BRETTI: MAY 2012, a pre-winter special!!!

[Arthur Alchin]

"Here we go again, happy as can be.
Real dark skies and jolly good company"

Yep, new moon in May is Monday the 20th so for those who.like a good time another camp is planned, earlier than last winter because, well it was really to cold in July and August.

If your interested join the thread and direct your questions or replies to any of the regular "attenders" like Geoff, Allan, Rick, Jacob or myself. You can phone me for info to if you like (0411438858).

Remember, these are fun events with great skies (usually).

May 2012: 17th-20th :):)

[Inmykombi]

Just wrote it in the diary.

And Al, we promise to use your firewood next time....:D

[erick]

Maybe? Need to get my tent and the gas cooking gear/light/heater etc. repatriated from Victoria before then.

[Arthur Alchin]

I have a bush saw and cross cut saw in the trailer but if anyone has a petrol chainsaw things would be a little easier. (An electric would be
OK but my generator only puts out about 800-900 watts continuously):hi:

[vic4loc]

Would love to try to make it this time.

Victor.

[Arthur Alchin]

Eric and Victor we look forward to hearing more from you guys regarding coming to the weekend. It is a great weekend and a chance to recharge your batteries (not the accumulator type that is)

[Arthur Alchin]

'yep about 7 weeks to go but not counting down as yet :lol:

[erick]

How are the toilets, showers, hot water, mains power and mobile coverage? Non-existent, I guess? :sadeyes:

Maybe toilets? Seems "Lea and Rick" saw you guys:- http://travelingozaveys.blogspot.com.au/2011/09/bretti-campground-to-cessnock-nsw.html

[Arthur Alchin]

Toilets: a pit toilet, although i have a Thetford porta potti that the guys can use but they tend to use the pit one for some reason.

The shower: i have one rigged up that runs on 12volt. We use the water from the river and heat it up on a triple gas ring i have. Its primitive but it is a nice shower. Usesa bilge pump from a boat.

Main power: weusually have at least 3 generators up there, all sinewave so goid for computers, excellent for charging. Total power about 6-8 kW


cant remember the last thin

[Arthur Alchin]

That is one of the best things about Bretti: the mobile coverage!

THERE ISN'T ANY. :lol:

[erick]

All the mod cons! :) I'm a possible starter. Let's see what I can organise with my life.

[Arthur Alchin]

Feel a little safer now that the "Bushranger" has been apprehended. Maybe Geoff's food supply might be safe now. I might even try and go up the day earlier to peruse the site and contact someone on the Wed night and advise conditions: comments????

Just want to keep the thread from falling off the page. :)

[Arthur Alchin]

Before this threat was to sink into the Abyss of never never land i thought that i would remind everyone that the may camp is getting closer so will have to try on the freezer suits and make sure they still fit and start planning the getaway.

I think i will be traveling up on the Wednesday to get an extra night in.

[Allan_L]

Hey Arthur,
Thanks for the reminder.
Looking forward to it, as always.

I may be able to get away on the Wednesday too, if you are.

HaHa! I am a little afraid to try on the freezer suit!
Al

[erick]

All being well, I'm off to Melbourne this weekend with the trailer to pick up my camping gear. I'm on track to make it so far.

How long is the grass? What if I bring my electric whippersnipper and a rake? I'd like to clear of the area where I set up my scope - and maybe under and around the tent? I'd just need to suck a bit of power out of a generator for a while.

[Allan_L]

Hi Eric,
The grass was a bit long in places last time. But not thick.
But yes, a whipper snipper would have been useful.
Other times it has been cut (by periodic livestock grazing).
There are usually a few generators free so that won't be a problem.

[Arthur Alchin]

Ill put the petrol one in as usual (except last time) if someone can bring the rake :lol:

[MortonH]

Can someone point me in the direction of detailed instructions of how to get there? On Google maps I can find a sign for Bretti Reserve pointing to Bretti Track off Walcha Road. Looks like Bretti Track is a very short road before becoming an actual "track". Is this it?

Cheers

Morton

[Allan_L]

YES, that seems to be it.
But that "Bretti Track" is a bit misleading. It looks like the track leading in, but it then dives across the river to the next door neighbour!
It is called Bretti Reserve alright.
It is on Thunderbolts Way (aka Walcha Rd I think) 32k north of Glouchester.
It is signposted as you approach it as a Rest area (on the right heading North).

We usually camp right here:
GPS: S 31* 47' 22.6"
E 151* 55' 5.6"

Hope to see you there :)

al

[MortonH]

OK, got the exact location now. If I can come it'll almost certainly be Sat night only. About to move house and will only have 4 days leave for the rest of the year :(. But I'd really like to see what it's like out there. Might be a last-mi nute decision.

Cheers

Morton

[erick]

OK, I've dusted off the tent and put it in the trailer. Found the poles - even some blow-up mattresses and all the camping gear. I'll set off from Melbourne tomorrow with it all. One step closer to coming! :thumbsup:

[Arthur Alchin]

Great stuff Eric, the lengths we go to to enjoy this wonderful universe we live in.

Look forward to catching up soon, the days are flying.:)

[Arthur Alchin]

CQ CQ Mr Owl are you on channel???

We sadly missed you on the last camp is there a chance we may be blessed with your presence on this one???

Usual offer of transport etc stands if you need (i will even let you use my CB radio). We do enjoy your company for the camp!:welcome:

[Inmykombi]

Ditto for the Owl's attendance.

Hey why has my freezer suit shrunk ?:P

Too many days work between now and then .... I need a break..

[erick]

OK, the tent has "flown north for the winter". It's airing outside - no holes, no mould - looks as good as when we bought it in the 80s!

My gas bottle is stamped 1988 but looks good. See if I can convince Barbeques Galore to fill it :rolleyes:

[scagman]

Just goto your local servo that has swap-n-go bottles, and just givem yours and get a full new bottle.:)

Then in the future u can get it filled elsewhere without a problem.

[erick]

I'm old school - just want my own bottle refilled. :sadeyes: (cheaper too.)

[Allan_L]

I doubt it will be cheaper than buying the new cylinder that you will have to.

I always thought you were a safety first sort of guy Erick.
Refilling a cylinder that old puts you and those around you at risk?

My wife works at Bunnings and a friend there was badly burnt when a cylinder exploded during refilling.
It does happen.

[erick]

OK then, but everything suggests to me my bottle is perfectly safe. It's in beautiful condition. Of course I cannot see the inside but the valve continues to operate perfectly. I do not suspect any internal corrosion.

I'll buy a new one and get it filled at BBQs Galore.

Hmmm.... Elgas says:

Does SWAP'n'GO accept out-of-date bottles? Yes! We accept out of date bottles at no extra charge.

[Arthur Alchin]

I have an Issue with an out of Date tank Erick and the tank looks like it is good nick BUT you need to have it pressure tested and re date stamped before anyone will refill it, that's a legal thing. This tank of mine is headed for the grave yard. I currently have a 4kg on the BBQ out the back and a 9kg mounted on the front of the trailer that i take camping (mainly for heating water for washing up and showers etc)

The cost of retesting may make you think that a new tank is the better option. there are a lot of good looking tanks sitting around purly wasted unfortunately.

ONE MONTH TO GO FOR BRETTI!!!!!! Yippee!!!!!!:eyepop:

[erick]

I have a new 2Kg full of gas. It was stamped 2008 in BBQs galore so I said not interested then they said half-price and I said done!

My way-out-of-date 1kg tank is almost empty anyway.

I did get my BBQ bottle retested and stamped a couple of years ago - 4kg I think. Was pretty reasonable price.

[AndyK]

Barbara and I are hoping to be there.
If there's anything needed such as a chainsaw, whipper-snipper etc. just let me know and I'll bring it along ... but I might only arrive on the Friday and leave Sunday.

[Arthur Alchin]

:welcome: Will be great to catch up with you Guys Andy. We are again hoping for brilliant weather but bring some warm gear to wear of a night and dew heaters.

I was going to buy a chainsaw but if you have one it would be great, i take a petrol Weedeater type thing and hand saws (exercise providers for those who are willing)

I do have a small Weber BBQ (not gas) that anyone is welcome to use after i've cooked my dinner :-)

We have at least 2-3 generators so if you have a charger for your batteries you are welcome to plug into mine during the day for your batteries (i only use mine to run my camp fridge and charging)

Catch you there, this camp is going to be GREAT!!!!


:eyepop::eyepop::eyepop:NEWS: Koolang Observatory is up for sale: $549,000 on 28 acres with residence.

[Inmykombi]

Only 21 sleeps if I am counting correctly ( only have 20 fingers and toes ) :P

[Arthur Alchin]

19 sleeps everyone.

Now whose coming i wonder? Arthur, Geoff, Alan, Erick, Jacqui and Garth, Andy and Barbara, Morton, ? Geoff (filter)

Havent heard from Rick a poodie, Mr Owl, Jacob, Deeno.

All others are most welcome, come along and have some fun :welcome:

[jakob]

I'm planning for it!:)

[Inmykombi]

I look forward to catching up with you Jakob.

[Allan_L]

Great to hear Jakob :thumbsup:

I am so looking forward to this one. :jump:
Hope we get a lot of first timers - this is such a good dark site - and FREE :hi:

[Arthur Alchin]

Yes Jacob great to hear your coming, always great to catch up for a chat and a beer.

Spoke with Geoff (filter) the other day, we may see him up there also.

Again this is really exciting, amazing isnt it!!!:)

[Inmykombi]

Arthur, That Canefire Rum You gave me is still awaiting some consumption.
It'll be on board for the trip:D

[Rick Petrie]

Would love to be there but alas, we are away about a week later for about six weeks and I couldn't have two trips in the van so close. However will be thinkin' of yaz. Good skies to you all. Cheers, maybe the next one.

[Arthur Alchin]

Yep you guys have a great time, will miss you there but hey, there is another time im sure

[erick]

Sorry everyone, I'm now a non-starter. As with the recent Snake Valley camp, I've had a major weekend meeting moved - you guessed it, Bretti weekend :sadeyes:

Have a great time! One day, I'll make it. Eric

[Arthur Alchin]

Sorry to hear that Eric, there will be another im sure

[Inmykombi]

13 Sleeps to go :eyepop: :party:

[Arthur Alchin]

Working the tue night till 0730 wed morning. Can be at the twin servos at about 0915-0930hrs, will that be ok do u think?

[MortonH]

Hi everyone,

Have just finished moving house - what a nightmare! Now I need to figure out where everything is.

The house move has used up most of my annual leave so it'll be Saturday night only for me. Managed to buy a half-price tent in the Kathmandu sale. Will probably need some help putting it up! Aiming to arrive by mid-afternoon.

Morton

[Inmykombi]

No Problems Morton,

We can be bribed into some manual labour for a tent set up with cleansing beverages if need be.;)

Great to hear you are coming.
bring any firewood you may have , even if its a little bit.

And Arthur,

9.30 should be OK at the servos. We better tell Alan its 8.30 though....:P Only kidding Alan.:D

Cheers.

Geoffro

[Arthur Alchin]

:welcome:To Morton, we look forward to catching up with you.

Might throw this out to any "closet campers" who are thinking will i go? maybe or maybe not: go on, let your hair down and come join us all for this great time, beautiful skies, great company, a lot of fun and relaxation, it is a very informal camp and everyone helps out each other. Now that is great friends for you!!

Thinking back to the amount of fallen timber there was up there a couple of months ago we may be alright but better to be safe than sorry.

I don't have a chain saw though! but i have a crosscut saw, a bush saw, an Axe and a Tomahawk: Any volunteers???:rofl:

PS will leave the boat at home this time :(

[Allan_L]

and don't forget to bring lots of warm clothing.
My long range forcast indicated night time temps may get down to 2* :campfire::cold:

[Arthur Alchin]

must remember the freezer suit and trackies. reckon i should bring the swimmers for a dip??

[Inmykombi]

Swimmers you say? I will be waiting for your soprano voice Arthur.:lol:

[Inmykombi]

Only 3 working days until we head off.

So who's leaving on the Wednesday with myself and Arthur ?

The days should be nice, but I'll be packing the "woollies" for the nights.

I may have to stop and get an Apple Charlotte for the first nights viewing.
That is of course, unless it fails to make it all the way up there....;)

[Allan_L]

Hi Geoff,
I am planning for Wednesday too.

[Mcredgum]

I'll be coming up for two days, Thursday and Friday, looking forward to it, we have to keep Geoff off the rum though, I think Malcom Naden drank that stuff, should be a good time, see you there

[Arthur Alchin]

Yep only 4 sleeps to go (for some, for some 2 sleeps and 2 night shifts). Catch you wednesday morning;)

[AndyK]

Barring a catastrophe we'll be arriving around lunchtime on Friday and leaving lunchtime Sunday.

[Inmykombi]

Great to hear Andy, Look forward to meeting you.

Looks like it'll be cold too.

[GTB_an_Owl]

afraid i will be missing this one too lads

spent all my funds on a trip to Coffs for mothers day

geoff

[jakob]

:sadeyes::sadeyes::sadeyes:
Sorry to hear,
We will miss your wisdom!
All the best J.
:(:(:(

[Inmykombi]

Sorry to hear that Geoff.:(
Maybe next time.
Take it easy....

[Allan_L]

YES.
We will miss you Geoff.
It won't be the same.
Take care and see you next time at the PC.

[MortonH]

Can someone explain to me, perhaps by PM, why I would need a shovel?
:D
Is my expectation of a "pit toilet" too high??? Or am I missing something else?

Although I have camped before (in the UK) there were always plenty of facilities, so I'm not exactly sure what I'm letting myself in for!

Morton

[Allan_L]

Hi Morton,
Don't worry, there is a pit toilet, and it is not too bad (usually).
The shovel can come in handy up at bretti to relocate cow manure that may be dropped near your camping spot.
Or to drop a load of soil over them.

And re facilities, the pit toilets are the only facility.
There is a fresh water stream we use water from for showers, but best to bring your own supply of drinking water.
Oh, and there are garbage bins supplied.
The rest is what you take with you.

al

[Arthur Alchin]

Like most things there is a spade in the TARDIS if required :lol:

[Rick Petrie]

Have a safe trip you guys and sorry I too can't be there sharing some of that fun around. Next time for sure. Forecast looks pretty good.
Clear skies to you all.:)

[Arthur Alchin]

Thanks Rick, we will try and discover something for u, might call it rickapoodie 1/12 for you :lol:

[Inmykombi]

Thx Rick, Catch ya next time.

I am in panic mode now. Its 6.30pm and I havent packed anything.:eyepop:
I'll have to down tools and put off the paperwork till I get back and get cracking.
See you at 8 am Arthur to hitch the tardis to your car.

Wheres my Rum hiding anyway ????

Edit: Found the Rum....

[Allan_L]

Well, its a record.
Its only just after 9 and I am all packed.
Just got to add a couple of perishables tomorrow and I should be there on time.
Can't help the feeling that I have forgotten something important though! :question:

Oh, and I must remember to stop off at the bakehouse on the way to the rendezvous point. ;)

Is it 9:00am at the twin caltex servos ?

Edit
weather looks promising!
Lots of clear blue balls...

[Inmykombi]

9 sounds good Alan.
See you there.

[jakob]

Sorry guys, unable to make it.
Gear packed but unforeseen events came up. May be pc Saturday .

[MortonH]

Weather forecast looks cloudy for Saturday night so I'm going to stay home. Hopefully make it next time.

Morton

[Mcredgum]

We are home again after two nights at Bretti, Mitch and I had a great time with great company, really enjoyed the nights under the stars, it wasn't too cold, the days were so warm too, we'll have to go back again next time too, thanks again to Geoff, Arthur and Allan for your friendly advice about scopes and making us feel welcome, see you on the next trip. :thumbsup:

[Inmykombi]

Thx for the Kind words Chris. Glad it was great weather and lovely skies.

Sorry you couldnt make it Jakob, we didnt see your post until we got back. Hope all is well. See you soon.

I was not really willing to pack up this morning, such a nice relaxing time away for 5 days, and now back to work Monday.:(

My scope went well, apart from me kicking my heater plugs out a few times in the dark.

Thanks to Alan for the Kangaroo steaks and Arthur for the beef steaks and I hope you all enjoyed the camfire veggies I cooked every night.
My Damper could have been better, but it was OK.

All unpacked now and everything smells like a bush fire according to my Wife.

Next trip will be in the planning soon.

Cheers
Geoffro.

[Allan_L]

A very rewarding trip :thumbsup: :thumbsup: :thumbsup:

Had good weather for most nights, although some misty fog rolled in later.

But Saturday was the best night I have had viewing ... ever !

We encouraged locals to come and view through our scopes and were pleasantly surprised by the huge crowds we got each night.
Best of all was Cowboy John who brought PORT to share (two nights in a row).

Also rewarding were the exclamations of AWE from those seeing a beautifully detailed Saturn for the first time through my modest little 10" DOB (now highly modified).

Saturday was great right through till 3:30 when I finally succumbed to the cold and hit the sack.
It was so clear I could even pick Galaxies through my 9x50 view finder !!! :eyepop:

Many thanks to Geoff and Arthur for the communal cooking feasts.
We really did dine like Kings.
Sorry we had to settle for Apple Crumble as there were no Apple Charlotte at the Bakehouse.
Pleased to spend time with Chris and Andy later in the week.
Hope you guys can come again.

And yes, we did go swimming.

[MortonH]

Dammit! Astropanel said 50-75% cloud cover for Saturday night, which is mainly why I cancelled. :(

Morton

[gb_astro]

Yes, dam all weather forcasts. :)

Allan where did all these people come from?
Fellow campers or did you spread the word in town?

Greg.

[sally1jack]

Any pics ??

[Inmykombi]

Hi Greg,

We didnt have to spread the word at the campsite, as a lot of people just wandered over to see what we were doing.
Someone even mentioned they thought we were shooting a documentary with all the gear we had there.
It was great to have a load of people interested in what we were doing.We all showed them many sights and even showed them the sun during the day.

[Arthur Alchin]

This was a great weekend and the company was great although the river was freezing. If i have learnt one thing in life it is that one should not put their faith in a weather forecast! Trust your instincts. If you get there and the weather is crap enjoy the time with those that have done the same :thumbsup:

The first sign of any heavr clouds was on sundays trip home in the sky over the east from Stroud.

[MortonH]

Lesson learned. Although a 4-hour drive was a lot for one night if there was any doubt over cloud cover! Next time I'm coming no matter what!

Morton