Snake Valley Astro Camp - November 2011

[ballaratdragons]

The 13th SNAKE VALLEY ASTRONOMY CAMP

Yes, it's on again!

25th - 29th November 2011

4 nights of beautiful dark sky away from City Glare.

- LIMITED TO 50 BOOKINGS ONLY -

(Plus Casual visitors also welcome)




Bookings can be made in this thread

Please Copy/paste this booking information into your post:
--------------------------------------------------------------------------

Name:
How many people:
Number of nights:
Which nights:
Bunkhouse or Camping:
Saturday Night Feast:

--------------------------------------------------------------------------
FEES
(To allow more people to attend the camp some people may have to share a bunkhouse)
Bunkhouses (per person)*
2 nights $60.00
3 nights $80.00
4 nights $95.00

Campsite (per person)
1 night $25.00
2 nights $50.00
3 nights $75.00
4 nights $90.00

Children under 5 y.o. - FREE

Saturday Night Feast - Adults -$20.00 - Under 15 yo -$15.00
The fee for the Saturday Night Feast goes to the local CFA.
PAYMENT OF ALL FEES TO BE MADE ON ARRIVAL


- The observing field has 240v power.
- There are 12 Bunkhouses (from 2 to 8 bunks) and lots of camping space on the observing field.
- Caravans welcome.
- Hot showers & toilets in a Caravan Park style Amenities block.
- Large dining room for about 60 people
- Recreation Room (Billiards, Table Tennis)
- Fully Equipped kitchen with all cooking utensils, crockery, cutlery, fridges etc.
- Lake for swimming, fishing, canoeing etc.
- BBQ facilities

*Please note, Bunkhouses CANNOT be booked for one night only.
We have previously lost bookings due to bunkhouses being used for only one night when people wanted to book them for 3 or 4 nights and couldn't because of the 'one night' stayer booking it first.
Exceptions are accepted if you are in a shared bunkhouse with others staying more than one night.
Alternatively, the Campsite is available for one night if that's all you can stay.

*Alcohol is allowed, but 'Drunkeness' will not be tolerated. Offenders will be asked to leave.

* Aerosols of ANY description (Aeroguard, Deodorent etc) are TOTALLY BANNED on the observing field. Stray spray could (and has) permanently damage optics.

Snake Valley Astronomy Camps are fun, low key social events. A white light ban is in force (as expected), but due to the nature of our Camps, imagers and observers are all mixed in together having a great social astronomy experience. Visual observers that may be offended by some stray Laptop light may be affected.

Keep watching this thread for any updated details about the November 2011 SVAA Astronomy Camp at Snake Valley

Thank you
SVAA

THE BUNKHOUSES
The 12 Bunkhouses range from 2, 4, or 6 bunks up to several with 8 bunks (4 sets of upper and lower bunks).

They have Mattresses, but no bed linen. You will need to supply your own sheets, blankets, Doona's, and pillows. Or just throw a sleeping bag on the mattress.

CAMPING
The Observing Field/Camping area is on a very gentle slope to assist drainage, bordered on the west by Trees and the road, and on the east by the lake. Plenty of room for a lot of people to camp and set up.
240v power is supplied.

SKY
Very Dark. There is a faint light dome visible low in the east, coming from Ballarat, Melbourne and Geelong.

COOKING
The Kitchen is fully equipped.
All cutlery, cooking utensils, pots, pans, jugs, you name it it's probably there!
Microwaves, Grillers, enormous Gas Ovens and stove top, 3 fridge/freezers.
All you need is your food.

SHOPS
There are supplies available locally.
3k - Snake Valley General Store: Basic groceries, Petrol etc
Closes 12:00 Sat, Shut Sunday

5k - Linton Store: Basic groceries, Petrol, Hot Fish & Chips, Hamburgers etc.
Open 7 days till 8pm

12k - Smythesdale: Supermarket, Petrol, shops.
Open 7 days

20 minutes - Ballarat

LOCAL SIGHTS: Nimmons Bridge, Computer Museum, Jubilee Gold Mine Historic Reserve, Sovereign Hill, etc. etc.

SNAKE VALLEY ASTRO CAMP WEBSITE: HERE (http://astronomycamps.bravehost.com/home.html)

.

[leon]

Well that came round quick Ken, I'm sure it will be super camp as always, I wont be there but wish everyone the best skies in Vic.

Leon

[multiweb]

Name: marc aragnou
How many people: 1
Number of nights: 4
Which nights: all
Bunkhouse or Camping: bunkhouse
Saturday Night Feast: yes

[alistairsam]

Look forward to it Ken.

Name: Alistair Samson
How many people: 1
Number of nights: 3
Which nights: fri,sat,sun
Bunkhouse or Camping: Camping
Saturday Night Feast: yep

Now, Jen's purple text and smilies are bound to head this way !!

[JohnG]

I'm in...

Name: John Glossop
How many people: 1
Number of nights: 4
Which nights: All
Bunkhouse or Camping: Bunkhouse
Saturday Night Feast: Of course.....

See you all there :).

Cheers

[niko]

YES YES YES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Name: niko
How many people: 1
Number of nights: 4
Which nights: All
Bunkhouse or Camping: campoing
Saturday Night Feast: Of course.....

YAYAYAYAYAYAYAYAY

[mill]

Name: Martin Meupelenberg
How many people: 1
Number of nights: 4
Which nights: All
Bunkhouse or Camping: Bunkhouse
Saturday Night Feast: ah yeh

Cant wait to see you all again and some new faces :)

[Hagar]

Name: Doug Braidwood
How many people: 1
Number of nights: 4
Which nights: ALL
Bunkhouse or Camping: Camping
Saturday Night Feast: Oh yes

[mill]

Hehe looks like Doug will be bringing his own bunkhouse :P

[desler]

Name: Darren Esler
How many people: 1
Number of nights: All of them!
Which nights: As above
Bunkhouse or Camping: Bunkhouse please!
Saturday Night Feast: Yes please!

Wait till you see Doug's new bunkhouse, rekon he might be busy giving guided tours!

Darren

[desler]

I get the distinct feeling the whole post is about to be covered in emoticons!

I did warn you!

Darren

[Paddy]

Yip-yoo!

Name: Patrick Kavanagh
How many people:1
Number of nights:2
Which nights:25,26th
Bunkhouse or Camping:Camping
Saturday Night Feast: Yes please, vego as usual

Better book Petra for the clear skies ritual - she did a great job for BSG

[richardda1st]

Yes please, dark skies here I come:lol:

No Doug, a luxury caravan is not camping.;)

Name: Richard Busuttil
How many people:1
Number of nights:2
Which nights:25,26th
Bunkhouse or Camping:Bunkhouse
Saturday Night Feast: Yes please, carnivore as usual.:)

[erick]

Better not be too cold down there - I've become acclimatised to the balmy northern days! :D

Name: Eric Kingston (erick)
How many people: 1
Number of nights: 4
Which nights: Fri-Mon
Bunkhouse or Camping: Bunkhouse
Saturday Night Feast: Yes

[spacezebra]

Hi Paddy. The clear skies ritual is now a BSG secret. LOL:lol::P

Cheers Petra d.

[Heath]

Hi Ken,

Looking forward to our second visit.

Name: Heath & Jo Bradshaw
People: 2
Nights:2 (Friday and Saturday)
Camping
Saturday night feast: Yes please

Thanks H & J

[danielsun]

Yep, count me in as usual!

Name: Daniel sun.
How many people: 1
No of nights: All 4
yes, bunkhouse please.
Sat night feast: yes
Dark clear sky: yes please.

Can't wait!:)

[ballaratdragons]

Off to a Flying Start and I only opened the bookings at 4:25 pm today :eyepop:

Excellent to get so much response so quickly.
That speaks volumes to us about how well the Snake Valley Camps are liked, when people rush in to book :)

Thanks folks :thumbsup:

Keep the bookings coming in.


This Camp we have the popular Presentation by Trevor Hand ( MPAS, ASV) entitled:

'METEORITES'

LEARN ABOUT: early theories about the origins of meteorites, what happens in a meteorite impact, how much energy is released, what happens to the material at the impact site, a few famous impacts, the meteorite that bumped off the dinosaurs.
SEE: real meteorites and impact material, including an 11kg iron meteorite, lunar and Martian meteorites, and even some real dinosaur bits!

The 'METEORITES' presentation will be at: 3:00 pm Saturday :)

--------------------------------------------------------------
A table will also be set up outside the dining room for Buy/Swap/Sell between 1pm and 2pm Saturday
for anyone wanting to buy/swap/sell
--------------------------------------------------------------

[mishku]

Name: Michelle
How many people: 1
Number of nights: 3
Which nights: Fri, Sat, Sun
Bunkhouse or Camping: Bunk
Saturday Night Feast: Yes, please!

Thanks :D

Princess M :lol:

[ballaratdragons]

Bookings accepted and logged in so far:

Ken (ballaratdragons)
Marc (multiweb)
Alistair (alistairsam)
John (JohnG)
Nick (niko)
Martin (mill)
Doug (Hagar)
Darren (desler)
Patrick (Paddy)
Richard (richardda1st)
Eric (erick)
Heath (Heath)
Jo (Jo)
Daniel (danielsun)
Michelle (mishku)

:thumbsup:

[Cloudyagain]

Name: Neale Walters
How many people: 1
Number of nights: 3
Which nights: Fri, Sat, Sun.
Bunkhouse or Camping: Bunkhouse
Saturday Night Feast: Yes please


Thanks Ken.

[ballaratdragons]

See you soon Neale, thanks for booking in :thumbsup:

[niko]

okay, what gives....?

this thread has been open for 2 days and there's still no sign of our northern purple udl queen????

yoo hoo Jen.........?

:shrug:

[OneOfOne]

Put me down for the Friday and Saturday night.


Name: OneOfOne (Trevor)
How many people: 1
Number of nights: 2Which nights: Fri, Sat.
Bunkhouse or Camping: Bunkhouse
Saturday Night Feast: Yes

[ballaratdragons]

:lol: Yes Nick, Jen is going to freak if she misses booking in.



Thanks Trevor :thumbsup:

[Jen]

:eyepop::eyepop: well you all tried to keep this one quiet didnt you guys :rofl::rofl:i popped in here every day last week thinking that this will be up real soon and i was sick for just a few days and i neally miss out :poke::poke: :eyepop: well i think i have a permanent spot at Snake Valley now anyway so its all good :rofl::rofl::P
Drew keeps asking me when the next camp will be :) he will so love the Meteorite Presentation :thumbsup:
Thanks Ken :D
IS IT NOVEMBER YET :question:
:scared3:

[Jen]

:doh::doh: oops after all that excitement i forgot to make the booking :lol:
Jen puts on her Meg Ryan voice Yes yes yes yes yes :D



Name: Jen & Drew & Johnny :rofl:
How many people: 2
Number of nights: all of them
Which nights: all of them
Bunkhouse or Camping: Camping
Saturday Night Feast: Yes please :P

[ballaratdragons]

Nearly November Jen :lol:

Are you going to Book in or just explain your lateness? :question: :P

[danielsun]

Look out, Jen's spotted this thread!!
And here I was thinking it was going to be a nice quiet 4 days to unwind and relax.:poke: :lol:

[Jen]

:lol::lol: Sorry Ken i got a little excited i soo love these camps i have the best time :thumbsup:

[ballaratdragons]

Bookings accepted and logged in so far:

Ken (ballaratdragons)
Marc (multiweb)
Alistair (alistairsam)
John (JohnG)
Nick (niko)
Martin (mill)
Doug (Hagar)
Darren (desler)
Patrick (Paddy)
Richard (richardda1st)
Eric (erick)
Heath (Heath)
Jo (Jo)
Daniel (danielsun)
Michelle (mishku)
Neale (Cloudyagain)
Trevor (OneOfOne)
Jen (Jen)
Drew (SonOfJen)

:thumbsup:

[Jen]

:lol::lol: Danielsunnnnnnn Look out alright its gonna get noisy in here woop woop :D
:hi:

[Jen]

Hey has the ramp on the lake been fixed yet :question: i gotta practice my planking while im there :lol:

[Jen]

:hi::hi: hey Niko you could have given me a nudge in PM lol ;)

[danielsun]

:lol: Go Jen! :lol: Wouldn't be the same without ya!;)

[desler]

That's more like it, jen's back! Is it November yet?


Darren

[Jen]

:D:D im counting down the days already Darren :lol:

[Hagar]

God help us again. Between asking for support and committing miracles the camp won't be dull or quiet.

[mishku]

Hey fair's fair, Jen, I poked you on facebook to make sure you were still alive! :lol:

[niko]

Jen,

I stand side by side with you in loudness, laughter and woop woop-ed-ness.

Bring it on!!!!!!!!!!!!


:lol::lol::lol::eyepop::eyepop::D:D :rofl::rofl::hi::hi::screwy::screwy ::P:P:P

Wow - purple and emoticons - you can see how it could become addictive

[mill]

I am not part of this madness :rofl::rofl::rofl:

[desler]

Oh golly, Jens performing other miracles. She's turned Niko and Marty to the dark side!!!!!!!!!!!

Darren

Is it November yet?

[Rob_K]

By hook or by crook I'll get there - one night, maybe two, have to see which ones a bit closer to the event. So this is the booking you have when you're not having a booking, sorry Ken!:rofl:

Can't miss the cruisiest star party known to man! :thumbsup: ;) Look forward to catching up.

Cheers -

[Ijay]

Ripper! Count me in

Name: Ivan Webb
How many people: 1
Number of nights: 2
Which nights: Fri and Sat
Bunkhouse or Camping: Camping
Saturday Night Feast:Yes Please

[ballaratdragons]

Rob,
are you actually booking in? :shrug:

[Rob_K]

No Ken, not till I can work out which nights. :thumbsup: Just letting you know I'll be there.

Cheers -

[ballaratdragons]

:lol: OK Rob, thanks mate :thumbsup:

[byronpaul]

Ken,

looking forward to it

Name: Paul Byron
How many people: 1 (not sure about Lachlan yet will confirm closer to camp)
Number of nights: 3
Which nights: Friday to Sunday
Bunkhouse or Camping: Camping (Caravan)
Saturday Night Feast: Yes please

Can't wait ....... missed the dark skies, friendly people and environment ..... and the camps are the only real time I get the scopes out :sadeyes:

[Jen]

:D aww im feeling the love at this camp already :D

[mill]

HEHE Jen but you are missing out on one again :rofl::rofl::rofl:

[ballaratdragons]

Thanks Paul :)

Yeah, let me know about Lachlan later. :thumbsup:

[Moonman]

Emiel and I are already booked on the boat.
Just 2 nights this time.
Friday and Saturday.
Camping

[Moonman]

Saturday Night feast too please!

[ballaratdragons]

Thanks Michael :thumbsup:

[Big Dave]

Count me in.
Paul Albers is also coming with me

Both The Feast, Both Camping

Regards,
The Desert Monster

[Jen]

:clap::clap::clap:

[Exfso]

Count me in if I can get my Tak collimated...:(

Name: Peter (Exfso)
how many people: 1
Which nights: All of them
Bunkhouse or Camping: Bunkhouse
Saturday Night Feast:Yes with tongue in cheek. I need plenty of gravy!!!

[erick]

Bring it over Pete - I've got a hammer :D

[Jen]

Woohooo great stuff Pete :thumbsup::thumbsup: i just sent you a PM asking if you were coming to SV :D

Oh watch out for Eric he likes pulling apart telescopes just make sure he dosnt get the chain-saw out :lol:

[desler]

Eric having a go at a Tak with his hacksaw! I'll bring a cigar for that!

Darren

[Exfso]

Yeah, you guys are all heart....

[ballaratdragons]

Thanks Dave :thumbsup:
How many nights and which ones please?

Onya Pete, bring the Tak, we'll fix it :D

[ballaratdragons]

Bookings accepted and logged in so far:

Ken (ballaratdragons)
Marc (multiweb)
Alistair (alistairsam)
John (JohnG)
Nick (niko)
Martin (mill)
Doug (Hagar)
Darren (desler)
Patrick (Paddy)
Richard (richardda1st)
Eric (erick)
Heath (Heath)
Jo (Jo)
Daniel (danielsun)
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)

:thumbsup:

[erick]

Looks like a great crowd on the field on Saturday night! Good!

[cventer]

Name: Chris Venter
How many people: 1
Number of nights: 3
Which nights: fri,sat,sun
Bunkhouse or Camping: Camping
Saturday Night Feast: of course

Looking forward to meeting everyone

[ballaratdragons]

Thanks Chris, you'll enjoy it :thumbsup:

[Big Dave]

Looking forward to this year. Will be good to relax after a busy astronomical year with the usually crew. SPSP, BSG, Messier, VicSouth...

For completeness Paul's Ice in Space tag is 'apaulo'. He is a newby to the imaging game and is getting great results to date. This will be his first star party.

Attendance: Sat night (can't mis the feast!), hopefully Friday as well. Camping in the car again.

Regards,
Dave.

[whale]

Name: Nicholas Jones (whale)
How many people: 1
Number of nights: 2
Which nights: Fri and Sat
Bunkhouse or Camping: Camping
Saturday Night Feast:Yes Please :D

[ballaratdragons]

Thanks Nicholas, you are now booked in :thumbsup:

Thanks for the update Dave :)

[ballaratdragons]

Bookings accepted and logged in so far:

Ken (ballaratdragons)
Marc (multiweb)
Alistair (alistairsam)
John (JohnG)
Nick (niko)
Martin (mill)
Doug (Hagar)
Darren (desler)
Patrick (Paddy)
Richard (richardda1st)
Eric (erick)
Heath (Heath)
Jo (Jo)
Daniel (danielsun)
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)

:thumbsup:

[Greenswale]

Looking forward to balmy, mozzie free clear nights, great company and an incredible feast!

Name: Wren Brown
People: 1
Nights: 4
Bunk/camp: Bunkhouse
Feast: Oh, yeah!!

[traveller]

Best wishes to you all lucky ones going, I will be thinking of you at the kids Xmas party, yes, I know....:sadeyes:

[ballaratdragons]

Thanks Wren :thumbsup:

Bo, Oh joy :P thanks for the best wishes. Hopefully you cam make the March camp :thumbsup:

[ballaratdragons]

Bookings accepted and logged in so far:

Ken (ballaratdragons)
Marc (multiweb)
Alistair (alistairsam)
John (JohnG)
Nick (niko)
Martin (mill)
Doug (Hagar)
Darren (desler)
Patrick (Paddy)
Richard (richardda1st)
Eric (erick)
Heath (Heath)
Jo (Jo)
Daniel (danielsun)
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)
Margaret (molly)
Rodney
Jacob (Jake)

:thumbsup:

[rmcconachy]

Name: Richard McConachy
How many people: One
Number of nights: One as a casual visitor
Which nights: Saturday
Bunkhouse or Camping: Cannot stay :(
Saturday Night Feast: Yes please

I can't get away for the Friday night and I have to be home to look after junior Sunday morning so that means I'll just be a casual visitor. Thanks in advance and I am looking forward to meeting everybody including the Dragon Man himself! :)

[ballaratdragons]

Thanks Richard,

you are more than welcome as a casual visitor :thumbsup:

You'll love the Feast :)

[rupjones]

Name: Rupert Jones
How many people: 1
Number of nights: 1
Which nights: Sat
Bunkhouse or Camping: Camping
Saturday Night Feast: yes

[ballaratdragons]

Thanks Rupert :thumbsup:

[ballaratdragons]

Bookings accepted and logged in so far:

Ken (ballaratdragons)
Marc (multiweb)
Alistair (alistairsam)
John (JohnG)
Nick (niko)
Martin (mill)
Doug (Hagar)
Darren (desler)
Patrick (Paddy)
Richard (richardda1st)
Eric (erick)
Heath (Heath)
Jo (Jo)
Daniel (danielsun)
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)
Margaret (molly)
Rodney
Jacob (Jake)
Richard (rmcconachy)
Rupert (rupjones)

:thumbsup:

[barx1963]

Unfortunately only able to make it for Friday night this time

Name: Malcolm
How many people: 1
Number of nights: 1
Which nights: Friday
Bunkhouse or Camping: Camping
Saturday Night Feast: No

Unless I can wangle Monday of work in which case I will come back for Sunday night will let you know Ken

Malcolm

[ballaratdragons]

Thanks Malcolm. :thumbsup:

Good luck with getting Monday off :)

[Jen]

:eyepop: yes you gonna come back sunday night then i can steal your eyepiece again :P

is it november yet :question:

[barx1963]

Jen. I you ask nicely I might let you borrow the Ethos I bought at BSG!

Malcolm

[ballaratdragons]

I AM PLEASED TO ANNOUNCE
THE RETURN PERFORMANCE
OF

Shane Gilbert
SEE HERE (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q9pmWZYmUKE&feature=related)

SATURDAY 3pm
in the Dining Room

:thumbsup:

[Jen]

:eyepop: wooohooooo :D:D:D

:clap::clap::clap:

:rockband:

:party::party::party:

[Moonman]

Looking forward to It!:thumbsup:

[erick]

Well done, Ken!

[desler]

Nice Ken, looking forward to it.

Darren

[ballaratdragons]

UPDATE:

*ALL Bunkhouses are now booked, but there is still plenty of room on the Observing Field for more tents :thumbsup:

*The owner of the Camp has placed a giant permanent rope fence along the front of the camp where some people parked their Caravans in the past. This will make it difficult for those that want to put vans out front. You will have to park them inside, somewhere.

*Also, (in his weird wisdom) he has plowed up 2 long garden beds seperating the Observing/Camping Area from the main Camp :screwy:
which has now made it hard to drive onto and off the observing/camping area!

The easiest way to drive onto the field now will be to drive through the main Camp, out between the cabins and onto the field.
This will give his field MORE damage as now all the cars will have to drive through the same place creating a track!

Vehicles will have to be driven in, unloaded, then driven back out if you will need to use your car while at camp, or leaving before Tuesday Morning. Otherwise your car will be trapped in there.

*He has blocked off one of the Entries into the Camp. The one between the Rec Room and the BBQ area.

*The Entry near the Field can still be used, but it's not much use any more. It doesn't help with access to the Field, and anyone parking in there will just get in the way of power cables.
Truly, he has stuffed this up (and I let him know).

It appears that all enty and exit will need to be made using the Drive through Entry between the Shower Block and the Kitchen :rolleyes:
We will find a way to use the Camp the way he has changed it. They are only minor things, but annoying all the same.

*BUNKHOUSE ALLOCATIONS:
here are your Bunkhouse allocations for those that booked a Bunkhouse (also showing modifications the owner has made) :thumbsup:

[richardda1st]

Hi Ken

Maybe I have missed something but I would like to point out that Shane's
performance clashes with Trevor Hand's Presentation. :sadeyes:

Hope this can be fixed.:P


Cheers
Richard

[Jen]

:eyepop: oh well Ken if some crazy astro chick sideswipes his cabins trying to get Johnny onto the field she will not be held responsible :rofl::rofl:

:whistle::whistle:

[ballaratdragons]

Ahhhh, thanks Richard.

That's what happens when I get confused (which is often) :lol:

I will talk with Trevor and see if we can move him later an hour :thumbsup:

[byronpaul]

Ken,

just to check, are you confident that caravans will fit through the entry between the Showers & Kitchen.

My van is 26 feet from hitch to bumper and by the time the Pajero is attached its about 40 feet long. It's also 8 feet wide and I need at least 3.4 meters of clearance above the van.

I recall lots of low wire in the courtyard and not much of a turning circle.

Bit concerned that I wouldn't get the van through that access to the observing field :sadeyes: :sadeyes: :sadeyes:.

Paul

[ballaratdragons]

Paul, I reckon we will have to get your van and Doug's big Van in through the normal Field entry and park them where they use to be parked.

It can be done, but that entrance just won't be able to be a 'drive through' for everyone like it was. :thumbsup:

[byronpaul]

Sounds good :thumbsup:

I'm trying to free up some extra time to spend 4 nights at the camp this year.

With missing the March Camp, and as I'm about to dip my toe into the water with imaging, thought I'd use the camp as a means to fast track my learning.

Was getting worried I didn't have a spot to sleep .... :( :(

Getting close now :D :D :D

[Paddy]

From my personal experience - :eyepop:

[Jen]

:lol::lol: naarh Paddy the wife said you just needed to wash it remember :rofl:

[ballaratdragons]

Saturday Program

1-2pm
BUY/SWAP/SELL
outside dining room
--------------

3pm
SHANE GILBERT
Performance in Dining Room

--------------

4pm
Presentation
METEORITES
by Trevor Hand
in Dining Room
--------------

6pm

FEAST!
yum yum

with Raffle Draws and
Door Prizes
-------------

7pm'ish
Time to hit the
OBSERVING FIELD
:thumbsup:

.

[byronpaul]

Ken,

looking good ..... better bring some cash !@#!@#

[byronpaul]

Yeah Patrick ..... that was my concern, particularly given the extra width, length and height of my van.

Looks like Ken's got a solution so all good

[Hagar]

Lets hope Ken's solution works. Mine is the same size as yours Paul. I wouldn't fancy trying to get it in between the toilet block and Mess room. I can't drive it that well.

[ballaratdragons]

We'll work it out on the day. You won't need to go between the Toilet block and kitchen :thumbsup:

[cjpops]

I'd like to attend for one evening if its possible, really would like to learn a bit more with my LB..

With the no white light policy, will you still be able to see where you are going about with the red lights? Also is the red light bright enough to visually see the person's face?

[barx1963]

Once you get used to it, just using red lights is no problem, just walk slow and carefully. Also you get to know your near neighbours by voice pretty quick.
Snake Valley camps, in my experience, are far friendlier regarding the light thing than others I have been to, probably as there are a lot of imagers with lappys and stuff on the field, and it is near a road so you get headlights every now and then anyways. Plus it is a very relaxed camp.

Malcolm

[mill]

Once you are dark adapted it is pk and with red light you see everything.

[ballaratdragons]

You'll be OK.

Do you want to book in and throw up a tent for one night or are you just visiting with your scope and leaving that night?

You will learn more by staying over and talking with folks the next day :thumbsup:

But entirely up to you as I don't know how you are for time. :)

[ballaratdragons]

A 4 bed Bunkhouse has now become available for booking. :thumbsup:

Due to a Medical operation there has been an emergency cacellation of one bunkhouse.
We wish Margaret all the best with her surgery.

If you would like to book the Bunkhouse. please book in here.

[cjpops]

Yeah, would like to either pop by for a few hours or stay the evening.. Not sure yet - gotta get approval from my other half lol:lol:

[cventer]

Couple of questions from a Snake valley newbie

1. Is there power on site for powering scopes ? If not are quiet Generators ok ?

2. Is there a designated astro photography area ? I am assuming laptop shrouds are a must and that these are setup somewhere facing outwards away from main observing field ?

3. Are there public fridges available to store food ?

EDIT: i think I answered some of these by going to first post and visiting the snake valley website.

[alistairsam]

hi Ken,

any chance of having short/casual astronomy talks by some of the experienced observers attending snake valley?

I'm sure one of us can bring along a projector.

would be great to get some tips on visual observation techniques and image processing as well for newbies like me.

Thanks

Edit: Just noticed the 4pm presentation on meteorites by Trevor.

[mill]

1: There is power on the field.
2: Most of the visual observers are beeing chased off into the lake :P
Just joking http://www.iceinspace.com.au/forum/../vbiis/images/smilies/rofl.gif Point the lappy under a shroud towards the treeline.
3: Fridges are in the kitchen.

[Rob_K]

Just to add a bit more, it's a pretty relaxed camp with no stray-light nazis patrolling the field. The imagers always do the right thing and are considerate of the visual observers. They do tend to congregate together and they have a buzz! I normally do visual at SV and have never had any problem with the fuzzy glows or blinking red lights from the imagers, all part of the great atmosphere. Everyone just does their stuff and has a fantastic time!

Cheers -

[Jen]

yep just what Rob said :thumbsup::thumbsup:
Im a bit of a confused astro chick and like a bit of both worlds i really enjoy visual and im a wannabe imager so i plonk my scope in between the two :lol: :screwy:

[ballaratdragons]

Alistair, we are aware that most other Astro events in Oz and around the world have guest speakers and organised workshops, but we don't any more.

We did it that way for the first few years.
We have had speakers, workshops, vendors, imaging comps etc.
But the feedback we get from attendees tells us that most people at a Snake Valley Astro Camp prefer not to have them.
The Feedback tells us the attendees prefer the layback, easy going, do whatever you want approach with our Camps.
And having a world class Guitarist/singer has been popular :thumbsup:

This time we have included Trevor's Meteorite presentation because it sounds very interesting and different, so we are hoping others will enjoy it too.

I have considered doing a talk on Video Astronomy, but I'm just not sure about it yet.

Snake Valley Astro Camp has developed its own persona over the years.
It is unlike other Astro Camps, and that has come about by listening to what the attendees want.
It is their Camp.

Hopefully it will continue to change and evolve, but not go back to just being another carbon copy of what every other Astro event is.
I'm not saying ours is better, just different.

:)

[Jen]

:D:D
Jen & Friends :rofl:

[ballaratdragons]

and don't forget to get your SV Camp T-shirts, Windcheaters, etc in time to wear them at camp. :)

They aren't available at the Camp, but can be ordered HERE (http://www.cafepress.com.au/svaa)

Order early to make sure you get yours in time to wear it at Camp :thumbsup:

Some examples:

[alistairsam]

Hi Ken,

Totally understand and agree with what you said, and that's one of the reasons I love the camp.
I had to ask because there are quite a few experienced observers and thought they could teach us a trick or two in finding objects and navigating the sky but I guess that's what we do while observing at night, so no issues there.
I can't identify the constellations for nuts!! but I will persevere :-)

[mishku]

Alistair, I'm still learning constellations too, so perhaps we could set up with planispheres on Friday night and get ourselves oriented? I can only ever reliably find the big (very obvious) ones :lol:

While I'm posting, would any of the more experienced folks be happy to let me take a peek through their scopes? I was hoping to have arranged a loan scope through ASV before camp, but it's looking a little unlikely... Even still, it would be great to get a chance to see through some other scopes while I'm trying to work out what will be just right for me before making the big purchase :D

:thanx:

[barx1963]

Hey Mishku
Just make yourself known and most attendees will be happy to let you look through their scopes (actually we all like showing off our gear) I will have my 12" dob there on the Froday night so come over and say hello.

Malcolm

[ballaratdragons]

and i'll make sure the Club's 8" dob is there for you to use :thumbsup:

[mishku]

Hurrah!!! You guys are the best!!! THANKYOOOOOUUUU!!!

Honestly, I'm possibly even more excited than Jen :D

[multiweb]

Don't touch the kitchen... or the wine... I'd rather take a dump in the bush ;):P

[Jen]

:lol::lol: lol Mish

The first time i went to camp i didnt get my scope out of the boot for the first two nights :rofl: LOL i was like a little kid in a candy store annoying everyone on the field hahaha specially the first night i usually spend that night catching up and chatting with everyone i am a very social butterfly :P

31 more sleeps woohoooo :cool::cool:

[barx1963]

Oh Jen, I was there that first time you came to SV and you were very quiet and reserved!!!

Of course it has all been downhill since then.

Malcolm

[Jen]

:lol::lol::lol: how long did that last 5 minutes :rofl:

[ballaratdragons]

Actually, you will find it difficult to locate many Constellations from our sky.

It's crowded with sooooo many stars that many constellations are hard to recognise.
It's probably the only negative to very dark skies.

Scorpius and Crux are probably the only easy ones. :thumbsup:

[ballaratdragons]

It was 4 minutes and 11 seconds.


:lol:

[Jen]

:rofl::rofl::rofl: lol Ken i must of cracked a UDL can first and had a mouthful before i started mingling then :lol:

[byronpaul]

mishku,

further to what Malcolm said, few of the visual observers just stick to their own scopes. We virtually all do the field, so to speak, looking at different views through different scopes, or even the same view through different scopes, most of us even try different eyepieces, filters, barlows, etc in different scopes .... whatever goes. We typically also have the pleasure of looking through some of the amazing 18", 19" or 22" dobs that are typically at camp. I often walk away from my scope to do the rounds and it may be 30min or more before I get back there.

During the days, there are usually a few Solar scopes out as well and it's always good to compare different solar views.

Speaking from experience, whilst Snake Valley is the only astro camp I've been to, IMHO it just great. The "experts" that are there have more knowledge than I can comprehend, and I've always found them open to ask any questions.

I always find it funny on the first night as Friday's are pretty busy with people rocking up and trying to get set up and into it before dusk ..... so not as much meeting and greeting before dark. During the night, you have all these good conversations with people you've never met, and often have no idea what they look like ..... it's so dark ..... and then the next day in day light, you recognise these people by either their voice, or their scope. :lol:

More than happy to give you a full run down on all the equipment I have .... which is growing .... and give you the pros and cons as I see it.

Paul

[erick]

Around 3am on a nice clear morning, I'll be on my annual "horsie" (horsehead nebula) hunt. It's very much "hit and miss" each year - sometimes yes and sometimes no. Everyone is welcome to join the fun at my scope.

[ballaratdragons]

I've just added a new product to our SVAA Store so you can show how we 'Do it' while you are driving on your way to Camp and back :lol:
http://www.cafepress.com.au/svaa.586709875

:thumbsup:

[alistairsam]

hey Ken,

Thats a great sticker. I'll need a few to be stuck at very specific locations!

if I order online, do I pick it up at the camp or is it sent by post?

[Jen]

:eyepop: awsome Ken i love it :thumbsup::thumbsup: maybe if we all get a definate order in like 10 stickers or so we could order them all together and pay them when we get to snake valley i will have 2 thanks hahaha :P

[ballaratdragons]

Cafepress posts then directly to your address Alistair.
Just enter the address you want them to go to :thumbsup:



Jen, I just checked to see if I can get a discount for bulk buy of 20.
I can only get them at the same price as everyone else plus $19.50 p&p!

Be easier for everyone to order their own :thumbsup:

[niko]

MAJOR CRISIS!!!!!!!!!!

Due to a host of family issues this year (some sad, some joyous) I have ZERO leave left at work.

Don't know how I'm gunna manage to get the Monday and Tuesday off for the camp.

Damn, damn, damn!!!!

Ken - I'll def be there Friday and Sat and happy to pay for Sun and Mon even if I don't stay.

god damn it all to hell!

niko

PS - this may come as good news to some of you :lol:

[alistairsam]

That's a shame Niko, hope you can find a way of sneaking in sun and monday as well.

[dannat]

Ken, can you put me down for the feast, will prob just come for the sat night & will not stay overnight, got something on early sun morning
Thanks dan

[ballaratdragons]

That's unfortunate, Nick. :(
I hope all goes well mate.



No problems Dan.
One Feast it is :thumbsup:

[ballaratdragons]

If anyone wants to oder one of our Astro Camp T-shirts, the company handling them for us (CafePress) has issued a codeword to recieve 15% off all of our T-shirts until midnight tonight.
"Delivery address cannot be a PO Box. Coupon code TEESHIRT must be entered at check out. This Promotion ends on October 26, 2011 at 11:59 p.m. "

If you order one of our T-shirts, use the codeword TEESHIRT at the checkout for the discount :thumbsup:
(Sorry it is for T Shirts only, not our other gear)

All Products: http://www.cafepress.com.au/svaa
Just the Astro Camp shirt (printed front & back): http://www.cafepress.com.au/svaa.508204782

:)

[erick]

Coupon didn't work Ken. I haven't got time to chase it up with them. They lost a sale to me.

(Yes I had a bumper sticker with a tee-shirt - shouldn't have caused a problem surely.)

By the way, when is 12:00am? I thought it was 0:00am

[ballaratdragons]

Eric, that deal is suppose to be available until 11:59pm tonight! (Australia EDST)
I recieved the email about this offer only this morning.

No, they didn't lose a sale so much, the Club did. The profits come to SVAA.

They are now claiming that there is a 25% discount on T-shirt orders if you use the codeword MUMMY
Worth a try before trying TEESHIRT.
I am also wondering if it is really in Australian time or US time :shrug:
http://www.cafepress.com.au/svaa

[dannat]

I had the same problem as Eric with TEESHIRT, mummy coupon tells me it Is not valid for my tshirt purchase (I was just trying it)...I wonder if it's one specific tshirt?

[ballaratdragons]

You can see the 25% codeword offer on their homepage right under the menu bar here: http://www.cafepress.com.au/

Just a thought, try ordering through our page on their main site here: www.cafepress.com/svaa

[dannat]

There homepage says basic short s . TEESHIRT, I tried 3 diff tshirt & the coupon mummy said it wasn't vald for all of them

[ballaratdragons]

Dan, I have tried them too and neither worked. I have sent a complaint email to Cafepress.

[Jen]

:eyepop: oh no Niko thats not good :shrug: i have no annual leave left either :rolleyes: so im just taking it off anyway without pay ;) hope you can find a way to swing it :P but if you cant at least i know sunday and monday night are going to be really really clear :lol::lol: :P
:whistle::whistle:

[ballaratdragons]

CafePress got back to me today.
Their response:

Dear Ken,

Thank you for contacting CafePress.com!

I am sorry to hear about the issues with the codes. The TEESHIRT, and MUMMY code do not apply to orders placed through a shop. The codes apply to orders placed through the marketplace. We do apologize for the inconvenience.

In other words, the Codeword discounts only apply to their own products, not shop owners :(

Sorry about the confusion folks. I was trying to get you all a discount.

[mishku]

Thanks so much for your generosity, guys - I'm looking forward to meeting all of you (I'll be easy to spot, I'm the girl who ISNT the purple one :) )

Particularly looking forward to a Horsie Hunt!! It's on my "must see" list

[alistairsam]

Sounds good mishku. Eric's scope is a must see. I still have the view of eta carina through his scope etched in my visual cortex. :D
I'll brush up on my constellations. I don't have a planisphere though. most experienced observers mention it isn't very useful.
will print out some sky charts.
is it 29 sleeps to go?

[Paddy]

Prepare to be underwhelmed by the Horsehead. And to use a fair amount of imagination. But there will be many spectacular sights on view and an abundance of scopes through which to view them.

[barx1963]

Alastair. I alway have a planisphere in my kit, Gives me a quick, easy way to remember what constellations and up at a particlar hour and the basic patterns of the bright stars, then I move onto the atlases and charts. Never leave home without one!

Malcolm

[erick]

Very true. :sadeyes:

But we will have great galaxies, nebula and clusters on show to make up for it. :thumbsup:

[Jen]

hey guys guess what its finally november :lol::lol::lol:
:cool::cool::cool:

yayyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyy see you all really soon ;):P:D:)

[erick]

Just applied for five days off work - which is what I'll need to get down, attend and get back.

And I reckon one day each way will be getting through Sydney traffic :D

[ballaratdragons]

:lol:
and that's just the 10 kilometres near Parramatta :rofl:

[33South]

Name: Chris
How many people: 1
Number of nights: definitely 2 but hopefully all 4
Which nights: Fri & Sat (maybe Sun & Mon)
Bunkhouse or Camping: Camping
Saturday Night Feast: Yes please

[ballaratdragons]

Thanks Chris, you are now booked in.
Let's hope you get to stay all 4 nights :thumbsup:

[apaulo]

Three things I like about November

1: Long service leave starts next week ,11 weeks off.
2: Snapper season.
3: Attending the "Snake Valley" star party for the first time.

I just can't wait!. :)

See you there, either imaging, fishing and just catching up.
Regards Paul.

Ps I hope there some nice fish in the lake?
Paul

[mill]

No fish Paul, only snakes :rofl:
I have never seen anyone fishing there so there might be some large fish in the lake :)

[bojan]

I am guessing, if I just drop in for an afternoon (and part of the night) no-one will chase me away?

[mill]

You will be very welcome mate :thumbsup::welcome:

[ballaratdragons]

Actually, I've never seen anyone fishing at the lake either. The locals just swim in it.



:question: hmmm . . let me think.

Nah, we won't chase you away :lol:
Come on down :thumbsup:

[ballaratdragons]

Bookings accepted and logged in so far:

Ken (ballaratdragons)
Marc (multiweb)
Alistair (alistairsam)
John (JohnG)
Nick (niko)
Martin (mill)
Doug (Hagar)
Darren (desler)
Patrick (Paddy)
Richard (richardda1st)
Eric (erick)
Heath (Heath)
Jo (Jo)
Daniel (danielsun)
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)
Richard (rmcconachy)
Rupert (rupjones)
Malcolm (Barx 1963)
Chris (33south)
Bob Wyatt

:thumbsup:

ALL BUNKHOUSES ARE NOW BOOKED OUT.

THERE IS STILL SPACE ON THE CAMPING/OBSERVING FIELD FOR SOME MORE TENTS

3 WEEKS TO GO! BOOK NOW!!

[robert joyce]

Name: Robert
How many people: 1
Number of nights: 1
Which nights: Saturday
Bunkhouse or Camping: Camping
Saturday Night Feast: Yes please!

[ballaratdragons]

Thanks Robert,

you are now booked in :thumbsup:

[apaulo]

Hi Ken

So no one has fished the lake Ken. I wonder if there are any fish in the lake?
Do you know if anyone has stocked fish in the lake at all?
Well there is only one way to find out I reckon..imaging during the night, fishing during the day and try and fit some sleep in between.
Clear skies and tight lines
Regards Paul. ;)

[ballaratdragons]

I wouldn't know Paul. I don't go up that end of town. I have no idea what the locals up there do with the Lake :lol:

It's only 2.5k away but I only go there for Astro Camp :P

[traveller]

Hi Ken, can't resist (also Alistairsam said I should come!).
I am thinking of dropping by Sat pm, stay Sat night and drive back to Melbourne on Sunday morning. I see there are still camping spots available.
I may take my 6 yo along, but will confirm this a bit later.
Hopefully not too late, but will confirm ASAP re campsite and attendance.
Bo

[ballaratdragons]

OK Bo, sounds good :)

Will you also be booking the Saturday Night Feast?

[traveller]

Thanks Ken, will seek approval from Senior Household Executive (SHE) tonight and get back to you.
Bo

[danielsun]

Ken and all. :( Unfortunately I have to pull out of the camp.:( We just seen the Neurosurgeon at the hospital and the Mrs is now booked for surgery on the 24th for her prolapsed disc in her back which is pinching a nerve giving her relentless pain. The timing is a shocker but she will be in for 4 or 5 days so i'm hoping to perhaps do a very quick run up there and at least pop in for a few hrs just to say a quick hello.

[Jen]

:sadeyes::sadeyes: hope to see you for a few hours at least Daniel and send our get well wishes to the Mrs xoxoxo

[mill]

Grasshopper i am very sorry to hear that and feel for your wife's pain (as someone with a pinched disk i know what she is going thru :( ).
I hope the operation will give her relieve from her pain and wish her good luck from me please.

[Jen]

:lol::lol: grasshopper :lol::lol: cockroach :lol::lol:

[danielsun]

Thanks Jen and Marty.;). Cockroach.:lol:

[byronpaul]

Daniel, that's a shame ..... I was looking to extract a whole lot of info from you as I begin the AP journey.

Hope all goes well with the boss and she has a speedy recovery!!!!

[ballaratdragons]

Wow Daniel, please pass on my best wishes to T :thumbsup:

I hope you can pop up, but look after her first. We can catch up any time, but your family must come first.

You'll be missed.

[Cloudyagain]

Sorry to hear that Daniel. I hope all goes well.

Neale.

[desler]

No, not the Grasshopper, Mate we will miss you heaps, Give all our best to your wife and I hope that all goes well!

Darren

[niko]

Daniel,

All the best to you and Mrs Danielsun. I hope the op goes well and she's right as rain (perhaps not the best astronomical wish!) really soon.

It'd be great to see you but like Ken says - look after her first. All you'll see at SV are a bunch of sleep deprived, spider fearing ol' blokes with the odd purple rose amongst the thorns!

take care

cheers

niko

[richardda1st]

Sorry to hear that your wife has this problem Daniel. :sadeyes:
Hope all goes well for her, I'm sure it will.:thumbsup:

Richard

PS, Bad luck for the camp, we'll just have to have another one the following month :P

[Paddy]

Hope all goes well for your beloved Daniel. If we don't get to see you we'll certainly be thinking of you. I find seeing someone I love in pain is far worse than suffering it myself.

[danielsun]

Hey Thanks guys and Theresa says thank you all very very much for all the well wishes. :)

Cheers Daniel & Theresa.

[traveller]

Best wishes Daniel to your wife, hope she makes a speedy recovery.

Ken, any camping spots left? Can you squeeze in myself and my 6 yo?
Will only stay the Sat night.
Will PM you with other questions.
Cheers
Bo

[mill]

Bo Do you want the Saturday evening meal too??
If you want it then book it in with Ken please.

Martin.

[traveller]

Cheers Martin, I PM-ed Ken as I had a few questions. Yes, in for dinner.
See you there!
Bo

[bojan]

:thanx: See you all on Sunday :driving:

[ballaratdragons]

You and your son are now booked in Bo :thumbsup:
and for the Feast :)



Excellent!

[ballaratdragons]

Link to the very basic Map of how to get to Camp: http://www.iceinspace.com.au/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=39454

This map doesn't show all the windy roads and makes it look like short straight roads. But the map is not to scale or very accurate. It just shows directions.

:thumbsup:

[Rob_K]

Oops, better book in I suppose! Just for Sat night, flying visit, will camp in car (if I get any sleep).

No: 1 adult
Nights: 1 (Saturday)
Camping/bunk house: Camping
Sat Night Feast: Yes

Look forward to catching up. Sorry to hear you won't be there Daniel, pass on my best wishes to your wife. :thumbsup:

Cheers -

[ballaratdragons]

Onya Rob, thanks :thumbsup:

[ballaratdragons]

Bookings accepted and logged in so far:

Ken (ballaratdragons)
Marc (multiweb)
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)

:thumbsup:

[Jen]

:eyepop::eyepop: 12 more sleeps :eyepop::eyepop:

:D oh not that im counting or anything :whistle:

:party::party::party:

[mill]

Take it easy Jen, Breath in , breath out and step away from the puter very slowly :rofl::rofl:

[ballaratdragons]

:rofl:

[barx1963]

I can see this thread getting purpler and more emoticon infected over the next 12 days!;)

[mishku]

:party: :party: :party:

wheeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee! !!!!!!!!!!!

:astron: :D :D im so excited :D :D :astron:

:party2:

[desler]

Oh dear! What happened? Went to work for a few days and every-thing's gone purple!

How many sleeps, don't care, lets just get on with it!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

D

[bojan]

Could you give us a coordinates? I tried to register your map with google maps, but I am lost :shrug:
Is this the place, or close?

[ballaratdragons]

Yes, that is it :thumbsup:

Co-ords:
37*28'26.21"S
143*35'22.40"E

Elevation: 421 metres

[Jen]

i soooo wanna pack the car up already :lol::lol::lol:

[ballaratdragons]

Due to 2 cancellations & 2 more bookings I have had to re-shuffle the Bunkhouse accommodation.

I hope it is to everyone's liking :)

[Jen]

:D yep now i know which doors 2 knock on in the middle of the night/early hours of the morning and make a run for it hahah :P
:scared3:

[mishku]

No snoring pls Trevor and Eric :D

[ballaratdragons]

:rofl: :lol2:

[Jen]

Ken Drew wants to know if Aaron is going to be there he is hanging out to see him again :D

[ballaratdragons]

Yes :thumbsup:

[Jen]

Awsome thanks Ken
:thumbsup:


Attention Snake Valley Campers name your targets for this camp go here :D

http://www.iceinspace.com.au/forum/showthread.php?p=785582#post785582

[mill]

My targets will be a secret untill i take them missy :P

[mishku]

Strike a pose, Jen, I think he wants to take pictures of Johnny!!! :eyepop:

[mill]

Nooooo!!!!!!!!!!!! not the Johnny scope thinghy :P

[Jen]

Spoil sport LOL :lol: tell me dam it haha :poke:

[erick]

:sadeyes: It's my major contribution to the atmosphere of the camp!

Apparently, now I've lost weight, I don't snore that much any more??? You wanta come to my cabin and check? :D

[niko]

Eric, perhaps you better wear a name tag so we'll recognise you?!?!?!

[mishku]

Hee hee hee alright, if it's all part of the ambience, I suppose it can stay :D

Jury's out on whether I snore (my mother insists I do, but friends say I only SOMETIMES do hahaha) but you're welcome to come and throttle me if I do.... But what are you people doing sleeping at night time anyway??? We can sleep when we're dead, or after camp is over :)

[traveller]

I need my beauty sleep (even though it never helped :P)
So will be happy camper when it gets too late/early.
Will take my photography gear too in additon to my visual gear.
Bo

[erick]

Wash your mouth out! If clear skies, then, as the sky starts to lighten: 1) pack up scope, 2) have a light breakfast, 3) go to bed! Except the last morning:- watch the Sun come up across the lake, while I have breakfast.

Mind you, I have a problem this year. Previously it took 1 hr 10 min to drive home - who needs sleep - now I have to drive to Sydney - yikes!

[ballaratdragons]

Most of us sleep during the day :thumbsup:

I usually head to bed as the sun starts illuminating the Eastern Horizon and I don't get up until about 1pm.
I know that I'm not the last one to get up :lol:

[Jen]

Cough cough i think you are the last one to get up Ken :rofl::rofl:
:D

[ballaratdragons]

:lol: not always

and anyway, I need more beauty sleep than the others!
(but it isn't working :P )

[niko]

I'm afraid I have to agree with Jen there Ken. Anyone you think is getting up after you has probably already been up and just having a nap.

We know the evening isn't far away when you begin to stir!

Mind you, don't wanna be too cheeky - don't want that bikie haunting me in my dreams!

:lol:

[mishku]

Hmmmm.... Meanwhile, I feel better knowing there'll be a bikie there to protect me from scary snakes, and worse... SPIDIES!!! Ewwwww

[niko]

Doug has also been known to be a great help during a spider crisis!

Actually I think between Darren and Doug we can be assured that all spiders within a 100 mile radius will be brought to our attention and then susbequently dealt with by the calmer members of the camp!

:rofl:

[Jen]

:rofl::rofl::rofl: lol Niko :rofl::P and John will be screaming and running beside us girls hehehe oh... hi John :hi:;)

[JohnG]

Hi Jen

Just remember who it was that dispatched that rather large example after the girlie carryings on of certain people who will remain nameless...... :lol:.

Cheers

[Jen]

:rofl::rofl::rofl: oh well 'H' isnt going this time so we gotta pick on someone :P hehe :lol: oopps did i just slip his name :D

[danielsun]

:rofl: I remember that if it wasn't for spiderman Niko the camp had almost come to an evacuation and complete closure! :rofl::rofl:

[mishku]

You do realise that if I see a spidey, the camp will, indeed, come to evacuation and complete closure?

I am bringing my pillow, binoculars, and as much anti-insect paraphernalia as I can fit in my fiesta :)

[Jen]

:eyepop: oh dear Mish :rofl:

Should someone warn her now or just wait till she gets there :lol:

[ballaratdragons]

Naahhh, you are just kidding Nick :P

Lots of folk get up after me (or was that a dream :whistle: )
I'm always up early. You'll see me at 6am most mornings ;) going to bed
:lol:

[Jen]

:lol::lol::lol:

[alistairsam]

Hi,

would anyone happen to have a ronchi eyepiece or tester to check mirror figure?
I thought it would be great if someone could show me how to do the test at SV.
I tried printing a 100 lpi grating but no joy using it. will bring it along.

[erick]

I'll have one with me - not that I'm any expert in using it.

[alistairsam]

would be great it we could try it out eric, I managed to get a few bars with the laser printout, from what i saw, its horrendous. lines were bulging like a soccer ball unless I was viewing it incorrectly.

[ballaratdragons]

The Weather forecast looks to be off to a great start :)

After months of cloud, starting Friday the clear skies finally return just in time for camp :thumbsup:

[Exfso]

At this stage Friday night looks ok Ken, but Sat is now shown as cloudy on Weatherzone. Mind you things can change in a flash.:shrug:

[ballaratdragons]

Yep, whereas on Accuweather the forecast is different :lol:

The weather will be whatever it will be :thumbsup:
You can guarantee that in a couple of days the forecast will be totally different!

Here's Accuweather's forecast, but also remember that our weather is usually different to Ballarat's anyway :P

[mishku]

Melbourne has been nothing but cloud for the last few weeks, which is fine, because the clouds will to too tired to come to SV :)

c'mon clear skies!! :astron:

[mill]

There will be sun there will be sky and there will be clear nights (or else there will be plenty of knights with shiny scopes :rofl: ).

[Exfso]

Friday should be ok at least according to weatherzone, thereafter it could be a mixed bag. They have a trough forming on their model charts, if this happens we could get a wet bum and no fish:P Having said that, their models seem to change by the hour, so it wont be too accurate until at least Wednesday in my opinion.

[richardda1st]

It will be perrrrfek all camp days :thumbsup:

[Jen]

I like your way of thinking Richard :thumbsup: but i better get a slab of UDL's just in case i need other entertainment :lol:

[richardda1st]

Oh Jen I always take a SLAB with me to SV.:thumbsup:
But my slab is more practical as it's made from concrete and I use it as a platform to stand my scope on, steady and lifts the scope of the grass :P
Not much good for quenching a thirst though:question:

Cheers
Richard

ps the months between camps seem to rush past but the last few weeks/days seem to drag on for ever:sadeyes:

[ballaratdragons]

I don't really care what the weather will be.
I'm just looking forward to getting together with everyone again and meeting the new folk :lol:

and listening to Shane perform, and seeing Trevor's presentaton, and eating the Feast, etc :P

[Davi5678]

Name: David Grigsby
How many people:1
Number of nights:3
Which nights:Fri,Sat,Sun
Bunkhouse or Camping:Camping
Saturday Night Feast:yes please

[Jen]

:clap::clap: yayyyyyy way to go Davi :thumbsup:

[Big Dave]

mmmmmmm Feast.


- The Desert Monster. :eyepop:

:cheers:

[Jen]

:lol::lol::lol: get at the back of the line you hahaha :rofl:

[mishku]

+1!

[apaulo]

Must be hard Dave to manage your astronomy gear, juggle your knife and fork without your bib flicking into you face...:P
Paul.