Snake Valley Astro Camp - November 2011

[ballaratdragons]

Thanks Dave, you are now booked in :thumbsup:

[Davi5678]

Cheers Ken, looking forward to it!

[ballaratdragons]

Looking a little better. Lets hope it gets even betterer :lol:

http://www.accuweather.com/en-us/au/victoria/snake-valley/forecast.aspx

[cventer]

Trying to decide if I should bother bringing food or just drive somewhere close to eat. How practical is that as an option for sat morning , and Sunday ? Are their any local places open that serve food?

[barx1963]

Most people self cater. There is a little milk bar/take away at Linton and I think theres a shop in Snake Valley itself, Ken would know more about what it does. Otherwise not much.

[mishku]

Chris, the lazy girl in me tends to agree! Hey Ken, would it be practical for a few of us to car pool into Ballarat for a late breaky (and some good coffee??), or is that unfeasibly far to go?

[ballaratdragons]

Chris, most people cook their own meals, but some go get take away.

Snake Valley General Store will be useless as it shuts at 12 on Saturday and doesn't open again till Monday.

Linton General Store/Take Away is only 5 minutes drive and has Fish & Chips, Hamburgers, etc & a small grocery section.

12 minutes drive is Smythesdale which has a Supermarket, and a Fish & Chips/Take Away.

But be aware, we are out in the country. You can't take a quick trip to a Macca's or KFC :lol:

Country = Everything is shut about 7pm out here. :thumbsup:

[mishku]

Duly noted, thanks Ken.

Any advice for how cool the nights are going to be?

[ballaratdragons]

Mish, just keep an eye on the link I posted about 5 posts back :thumbsup:
It shows day and night temps and conditions.

But also note that we often get our cold night temps about 2 degrees lower than Ballarat (which is what those temps shown will be) and our Hot daytime temps are sometimes 1 or 2 degrees above Ballarat.

:thumbsup:
Here's the link again to keep an eye on: http://www.accuweather.com/en-us/au/victoria/snake-valley/forecast.aspx

[mishku]

Oopsies :D hope I learn to read before I get to SV hahahaha :D

Thanks Ken! :)

[Jen]

Hey Mish i usually go for a spin into Ballarat at least one of the days for a hungry jacks fix :lol::lol: LOL :P while im there as Swan Hill dosnt have one its only just over a 20 minute drive :thumbsup: So if ya up for a Sunday arvo cruise jump on in :rofl:

[ballaratdragons]

Yeah, for those people that really need a sugar fix, Ballarat 20 minutes away has:
2 Hungry Jack's
3 KFC's
2 Pizza Hut's
4 McDonald's
2 Red Rooster's
5 Subway's
1 Nando's
etc

so all the Junk Food people are well catered for :lol:

[mishku]

Only if you promise to caffeinate me once we're there lol :) with 47 subways, 145 pizza joints and 7068 burger joints, im BOUND to find coffee :)

[Rob_K]

The takeaway at Linton has brilliant food, best burgers around. Only a coupla minutes away. Err, that is, someone must have told me, not that I'd leave camp to go there of course, err..... (= lazy boy :rolleyes: ) :lol:

Cheers

[cventer]

Thanks

Ok i will stop being lazy then and bring some food. Just more stuff to think about. My list to bring is already like 6 pages long...

[ballaratdragons]

:rofl:

Your list will get shorter each time :lol:

You'll find that you don't need much.
A tent, a sleeping bag, a bit of food, a few changes of clothes, some showering stuff, some late night snacks, and some astro gear :P

There ya go, not even 1 page. ;)

[cventer]

also forgot to ask is there decent mobile coverage on optus or telstra ?

[mishku]

and vodafone/three (not that they have good coverage ANYWHERE, mind you...)

[ballaratdragons]

Yes, excellent Coverage on Telstra NextG :thumbsup: (full bars)

Optus has gotten better in the last 12 months up here so it may be OK.




Ummmm . . . nope.

I just checked the Vodaphone 3 coverage map for Victoria and it looks like they don't have much coverage anywhere outside Melbourne except for Geelong, Melton and Mornington Peninsula.

Vodaphone doesn't even have a shop in this whole part of Victoria as there is no coverage.

[byronpaul]

From my experience, Telstra 3G is very good, Optus not so good, not sure about Vodafone or 3.

I run Telstra Wireless Broadband whilst at camp and speed is normally excellent.

[erick]

I never bring more than I need :rolleyes: for about a month :help:

Wonder if I can fit in the "ring of death"? My full light hutch? How many lappies? Will I really only bring one telescope this time? What about the videocam? And the tools and soldering iron? Time will tell. :screwy:

[ballaratdragons]

That reminds me, when I use a Telstra internet dongle at camp I get even faster speeds than I do at my home only 2.5k away from the camp and it is pretty fast at home. :thumbsup:

[ballaratdragons]

Bring everything again Eric. You have a trailer :rofl:

[Alios]

Last minute as usual

Name: Alois Dvornik
How many people: 2
Number of nights: 2
Which nights: Saturday and Sunday
Bunkhouse or Camping: camping
Saturday Night Feast: sorry no, arriving late afternoon

Thanks Ken:hi:

[Dave47tuc]

To Ken & organizers of SV Astro Camp and to all attendees I wish you all the very best camp may the skies be clear at night I know as always fun and great times will be had by all. :thumbsup:

( Daniel all the best to Theresa and family ) :)

[33South]

Hi Dave

Sorry you wont be there, would have been good to catch up again.

Chris

[Exfso]

Reference vodafone coverage, I used to be with them, they are absolutely useless. When I was driving from Adelaide to SV, I lost coverage in the Adelaide Hills, got some small coverage at Bordertown for about 5 mins, then basically nothing. At SV there was zip coverage as was expected. I told Vodafone of their poor coverage when I got back to Adeliaide, and their response was that I was wrong and I should have got coverage on my total trip and it must have been my phone that was at fault. My response was for them to go and stick their heads up a dead bears bum and I promptly changed providers. Bunch of Cretins.:mad2:

[richardda1st]

:rofl::rofl:

Would a dead koala do?:question:

[ballaratdragons]

Thanks Alois, see you on Saturday :)



Thanks Dave.
Pity you can't be here again. Have a good weekend yourself :thumbsup:

[ballaratdragons]

Bookings accepted and logged in so far:

Ken (ballaratdragons)
Alistair (alistairsam)
John (JohnG)
Nick (niko)
Martin (mill)
Doug (Hagar)
Darren (desler)
Patrick (Paddy)
Richard (richardda1st)
Eric (erick)
Heath (Heath)
Jo (Jo)
Michelle (mishku)
Neale (Cloudyagain)
Trevor (OneOfOne)
Jen (Jen)
Drew (SonOfJen)
Ivan (Ijay)
Paul (byronpaul)
Michael (Moonman)
Emiel (SonOfMoonman)
Dave (Big Dave)
Paul (apaulo)
Peter (Exfso)
Chris (cventer)
Nicholas (whale)
Wren (Greenswale)
Jacob (Jake)
Aaron (Little Dragon)
Richard (rmcconachy)
Rupert (rupjones)
Malcolm (Barx 1963)
Chris (33south)
Bob Wyatt
Robert (RobertJoyce)
Bo (Traveller)
Bo's son (Travellette)
Bojan (Bojan)
Rob (RobK)
Barry (Pres BAS)
Dave (Davi5678)
Alois (Alios)
Alois' wife (Mrs.Dvornik)

:thumbsup:

[leon]

40 plus Ken, very impressive mate, ya must be doing something right, hope it all turns out a super event.

Leon

[ballaratdragons]

It's not me Leon, I think it is the location and the chance for people to get away from the city lights :thumbsup:

[Exfso]

Wow, dont like the latest forecast from weather zone. This is for Ballarat.

[niko]

I come for you Ken!!!!(sounds wrong doesn't it!)

[Jen]

:lol::lol: i worry about you sometimes Niko :rofl::rofl:

[Exfso]

Jen, your mind worries me at times;):eyepop:

[Jen]

me too :lol::lol::lol: it gets me into trouble :D

[mill]

Niko that is just a bit :evil2::wink2:

[ballaratdragons]

:eyepop: ummm . . . yep!

Care to rephrase that to something like "the scenery is nice and the people are friendly" :lol:

[Jen]

is it friday yet ?

:d

[ballaratdragons]

Ask me tomorrow if the day after next is Friday and I will say YES!

:lol:

[Big Dave]

:clap: Starting fast now in preparation for FEAST :clap:

[cventer]

Damn. Accu weather looks no better. What was clear friday and Sat is now low cloud Fri and shower Saturday.

[ballaratdragons]

. . . says the Dessert Monster. :rofl:

[erick]

Better go and pump up the trailer tyres and the spare.

When on earth am I going get time to pack? And the weather since it is bucketing down here - cannot pack until it slows to showers at least!

Then, tomorrow morning, it's "On the road again....." "I'm goin' up the highway, got to get away...." etc! :thumbsup:

'cept I'd better go "down" the highway - it's not Astrofest or IISAC time!

[niko]

travel safely Eric - remember to pack 2 of everything and extra tent pegs!

[ballaratdragons]

Have a Safe Trip Eric :thumbsup:

Now sing Willie Nelson's "On the Road again . . . " :lol:

[mill]

The Golden earring song could be better," I've been drivin' all night, my hand's wet on the wheel
There's a voice in my head that drives my heel
It's my baby callin', says I need you here
And it's a half past four and I'm shiftin' gear
When she is lonely and the longing gets too much
She sends a cable comin' in from above
Don't need no phone at all
We've got a thing that's called Radar Love" better known as Radar Love :P

[ballaratdragons]

Gee Martin, I can see you are busy at work today :lol:

[niko]

are we all getting a bit excited or what!?!?!?!??!

going to sort out all the gear tonight and pack

oh, and visit Bunnings in the hope there are some craftright cases left

[mill]

Work??? what is that????
Nah i am only working 2 day's a week and 4 hours on those day's because of my shoulder.

[dannat]

Skippy sky agrees with accuweather, clouds fri & sat night

[Exfso]

Hey Niko, I would love one of those cases for the G11, but they are no where near big enough. I still use the box/foam that the mount came in 7 years ago. How's that with "making do"!!

[cventer]

:(:(:(:(:rain::rain::rain::rain:


Friday Night 11/25/2011
Overcast with periods of rain and a thunderstorm
Low Temperature: 13°C
RealFeel: 13°C
Details (http://www.accuweather.com/en-us/au/victoria/snake-valley/details3.aspx) Hour-By-Hour (http://www.accuweather.com/en-us/au/victoria/snake-valley/hourly48.aspx)

http://vortex.accuweather.com/adc2004/common/images/wxicons/87x79_blue/8_int.jpg
Saturday Night 11/26/2011
A passing shower in the evening; otherwise, low clouds
Low Temperature: 11°C
RealFeel: 8°C
Details (http://www.accuweather.com/en-us/au/victoria/snake-valley/details4.aspx)



http://vortex.accuweather.com/adc2004/common/images/wxicons/87x79_blue/12_int.jpg
Sunday Night 11/27/2011
Cloudy with a couple of showers late
Low Temperature: 11°C
RealFeel: 12°C
Details (http://www.accuweather.com/en-us/au/victoria/snake-valley/details5.aspx)

Now how often are they wrong ? Lot of gear to pack and long way to go for 3 nights of rain and cloud ???

[danielsun]

Hey Niko , I just bought two of the craft right cases from Bunnings Watergardens yesterday. They have have a pallet load of them. :thumbsup:

And hey guys, don't worry about the weather, how many times have they predicted cloud and rain and yet has sometimes turned out stunning!
Anyway even if the weather is bad the entertainment provided by Niko, Doug, Darren and Pete is priceless! :lol:
Have a great time guys.

Cheers Daniel.

[erick]

Tent Pegs!!! I'll go and write that down. Wait a minute, I'm not bringing a tent?? Doesn't matter, I'll bring them anyway :D

[erick]

I'm going to need to sleep Fri night, so a bit of cloud then won't worry me. :zzz2: I'll set up on Saturday.:stargaze:

[Heath]

Ken and friends,

Unfortunately my wife and I will not be coming up to the camp. I know there will be fun to be had with all the crew, entertainment and feast etc but I just cant justify dragging the better half away to camp in wet weather. I'm trying to get her interested in my hobby and the last camp went a long way towards that thanks to the friendly nature of the event and the generous nature of everyone on the field, allowing us both to view through their amazing gear. With the potential of clouds and H2O threatening I have surrendered and will now doubt be dragged through shopping malls instead. (I try to support her hobby)

Ken I will be happy to pay a cancellation fee given the late notice knowing these events take some planning and up front costs for the feast etc. Let me know what would be appropriate.

I wish everyone all the very best on the weekend and will be praying for clear skies for you all.

Thanks and regards Heath

[mishku]

Oh no!! I'm sorry to hear it, was looking forward to recruiting a new astro chick to our ranks!

Mish

[apaulo]

Hi Ken,

Sorry to say I am unable to make it this weekend. Hope the event is a success.
Regards Paul (apaulo).

[Jen]

Ummmmmmmmmm hell yes :D 310 replies in this thread already (more than IISAC :P) and 43 of them are mine :rolleyes::rofl::rofl:
Oh rain, hail or shine im sure i will still have the best time with a great bunch of peeps :D

Sorry to hear your not coming Heath happy shopping LOL :thumbsup:

[leon]

Guess what Jen it is Friday tomorrow, yea !! have a great time.

Leon

[Jen]

:) Well you cant half tell you have retired and on holidays Leon tomorrow is only Thursday :rofl::rofl:

[danielsun]

:rofl: :rofl: Jen you just beat me to it!:rofl:

[leon]

Ah bugger, :rolleyes: did I really say that, :question: gees age is showing isn't it.:lol: :lol: opp's :)

Leon :thumbsup:

[mishku]

:party: :party: :party: :party: :party: ITS THURSDAY!!! :party: :party: :party: :party: :party:

That means tomorrow is FRIDAY!!!!!

:party: :party: :party: :party: :party: :party: :party: :party: :party: :party:

:stargaze: :astron: ONE MORE SLEEP TO GOOOOO!!!!! :astron: :stargaze:

[niko]

Pete - well done on the original box - my scope now has too many bits and pieces hanging off it to fit in it's case!

Daniel - well done - no cases at either Bunnungs Broadmeadows or Coburg - bugger, bugger, bugger

See you all in just over 24 hours!!!!!!!!!

[niko]

Eric - you need tent pegs for the scope, not the tent.....remember.....?

[mishku]

Hey Nico,

Im not actually sure what you're looking for, but if you're over this side of town what about Maribyrnong, Sunshine or Altona?

Not sure how badly you want the item?

M

[mill]

He has one now Mish :)

[niko]

Martin ROCKS!

[ballaratdragons]

Not only do we have entertainment from Shane, and a Meteor Presentation from Trevor, but I have also secured a massive Super Deal for all that are coming to Camp!

THE SNAKE VALLEY CAMP SUPER DEAL

Anyone coming to Camp will have the opportunity to purchase Brand New Celestron Products for Half Price and many items LESS than half price!!!! :eyepop:

YES! I really said less than half price!

Some Examples:

C11" SCT on a computerised CG-5 GoTo normally $7,500 Camp Price - $3,300
C9.25" SCT on computerised CG-5 GoTo normally $4,799 Camp Price - $2,400
Nexstar 11GPS 11" SCT, computerised GoTo & GPS Camp Price only $3,300
GoTo 4" Makstov-Cassegrain's from $320

plus EP's at UNDER half price
Diagonals for $40
Neximage Solar System Cameras normally $429 Camp Price - $160
Filters
etc
etc

All Legitimate Celestron Australia Products
Not Grey Imports.

What a massive Coup for us to get :thumbsup:
and you don't even need to bring the money with you to Camp. Just make your order :)

[niko]

THAT IS AMAZING!

Will we be able to view them on the back of the truck or will it be too heavily guarded by bikies? :rofl:

Seriously, I'll have a light pollution filter I reckon

Good work Ken and I hope the guy's kneecaps heal up!

[ballaratdragons]

All legit, Nick.
All offered and supplied by the Australian distributor of Celestron :)
The actual products won't be here on display, but I will have the complete list of items and prices.

[Jen]

:eyepop: wow way to go Ken who's da man :thumbsup::thumbsup:

[Exfso]

Sounds great Ken. I will still be coming although I am not bringing my gear, just me:D I reckon it was not worth disassembling all my equipment this time as Murphy has his finger well and truly pointed at the weather Gods. I reckon Sunday may be ok though and maybe Monday. I will still enjoy re kindling old aquaintances though and probably annoy the crapper out of some people;)

[Jen]

:lol: you can come and annoy me Pete :thumbsup:

[Big Dave]

I am in the same boat (may need one yet with the weather), my gear is aligned nicely at home. Will come just Saturday night for a catch up and for the Feast! Probably bring a grab and go scope. Have to work Monday.

[ballaratdragons]

Does that mean you have plenty of time to sell the Raffle tickets for us? :lol:

Good Onya Pete :thumbsup:

[Exfso]

Yeah, something like that Ken:lol::thumbsup:

[ballaratdragons]

That's cool Dave.
You only booked in for the Saturday night anyway.
We know you are only coming for the food, and the DESSERT :lol:

[ballaratdragons]

Holy Cow! Sorry Heath and Paul, I only just saw your posts.





Sorry to hear this guys, but thanks for letting me know :thumbsup:

Heath I will PM you after the event is over when I have slowed down a little.
If all goes well you may not have to pay anything if we can cover the catering costs.

[cventer]

I am still reserving final decision on to pack up gear or not to till tomorrow morning. Lets hope a miracle jet stream appears overnight and pushed this forming low pressure away.....

If i dont come Frdiay I will check out weather for SAT. If not sat then wont be comming and also happy to pay whatver you need to cover cost of feast, fees etc....

[Big Dave]

I was coming Friday but work has got in the way.
Feast, rain, hail or shine.

Will bring a grab and go but for some happy snaps in sucker holes.

The Celestron deal may be of great interest as well!
mmm C14 on a CGE-Pro.....

[Big Dave]

Me too with the fees.

[ballaratdragons]

OK Chris and Dave.

The forecast is starting to improve slightly for late Sat night or Sunday/Monday, but only time will tell.
It may surprise us and clear up like previous camps have done.

I will let you know re: any costs :thumbsup:

[Heath]

Ken,

That Celestron Deal is absolutely insane! I'm pleading for a pass to come for Sunday night given it is the most promising of the nights of weather. I will confirm soon.

Cheers Heath

[barx1963]

Hey Ken
With the weather gods not doing the right thing and as I have a prior commitment Sat night, I was thinking of only coming up Sunday night.
Should arrive in the arvo of Sunday. Will the Celestron guy stioll be there then?

Malcolm

[erick]

Not any more I don't. New cover and rigid arm that locks it closer to horizontal. Blow as much as you want now, wind!

Ps. I'm on my way there.

[traveller]

Hey Ken, is there is a CGEM at half price, reserve one for me!
:lol::lol::lol:
Bo

[ballaratdragons]

Good luck Heath :)


Malcolm, there is no Celestron guy coming here. I have been given a list of bargain priced items for attendees to order from. And it's 2 pages long.


Bo, no CGEM's.

[ballaratdragons]

I am amazed.
Last night was absolutely crystal clear.
Tonight is absolutely crystal clear.

and all my gear has been pulled down for the last 2 nights :nerd:

[cventer]

Ken,

Just goes to show. Accuweather says mostly cloudy with late shower.

[barx1963]

No worries Ken, misunderstood the deal. I know what you mean about the weather. Just been outside nabbing some really faint galaxies before the clouds hit! Still keeping my fingers crossed for tomorrow night!

[ballaratdragons]

I just went and had a look at Accuweather and it says it is raining here :lol:
So all those stars I see outside are raindrops? :P
The sky is beautiful right now.

We get different weather to Ballarat, and yet all the district forecasts (within 45k of Ballarat) are centred on Ballarat's forecast which is of no help to most farmers out here! Or Event organisers either.

I have seen many events in surrounding towns cancelled 24 hours beforehand due to forecast Rain (and the cancellation announced on the radio) only to end up with a lovely sunny day at the event while is pours down in Ballarat itself :shrug:

[Jen]

Happy Snake Valley Eve :cool::cool:
OMG so many things to do so much still to pack i have been going for two hours now :lol::lol: the boot is now full, now to fill up the back seat :P
See you guys real soon woop woop :D

[ballaratdragons]

Even Accuweather can't make up its mind! :lol:

About 1 hour ago Accuweather showed Friday as rain and thunderstorms.

Now look at what they say (check the times):
A partly sunny day, a clear evening and a partly cloudy night! :screwy:

[ballaratdragons]

and even Late Friday Night through to Saturday Morning has just changed to the better too :question:

[Jen]

ITS FRIDAY :D
Cars is all packed accept for my jarmies :D
See you all tomorrow night around 7ish :hi:

:driving::driving:

[byronpaul]

Jen,

so have you left room for Drew ..... or is he strapped to the roof :P

Drive safe!!!!

[Jen]

:lol: Paul he was neally going to be strapped to the roof i had to do a bit of re-shuffling :lol: but i havnt got the slab of UDLS in the car yet either :screwy::rofl:

[ballaratdragons]

:rofl: LOOK OUT, HERE COMES JEN!

THE UDL's FITTED, BUT DREW?

[leon]

Have a great camp guys will be thinking of you all, bugger the weather hey, hope it clears a bit for you.

Leon

[niko]

Hey Jen,

IT'S FRIDAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! !!

I'm all packed and at work at 7:45 so I can get away early. Everything I could see is packed. The only bummer is I think my Shoestring cable is sitting at the Post Office but I won't have a chance to collect it :(

I've got more RJ12s and RS232 than anyone can ever need so hopefully I can hobble something together for Alignmaster.

I'm not even gunna mention the weather.

Travel safely everyone.

niko

[Heath]

Ken,

Count me in for Sunday night. Just me no Jo.

Cheers Heath

[ballaratdragons]

OK Heath. thanks :thumbsup:

[ballaratdragons]

Any other messages left in here from now on may go un-read as I am heading off to the Camp to get things ready. Sorry if you don't receive an answer.

See you all as you arrive. :)

Have a safe trip :thumbsup:

Reports from Camp can be posted in the Reports thread: HERE (http://www.iceinspace.com.au/forum/showthread.php?t=83453)
:thumbsup:

[richardda1st]

At last, time to start packing and head off to Snake Valley for a couple of spectacular nights with the stars.:thumbsup:

[OneOfOne]

I'm packed and will be leaving shortly. If you are going to listen to my meteorite talk, you may want to bring a camera along with you too, especially if you have kids with you.

[jjjnettie]

Take care on the roads everyone. Have a great time!!

[spacezebra]

Wishing all a great astrocamp. Stay safe in all your travels and have a great time.

Cheers Petra d.

[Octane]

Damn, miss Shane's performance, again!

I still haven't forgotten the first time I saw him play!

Someone tape it and put it on YouTube for goodness sake -- the guy is awesome! :D

H

[jjjnettie]

:D Jen just phoned. Sounds like their having a great time. Cloud has moved in and so they've moved inside, and so the party begins....

[bojan]

Rain in Melbourne....

[danielsun]

Even though it's raining here in Melb I would sill love to be there.
Have a great time guys and enjoy the feast and Shane Gilbert tonight! He's brilliant!! :thumbsup:

Cheers Daniel.

[mishku]

An astro chick never drinks and tells! :)

Having an amazing time so far, not sorry I stopped being a princess and came along Hurrah for sneaky Friday night good seeing, and waking to the sound of rain on the roof Fingers crossed for good seeing tomorrow

[Big Dave]

Here, ready for the feast.

[rupjones]

Hi Ken,

I'm going to pull out due to weather etc. If i can donate some cash for non attendance, food etc let me know.

Cheers

Rupert.

[bojan]

Hi Ken,
Weather is not looking good, so my minister of internal affairs decided we should stay at home.. and on top of that, at work I have an emergency (moving office) so I will be needed on Monday..
I was really looking forward to meet you and others on this occasion, but it seems this will have to wait for the next opportunity.
Clears skies...

[erick]

We noticed you were first in the pavlova queue. :D Where is the photo of the pavlova constellation?

[rmcconachy]

I snuck up to SV last night (Sat) for a few hours. It was good to finally meet some more IIS members in person including Ken, Jen, Big Dave, Eric and several others. I hope the rain clears and you get some more observing time this evening!

[Big Dave]

Here :)

[erick]

:thumbsup: Cheesecake, trifle, fruit salad and jelly and ice cream for me! :eyepop:

[barx1963]

Was back at work by 10-30am today, a little sleep deprived. Shame about the weather but great to catch up with everyone again.

Had some enjoyable chats, IIS is great but nothing like chatting face to face!

Must get one of those helicopter Darren!!

Malcolm