsup:
:hi::hi::hi:

[Rick Petrie]

And I know, it did serve it's purpose well.:thumbsup:
I just loved the classic/contemporary lines and had to get it on 'film'.:)
Glad you got home safe and well. Cheers

[Allan_L]

WOW
What a four days.
Perfect days, freezing nights (literally)
Dark skies
wonderful astro sights
exploding meteors
a comet
great company.
What more could you ask - Oh Yes, well maybe - Hot Showers?

Nevertheless, it was a great astro camp.
some pics
[incl my first dabble into astro photography
Pentax K100D ISO 3200 f/18 193secs unguided]

[Inmykombi]

It was a great few nights. Little sleep and dark skies.
Good company and loads of laughs too.

just a few photos of the campsite and cooking.mmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm

I think Jakob's damper was tastier than mine. Good one Jakob.

Minus 4 at night and 20 or so during the day. A bit of dew around for observing, but still we saw bucket loads of objects.

I must have also seen 40 meteors on Friday Night over about 4 hrs or so.

Thx to all who came and made it a fun get-away. again.

Geoffro.

[GTB_an_Owl]

GEE - i'm glad i slept through that frost geoffro

geoff

[Inmykombi]

I couldnt Geoff, I was too cold.

I had to get up and warm myself in front of the fire, with a cuppa of course.

What was the report for the last night ( Saturday night ) that I missed.

[GTB_an_Owl]

about 1 hours observing then fire and damper nite

geoff

[AndyK]

Thank you to the IIS folk at Bretti who were kind enough to let my wife and me have a peek through your scopes and taking the time to explain things to us. You've re-awakened my interest in astronomy ... :)

[GTB_an_Owl]

glad to be of service Andy

and great to see you here on IIS

geoff

[RB]

Welcome to IIS Andy !

:welcome:

[GTB_an_Owl]

PS Andy

if you were looking for my weather site it is here
http://weather.gtbastrowise.com.au

geoff

[AndyK]

Top weather site Geoff! ... very nicely done.
... and thanks to you and Andrew for the welcome. What a great site this is :)

We only moved to our current place in January and I haven't got around to setting up the weather station here yet. The one I set up and run for work is at:

http://insvr1.midcoastwater.com.au/MCWWX/

I'll get the home station and some more IP cameras set up eventually.

[GTB_an_Owl]

thanks Andy

will take you months to get through the photography sections

geoff