Queensland Astrofest 2006

[h0ughy]

Ok I will start the ball rolling for this. I have noticed that they now have a new PDF form available for this years Astrofest. http://www.qldastrofest.org.au/

I am going again this year (yes to retain my title for the best counterweight tosser:P :D NSW rules:lol: ) but I am afraid that fuel prices will cruel me for next year, so this will be my last ( I might make it a every two year trip). Fuel has increased 48 cents a litre since i went last year.:mad2: .

Alan Meehan is coming with me, and we will be there from the monday until the Sunday.

So who else will be attending?:thumbsup: I have registered.

[[1ponders]]

Count me in. Monday to Sunday this time :D None of this half week pussy stuff. Full on one week man geek :nerd::astron:

[h0ughy]

Come on Paul, just add saturday night as well.:P ;)

[h0ughy]

BTW there is a photo competition this year for avid punters http://www.qldastrofest.org.au/html/photo_comp.htm

[astroron]

I will be there for the full period this year, I normaly only go for 4 days but seeing that there will be quite a few IIS's and most seem to be AstroImagers I thought I would hold up the the Dob owners end and get in early;) :thumbsup: :astron: :stargaze:

[h0ughy]

yes Ron we need you there to entertain us and find objects to look at while the camera s go click click;)

[astro_south]

I will be there for at least two nights - will need to see how many more I can swing closer to the time.

[jjjnettie]

I am going again this year (yes to retain my title for the best counterweight tosser:P :D NSW rules:lol: )

Houghy, even if you do lose this year, you'll always be the biggest tosser I know.

I'll be going to defend my title as well. Oh and do a bit of observing as well. Two nights at least for me, more if I can get my husband to change his shift that week.

[[1ponders]]

:rofl:@jjjnettie :poke:@ h0ughy :lol2:

[firstlight]

Hi all, we been a bit on the reclusive side as we have been adding to our family just before Solstice, along with renovating... thats pretty invigorating, isn't it? Yes, that is sarcasm.

I meant to let everyone know that we have started the wheel turning by finalising the prices, and prepared the new reg forms (bit of a record for us... before end of April :) and all). The pdf reg form will get updated from time to time as Major Sponsors come in, and Anne-Louise has an on-line form currently up as well. In that configuration there can be a problem with web based email programs so if you don't get an automated reply in 24 hours, email her on registrar@qldastrofest.org.au
A new on-line form is being tested and should be up in the next week which will eliminate this problem. Payment can be made by cheque, money order, cash in a paper bag, branch deposit or on-line bank deposit. We have to point out that while registering on-line helps us, bunk allocation will not be made until payment is received.

As David has mentioned there is a photo comp added to the program (mental note... I have to work on the program page as well). It is open to all registrants to the Astrofest, and can be taken in any format; ccd, webcam, film, slide, hell you can use daguerreotype if you wish, but the image has to be printed for display.

Good to hear that David is coming back to defend his title as the biggest tosser at Astrofest ;)

Cheers for now
Tony

PS if anyone has some photos to share on the Astrofest website (unrelated to comp), please send them to me and I will put them up... sometime. I only got my happy snaps up this weekend :)

[h0ughy]

Tony,

I have filled in the on line form, did you get it? please also PM your email address so that I can send some images

[jjjnettie]

Tony,
Will Anne-Louise be in the toss this year?

[firstlight]

Yes I believe that will be the case... she says that there is nothing stopping her this year.



Thanks David, it came through sweet as. If you have images send them to web@qldastrofest.org.au

[astro_south]

Tony,

Nice of you to put an IIS page in your pics ;) - http://www.qldastrofest.org.au/html/tony_hs4_05.htm

Might need two pages after this years event!

[firstlight]

Could be... but but can't give the assurance that I will do anything with the photos for about 8 to 10 months :D

For anyone to enter the photo comp, read the rules on the webpage http://www.qldastrofest.org.au/html/photo_comp.htm and send your entry to:
Remember Erwin
Qld Astrofest
34 Kilkenny St
Acacia Ridge
QLD 4110

[iceman]

Looks great! I now know first hand how hard it is to organise and run these events, so hats off to you and good luck with it!

I'm sure it'll be another success story.

[firstlight]

Thanks Mike... a lot of work, but somewhat satisfying.

[firstlight]

I've gotten some photos from David, but I don't know the identity of one of the people in the group shot. If someone can tell me, please send me a note and I will update the page.

Tony

[firstlight]

Um... the photos can be found off the Gallery page:D.

[[1ponders]]

Tony the missing name is Dennis Lithgow aka Nightshift

[mickal555]

I don't think anyone knows me here- but I'll be going as always :D

Wednesday-Sunday

I have to take 3 days off school which isn't good but oh well :D :D

[[1ponders]]

Look forward to feting you Mickal. You won't be able to miss the long term IISers. We'll be the loudest ones :P

[jjjnettie]

LOL, your not wrong there Paul. I wouldn't be surprised if they don't segrate us from the other more sedate observers.
I'll bring along our IIS sign and some brochures as well and see if we can recruit some more members.

[DaveO]

Looking forward to meeting some of the IISers. I am attending Wednesday through Sunday, and am interesteed to meet some of the faces behind the handles.

[firstlight]

Look forward to seeing you again Michael... We have some footage of you in the kitchen in 2004 (remember Gary's timelapse that year?)

Cheers
Tony

[astro_south]

I have got the leave pass for Friday and Saturday nights so save me a spot ;)
I had better register......hey Tony! :thumbsup:

[Iddon]

I hope I can make it for one or 2 nights. Dunno if I will have a scope to swing around....

[firstlight]

I'm not the registrar, but I feel her presence close to me:D. It's a good idea to register, so we know how many require beds are filled, and to pay, so they can be reserved for you (awful cold sleeping in the car I hear).

Oh yeah, I was just reminded that we need to know if you want the Saturday meal... numbers early are important here.

[firstlight]

Hmmm... grammar not very good in the last post... can't have everything, where would you put it?

[mickal555]

:D that was so much fun, and I just downloaded the video last night... It's really cool! :D The hat swapping went by really fast, I'm going to see if I can get it to play at 1/2 speed... It's was funny watching people eat :lol:




I've regestered to come up (with my mum) from the wendsday :D

[firstlight]

I've broken the video into 4 parts and will upload it to the webpage one day soon. I have to work out how I want to link the videos.

[Gargoyle_Steve]

This will be my first Astrofest so I'm very eagerly counting the days!
(It's my birthday the week before, so I am counting the days for that too, hoping the Birthday Gnomes bring a sack with a Telrad, some higher quality eyepieces, etc)

Will make sure I register this week - AND let my boss know I'll be away from the Wednesday through to the weekend.

Look forward to meeting many of you there for the first time face to face!

Steve

[h0ughy]

Mee too steve my Bday is the 12th:D . I am looking foward to this, my third astrocamp this year, and hope fuly the best.:thumbsup: Be great to catch up, I might disguise myself so no one will recognise me:eyepop: . But then there is too much of me, I cant act as a treestump all camp:lol: . My little toy might be a 350D, but don't tell my wife;)

[firstlight]

Just uploaded the videos from 2004. I broke them into 4 parts: Zac's Field, Dining Hall, Saturday AstroFeast, and Exodus. These are of better quality than the original video I uploaded, so the sum of the parts is about twice as large as the original.

If anyone is interested they can be found on the Gallery 'page > 2004 > Gary's Video.

Cheers

[CoombellKid]

Me, Lynne + jnr & Jake are booked in, paid and rearing to go!!. We'll be
there from Tuesday to Sunday. Looking forward to spending time at
the big Dobs early in the week before the crowds, then socialise Friday
and Saturday. It will be my only get together with other observers
for this year, so I'm looking forward to catching up with a few folks again.

It's a nice spot on the planet up there, and a well run event... I'm a
counting down the days myself:D

regards,CS

Rob

[jjjnettie]

That's great Rob. Look forward to catching up.
I'll be bringing my boy Jack with me for Friday/Friday night.

[Argonavis]

Great video Tony.

The astro trivia quiz on Friday afternoon - is this Club based or can anyone form a team?

[CoombellKid]

Hey jjjnettie,

Same here, will be nice to meet your son too!

regards,CS

Rob

[[1ponders]]

Bumping this thread. Anne-louise asked me to remind everyone to Register. The All-nighter rooms have only two bunks left which will mean if you miss out there will only be the common rooms.

Better get in quick.

And for those of you who haven't been to an Astrofest yet.....Get yourself out there!!!!! Even if it's only for a night, it's a hoot of an event. If you only come for one night I can almost guarantee that next year you'll be pushing the boss (both of them) to let you off for a few days. :2thumbs:

[firstlight]

This is a copy of what I have just posted on the notice board on the Qld Astrofest website... hope to see many of you there:)


All the bunk beds in the cubicles in the houses are at critical. There is still plenty of room early in the week, some room on Thursday, and none on Friday/Saturday nights. The Common Area bunks have not been filled at all as yet, but anyone who registers from now on will be allocated those bunks, and those who have registered but not paid will also be allocated a Common Area bunk: Priority will be given to those who have paid.
A reminder that the rooms in Bayley House are reserved for people with young children or large families. There are still some rooms available, and the Common Areas are still free. Once again, most of the beds are taken for the weekend, the first half of the week they are mostly clear. Couples can put in a request for a room but availability cannot be guaranteed.
There is still plenty of room for camping and caravans, but we would still appreciate if payment can be made prior to the Astrofest to ease administration, and if paid before the 23rd of June you will be in the running for six free nights at Queensland Astrofest 2007.
Thanks to Nick Williams, the all new, all singing, all dancing registration page (http://www.qldastrofest.org.au/html/reg_form2006.htm) is uploaded and running. A pdf registration form (900 kb) (http://www.qldastrofest.org.au/pdf/astro2006_reg.pdf) for the 2006 Queensland Astrofest is also available.

[firstlight]

Peter Read is attending the Astrofest this year to help set up one of his telescopes. He would like to know is anyone would be able to give him a lift back to Brisbane Wednesday night or Thursday morning. Please email peter at peteread@mcmedia.com.au if you can help.

[CoombellKid]

Thanks Tony, for the update

It will be great to see yet another of Peters works of art on the field...

and early in the week to boot!!


Must remember to pack the Glenfiddich, you know, to help the circulation
on those crisp Astrofest nights

regards,CS

Rob, who's glad he's paid for his bed

[mickal555]

Damn... havn't paid yet... oh well I(well my mum) will send a check on tuesday....

[jjjnettie]

Yep, the cheque is in the mail today.

[Gargoyle_Steve]

I tried registering via the online rego form aday or so ago, so far I still haven't received the email that should arrive "in 10 minutes or so" - has anyone else used the online form in the last couple of days, and if so what kind of success did you have?

Since my laser printer is currently out of action (and possibly taking a trip to the service workshop) I don't have the luxury of printing and sending the pdf form instead.

[firstlight]

Ah, could it be that you might be the person who filled out a form and forgot to put in the email address? There cannot be a reply if the form has no address. Try redoing your form and we'll see how it goes.

Cheers
Tony

[Gargoyle_Steve]

I had actually debated which email address to put on the form, entered one, then changed it to the other - in doing do I mistyped it and went back and corrected it - so as a result of typing in the box 3 times I am 99% certain I did have an address on it. (I never quote higher than 99% ;) )

But I will go and try it again - thanks for your assistance! Will let you know.
Steve

[Gargoyle_Steve]

Tony I'm very pleased to say I have received a confirmation email.

Thanks, and cheers!

Steve

[firstlight]

Thats good Steve. It's just that we received a registration the other day without any contact details at all... no email, no address or even a name.

tony

[h0ughy]

maybe its in invisible ink;)

How many are booked so far Tony?

[CoombellKid]

No offence intended, Maybe it was Erwin... might be a tad hard
sending a return email to erwin@helix.milkyway.gx may he rip

regards,CS

Rob

[Dennis]

What a sweet, poignant and wonderful way to remember a delightful personality.

Cheers

Dennis

[firstlight]

Anne-Louise gives the number around 90... including sponsors etc.

[h0ughy]

Well, my wife thinks I am a right royal tosser:rofl: , she thinks my Fanaticism for astro stuff has become compulsive:) . She is waiting for the day I become normal.:D I look forward to the comp and I must say that absolutely no training has been entered in to or thought of, so I am ready for this years tossing comp, bring em on NSW to win Eh!:thumbsup:

[jjjnettie]

We'll take em on again and win Dave. I'm getting muscles on my muscles from shifting house.
Anne-Louise is going to be serious competition though.

[h0ughy]

Yep the child factor and keeping tony in line is excellent training:lol: .

I am really looking forward for a great week

[jjjnettie]

It is truely an awesome event. I'm looking forward to meeting up with everyone.

[jjjnettie]

I thought I would remind those who are going to Astrofest that there is no mobile phone coverage at the site.
There is a public phone there but it doesn't accept coins, you need to have a PHONE CARD to use it.

[AstroJunk]

I've just booked in for Fri and Sat.

Peter Read is servocatting my baby on Thurs/Fri at my gaff, so it will be first light (hopefully) at astrofest for the updated SDM #006.

If you see the big black dob, come and say hi - I'm looking forward to meeting you guys.

[astro_south]

We will have to try for another IIS photo after the group photo session on Saturday, so make sure you hang around after the group one. We should easily be able to double the number from last year :thumbsup:

[astroron]

Anybody bringing up any iceinspace Tshirts that Mike has got left over? they might get sold up here!:thumbsup:

[h0ughy]

I don't know, if he has?

[astroron]

I should have said might have left over, but then you never no unless you ask.
I was told the very large ones make good night attire:rofl: :thumbsup:

[drmorbius]

It looks like I may be able to join you guys after all :thumbsup:, and the little fella (mini-Morbius) is keen to come along too to see the telescopes and do some father/son camping. :campfire:

But not having been to one of these before, I'm concerned there may not be enough to keep an 8-year old occupied and I'll end up having to leave early (or strangling him :)). Unless...

Are there any other kids in the 6-10 age group going up for the weekend (fri/sat nights)?

[CoombellKid]

The great thing about Astrofest QLD is the family atmosphere, My son
5yrs Jake will be there from Tuesday, he loved it last year. There will be
other kids there, mini golf, play tower and play ground, canoing on brisbane
river...etc...

regards,CS

Rob

PS: I think Jake is bringing his playstation and TV... kids these days lol

[[1ponders]]

Bring plenty of warm cloths, scarves, beanies etc Randall. It gets VERY cold out there at night.

[drmorbius]

Hey, that's great Rob... I'm looking forward to putting faces to all the names.



No worries Paul, we'll just light a campfire...:whistle:

[Dennis]

I know you are kidding about the camp fire, but just in case any of our readers haven’t attended astrofest before, and are dreaming of bush style open BBQs’ with sizzling whatever, there is usually a total fire ban in the area, except for the allowed burn off by landowners, farmers, etc.

Tony isn't even allowed to fire off his rockets anymore. :( :(

Cheers

Dennis

[CoombellKid]

Well actually I was saving that until if mini-Morbius got really bored
he could have fun keeping warm, wont be bored then lol, j/k

Yes!!! Bring warm clothes it's a must, actually bring more than you
think you need. My equation goes like this, bring enough warm clothes
as you think then double it. Ya have no fun when your cold, although
I do remember Bayley House being very cossy of a night.

Looking forward to meeting you drmorbius

regards,CS

Rob

PS: just got my info pack in the post for Astrofest 2006, the raffle is
looking excellent again this year :thumbsup: thanks to the sponsors!!

[Gargoyle_Steve]

Randall Hope you and the scope do make it - oh yeah, and Mini-Morbius too!
;)
I don't know how you have managed to avoid or blow off all 3 of those other things you had going, but well done, we're all very proud of you!

Dark skies here we come!

:driving::astron::stargaze::ship2:: cheers:

[firstlight]

Anne-Louise tells me there will be about 10 kids between 4 and 11 for the weekend. Your little guy will have a ball, the brass monkey won't be using them.

Cheers
Tony

[iceman]

I've got about 6 left over, all in the larger sizes (XXL and XXXL).

[CoombellKid]

I'll take an XXXL, Jake can use it for a tent lol, j/k. Boy that must be a big
size!!!

How big is the XXL? would it fit a small to medium size bloke?

how much are they?

regards,CS

Rob

[drmorbius]

Fate intervened and the one I had to go to was postponed. I was still in two minds until I looked through my new scope "Robby" (the dobby). I knew then and there that I had to go and hang out with you lot. :D

[h0ughy]

ok after having a chat to Alan, Paul and Mike, some TShirts will be available, you will have to state your size (at this stage we are looking at doing only a few XL, L and M) with the ice in space logo on the back. The price will be $15, but you have to commit to what you order, not say Oh I will have one and then turn around and say oh no I wont worry about it, I will jump on you, and I am very tiny!!! They only come in black! need to know before this monday july 3 or else not able to bring them. If you want the larger sizes then get those from Mike!

[[1ponders]]

Onya Al and h0ughy. :thumbsup:
I'll keep a running total here.

SHIRT ORDERS. Just post your preference and I will update the list

[1ponders] 2XL
astroron 1M
jjjnettie 1XL
DaveO 1L

[astroron]

Great HOughy 1X medium.:thumbsup: thanks Ron

[h0ughy]

OK second last call for T-shirts

[jjjnettie]

Dave,
I'll order an xl t-shirt please.

My boy Jack who is 9yrs old is coming for friday/friday night.

[DaveO]

Guys

I'll order an L if you have one.

[h0ughy]

Last chance, orders close tomorrow morning, thats it!

Postitive thoughts - clean air, clear weather, and lots of photons!

[AstroJunk]

1x XL :thumbsup:

[h0ughy]

Ok before this gets out of hand, please supply Paul with full name and order details, since i dont know your name or can puta face to a handle then I will need your fullname to check with Tony as to whether you are a Astrofest participant, your order you pay remember that guys and gals. You should learn to stick your face near your name for identification purposes. Mine is there but I am wearing a wig and a false beard.

[AstroJunk]

I only recognise people by their telescopes :P

[Nightshift]

Hi all,

I have decided to come along again this year, this time for Fri and sat nights, I am bringing my caravan this time though, does anyone know if 240V can be supplied to a caravan???? It's not essential but it sure would make life a little easier. I will be bringing the 12" Red Canon this year too.

Dennis.(No, not that one, the other one).

[[1ponders]]

Good to see your coming along Dennis. Bring some warm woolies.

[[1ponders]]

Send me a pm if you want to keep yourself anonomous. :evil:

[Dennis]

Hi Dennis

Mains power is available in all the bunkhouses and kitchen/dining room. Just bring a looooooong extension cord (30-50m) depending on where you get to park.

Cheers

Dennis (the other one)

[h0ughy]

tshirt orders closed - there will be a couple of extra XL and L when we get there

[firstlight]

I posted the menu for the Astrofeast on the Astrofest Noticeboard a few days ago, but I'll repeat it here if you didn't get to see it.

Roast Chicken/Beef
Curry/Vegetarian Curry
Roast Potatoes, Roast Pumpkin, Steamed Vegetables, Steamed Rice
Apple Danish and Custard.

Hmmmm....

[h0ughy]

Might need a picture tony;) of all the hungry punters lined up waiting for the feast:P

[CoombellKid]

Apple Danish and Custard:eyepop: now that wasn't in the info pack, but ya got me :thumbsup:


regards,CS ...two weeks to go:whistle: two weeks to go :whistle:

Rob

[firstlight]

14447

Not exactly lining up for the dinner... dessert do?

[firstlight]

12 days 10 hrs 49 minutes... but who's counting?

[h0ughy]

See you monday two weeks Tony
;)

[jjjnettie]

Does anyone know how many IISers are going?

[firstlight]

From what people have put on their reg form, we count 7 including A-L and myself, but there are many more than this. Does anyone want to tally them?

A-L and I = 2

[AstroJunk]

There's only one way to sort this ...

http://www.iceinspace.com.au/forum/showthread.php?t=11438