15th Snake Valley Camp.

[mill]

The 15th SNAKE VALLEY ASTRONOMY CAMP

Yes, it's on again!

16th - 20th November 2012

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 'drunkenness' will not be tolerated. Offenders will be asked to leave.

* Aerosols of any description (Aeroguard, deodorant 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 2012 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 ASTRONOMY CAMP WEBSITE: HERE (http://www.ballaratman.wix.com/svaa)

[JohnG]

Name: John Glossop
How many people: 1
Number of nights: 4
Which nights: All
Bunkhouse or camping: Bunkhouse
Saturday night feast: Naturally

[Rob_K]

Won't be able to make it this time, hope you all have a great time! For anyone who hasn't been before this is a fantastic astro camp, very relaxed and lots of fun. Don't dither, book in!! :D

See ya in March! :thumbsup:

Cheers -

[niko]

Oh yeah!!

Niko
1
All nights
Feast - of course!
Camping

Yay!

[byronpaul]

About time the next camp was listed ..... been anxiously waiting :P

Name:byronpaul (Paul)
How many people: 1
Number of nights: 3
Which nights: Friday to Sunday
Bunkhouse or camping: Camping
Saturday night feast: Yes

[desler]

Name: Darren Esler
How many people: 1
Number of nights: 4
Which nights: All
Bunkhouse or camping: Bunkhouse
Saturday night feast: Yes please

[traveller]

I am in
Name: Bo (plus Ryan)
No of nights: 1 (Sat), working on Fri, will update closer to the date
Camping or bunkhouse: camping
Sat night feast: Is there another reason???
Thanks Martin
Bo

[mill]

Thank you for your bookings, John, Niko, Paul, Dazza and Bo :)
Whatta we gonna do about the Robbus k, idon't know :( :P

[Forgey]

Name: Paula
How many people: 4 (may change to 3)
Number of nights: 1
Which nights: Saturday
Bunkhouse or camping: Camping
Saturday night feast: Yes please!

I do have a question tho are dogs allowed ? Its ok if there not.

[mill]

Hi Paula dogs are allowed as long as there nice and on a leash :)

[Forgey]

Thanks Martin - its a little Shih Tzu :)

[mill]

Paula that is not a dog, that is a rat :P

[mill]

Almost forgot to book in myself :(

Name: Mill (Martin).
How many people:1
Number of nights:all
Which nights:all
Bunkhouse or camping:Bunking with ensuite.
Saturday night feast: Oh Yeaaaaa

[alistairsam]

Name: Alistair Samson
How many people: 1
Number of nights: 2
Which nights: Fri,Sat
Bunkhouse or camping: Camping
Saturday night feast: Yes please

[Nico13]

Name: Nico13 (Ken)
How many people: 1
Number of nights: 2
Which nights: Fri,Sat
Bunkhouse or camping: Camping
Saturday night feast: Yes please :P

[mill]

Thank you Alistair and Ken :thumbsup:

[Cloudyagain]

Name: Neale
How many people: 1
Number of nights: 3 (possibly 4)
Which nights: Fri, Sat, Sun (Poss. Mon)
Bunkhouse or camping: Bunkhouse, one without mice please:)
Saturday night feast:Yes


Neale.

[Cam]

Name:Cam+3 LiL ppL
Number of nights:All
Bunkhouse or camping:Camping
Saturday night feast:Yes please

[rcheshire]

Name: Rowland
How many people: 1
Number of nights: All
Which nights: All
Bunkhouse or camping: Bunkhouse - ensuite if available?
Saturday night feast: Absolutely!

[sparrow_34]

Name: Paul Stillwell
How many people: 1
Number of nights: 2
Which nights: Fri,Sat
Bunkhouse or camping: Camping
Saturday night feast: Yup

[mill]

Thank you Neale, Cam, Rowland and Paul for booking :)
Rowland i have the ensuite already :P

[traveller]

That's at the end of the jetty + one more step, isn't it??? :P

[mill]

Yep that is Rowland's ensuite :P

[desler]

Hey, that's where I swim!!!!!!!!

Daz

[barx1963]

Unfortunately looks like I won't be able to make it this time :sadeyes:
If weather is OK I may take the Tuesday off work and pop up for Monday night.

Malcolm

[Cam]

Thats a shame. I was looking forward to catching up with you again Malcolm.

[barx1963]

Cam
I am sorry as well, keep fingers crossed for the Monday night, It is usually the best night anyways!

Malcolm

[Aidan]

Name: Irving Clan - (Aidan, Stace)
How many people: 2 Adults, 2 Munchkins (11months/3 yo)
Number of nights: 2
Which nights: Friday and Saturday
Bunkhouse or camping: Camping
Saturday night feast: yes for all members.

Cash on the day or other payment accepted?

[traveller]

Sorry to hear you can't make it Malcolm, I am sure others will leave you some clear skies for Monday night.
Bo

[mill]

Thank you Aidan :)
You are booked in.
Payment (cash please) can be made at camp.

Martin.

[mill]

Well the water will be soapy from now on :rofl::rofl:



Pity that you won't be there Malcolm :(.

[Aidan]

Thanks the family and I are very excited.

Good excuse to get the tent out. And a chance to show the three year old the wonders of a nights sky away from the city.

Aidan

[Jen]

:eyepop::eyepop::eyepop: Arrrrrrrrrhhhhh i have so been dreading the day that this would pop up in the forums. I was hoping it was going to get cancelled due to renovations or something so that i wouldnt miss out on anything :lol::lol: This is the first one i am going to have to miss since i have been going to this camp :sadeyes: as i am taking the family up to Cairns for the Total Eclipse :) So with my non attendence you should all have clear skies for the whole four nights :lol:

I am really gonna miss you guys :help:Have lots of fun ((hugs))

But look out march cause i will be back with a vengence and claim my special spot out on the field :D:D:P

[mill]

Jen, let the family go and come to the camp :P

Will see you in March :cheers:

[AussieAmature]

Name: Stuart & Karen
How many people:2
Number of nights:4
Which nights:all of them
Bunkhouse or camping: Bunkhouse for 2 please
Saturday night feast: Yes i've heard its the best

[traveller]

oh no, Johnny will be at home all by himself :eyepop:
Enjoy the trip up north Jen. I will have to break the news to Ryan that Drew wont be there :sadeyes:.
Bo

[danielsun]

Name: Daniel
How many people:1
Number of nights:All 4
Which nights:All 4
Bunkhouse or camping: Bunkhouse please
Saturday night feast: Yes please.:thumbsup:

Jen, I hear that a cyclone is due up there for the eclipse so it's probably best you cancel and come to the camp instead.:D

[mill]

Booked in Daniel sun (grashopper). :)

[Paddy]

Like Jen I'm off to Qld for the eclipse. I am very sad to miss SV, but at least a few of our regulars could have a little Nth Qld Auxilliary catch up.

Hope you all have a great time.

[Greenswale]

Name: Wren Brown
How many people: 1
Number of nights: 4
Which nights: All
Bunkhouse or camping: Bunkhouse
Saturday night feast: You bet!

Really looking forward to this - it will be my first star party where I won't have a walking stick! Great to have a pair of stainless/plastic knees.

Interestingly, they move sooooo smoothly - could be scope (bad pun) for dob users to investigate the materials to smooth the motion???

And the knees are not magnetic. I had thoughts of hanging stuff from them, didn't work, so there goes a party trick.............

[mill]

I hope you all have a great time too :)




Bugger Wren, now nobody can hear you coming :lol:

[mill]

The tally sofar :P

31 attendees so far:

John G
Ken (ballaratdragons)
Nicko
Paul (Byronpaul)
Darren (Desler)
Bo (traveller)
Paula (Forgey) + 3 others
Martin (mill)
Alistair (alistairsam)
Ken (Nico13)
Doug (hagar)
Neale (Cloudyagain)
Cam (Cam) + 3 kids
Rowland (rcheshire)
Paul (sparrow_34)
Aiden & Stace + 2 kids
Stu (AussieAmature) & Karen
Daniel (danielsun)
Wren (Greenswale)
Jacob
Aaron (Little Dragon)

[dmurton]

Martin,

I'll take a bunkhouse for all four nights (1 person) please, as well as the feast.

Had a great time last time, am really looking forward to it.

Regards

David

[mill]

The tally sofar

34 attendees so far:

John G
Ken (ballaratdragons)
Nicko
Paul (Byronpaul)
Darren (Desler)
Bo (traveller)
Paula (Forgey) + 3 others
Martin (mill)
Alistair (alistairsam)
Ken (Nico13)
Doug (hagar)
Neale (Cloudyagain)
Cam (Cam) + 3 kids
Rowland (rcheshire)
Paul (sparrow_34)
Aiden & Stace + 2 kids
Stu (AussieAmature) & Karen
Daniel (danielsun)
Wren (Greenswale)
Jacob
Aaron (Little Dragon)
Peter M (exfso)
Barry Coverdale
David Murton

NOTICE - There is only 1 Bunkhouse left, which has 6 bunks. Would suit a couple, a family, or a few of mates willing to share.

Still plenty of Camping Space available.

[rcheshire]

The end of the jetty will be fine. I enjoy the seclusion. BTW are there fish in the lake?

[mill]

Nobody knows if there are any fish in there so you are welcome to try and get the monster of SV out of the lake :P

[mill]

35 attendees so far:

John G
Ken (ballaratdragons)
Nicko
Paul (Byronpaul)
Darren (Desler)
Bo (traveller)
Paula (Forgey) + 3 others
Martin (mill)
Alistair (alistairsam)
Ken (Nico13)
Doug (hagar)
Neale (Cloudyagain)
Cam (Cam) + 3 kids
Rowland (rcheshire)
Paul (sparrow_34)
Aiden & Stace + 2 kids
Stu (AussieAmature) & Karen
Daniel (danielsun)
Wren (Greenswale)
Jacob
Aaron (Little Dragon)
Peter M (exfso)
Barry Coverdale
David Murton
Dave (BIG Dave)

NOTICE - There is only 1 Bunkhouse left, which has 6 bunks. Would suit a couple, a family, or a few of mates willing to share.

Still plenty of Camping Space available.

[Cam]

In 14 camps no one has ever caught a fish???

[mill]

Nobody dared yet :P
You might catch a snake or crocodile, or even the monster of SV :rofl::rofl:

[mill]

37 attendees so far:

John G
Ken (ballaratdragons)
Nicko
Paul (Byronpaul)
Darren (Desler)
Bo (traveller)
Paula (Forgey) + 3 others
Martin (mill)
Alistair (alistairsam)
Ken (Nico13)
Doug (hagar)
Neale (Cloudyagain)
Cam (Cam) + 3 kids
Rowland (rcheshire)
Paul (sparrow_34)
Aiden & Stace + 2 kids
Stu (AussieAmature) & Karen
Daniel (danielsun)
Wren (Greenswale)
Jacob
Aaron (Little Dragon)
Peter M (exfso)
Barry Coverdale
David Murton
Dave (BIG Dave)
Peter (StarsInMyEyes)

Ok people it looks like there is still one bunkhouse left, so book and be happy :)

[Moonman]

2 people
4 nights
Bunkhouse (willing to share)

Cheers
Michael and Emiel

[mill]

Saturday feast for two?? or not??

Cheers

Martin.

[mill]

39 attendees so far:

John G
Ken (ballaratdragons)
Nicko
Paul (Byronpaul)
Darren (Desler)
Bo (traveller)
Paula (Forgey) + 3 others
Martin (mill)
Alistair (alistairsam)
Ken (Nico13)
Doug (hagar)
Neale (Cloudyagain)
Cam (Cam) + 3 kids
Rowland (rcheshire)
Paul (sparrow_34)
Aiden & Stace + 2 kids
Stu (AussieAmature) & Karen
Daniel (danielsun)
Wren (Greenswale)
Jacob
Aaron (Little Dragon)
Peter M (exfso)
Barry Coverdale
David Murton
Dave (BIG Dave)
Peter (StarsInMyEyes) & friend
Michael & Emiel

All bunk houses are booked out but there is plenty of camping space available.

[Moonman]

Yes most certainly! For two please.

Cheers

Michael:)

[mill]

Thank you Michael :thumbsup:

[mill]

Update on numbers.

44 attendees so far:

John G
Ken (ballaratdragons)
Nicko
Paul (Byronpaul)
Darren (Desler)
Bo (traveller)
Paula (Forgey) + 3 others
Martin (mill)
Alistair (alistairsam)
Ken (Nico13)
Doug (hagar)
Neale (Cloudyagain)
Cam (Cam) + 3 kids
Rowland (rcheshire)
Paul (sparrow_34)
Aiden & Stace + 2 kids
Stu (AussieAmature) & Karen
Daniel (danielsun)
Wren (Greenswale)
Jacob
Aaron (Little Dragon)
Peter M (exfso)
Barry Coverdale
David Murton
Dave (BIG Dave)
Peter (StarsInMyEyes) & friend
Michael & Emiel
Luke McG + 1 adult + 1 kid
Muru Shank + 1 adult

NOTICE - All Bunkhouses are now booked out.

Still plenty of Camping Space on the Observing Field.

[mill]

Update :)

45 attendees so far:

John G
Ken (ballaratdragons)
Nicko
Paul (Byronpaul)
Darren (Desler)
Bo (traveller)
Paula (Forgey) + 3 others
Martin (mill)
Alistair (alistairsam)
Ken (Nico13)
Doug (hagar)
Neale (Cloudyagain)
Cam (Cam) + 3 kids
Rowland (rcheshire)
Paul (sparrow_34)
Aiden & Stace + 2 kids
Stu (AussieAmature) & Karen
Daniel (danielsun)
Wren (Greenswale)
Jacob
Aaron (Little Dragon)
Peter M (exfso)
Barry Coverdale
David Murton
Dave (Big Dave)
Peter A & Friend
Michael & Emiel
Luke McG + 1 adult + 1 kid
Muru Shank + 1 adult
Paul (apaulo)


NOTICE - All Bunkhouses are now booked out.

Still plenty of Camping Space on the Observing Field.

[mill]

Another update :)

47 attendees so far:

John G
Ken (ballaratdragons)
Nicko
Paul (Byronpaul)
Darren (Desler)
Bo (traveller)
Paula (Forgey) + 3 others
Martin (mill)
Alistair (alistairsam)
Ken (Nico13)
Doug (hagar)
Neale (Cloudyagain)
Cam (Cam) + 3 kids
Rowland (rcheshire)
Paul (sparrow_34)
Aiden & Stace + 2 kids
Stu (AussieAmature) & Karen
Daniel (danielsun)
Wren (Greenswale)
Jacob
Aaron (Little Dragon)
Peter M (exfso)
Barry Coverdale
David Murton
Dave (Big Dave)
Peter A & Friend
Michael & Emiel
Luke McG + 1 adult + 1 kid
Muru Shank + 1 adult
Paul (apaulo)
Margaret & Rodney


There is still some space left on the Camping/Observing Area for tents.
Be quick, the Camp is almost totally booked out.

[Moonman]

I count 79?:lol:

Cheers

Michael

[Jen]

:sadeyes: I'm so jealous :shrug:

[Moonman]

Won't be quite the same without you Jen:sad:

[traveller]

The way this is going, we have to put up the kids enclosure :lol:
Bo

[mill]

The kids enclosure is in Ballarat isn't it ?

:P

[mill]

Huh? Who is Jen ?? :rofl::rofl:

[Jen]

:eyepop: Hey Martin u getting a bit cheeky lol don't make me come down there to remind you haha :D

[niko]

Marty,

can I add my friend Jo? She'll camp and probably be there Fri, Sat and maybe Sun - she'll do the feast too.

thanks

niko

[mill]

Your welcome to do so :lol::P
I dare you :eyepop:



All done on the other side you double booker :P

[mill]

Another update :)

48 attendees so far:

John G
Ken (ballaratdragons)
Nicko
Paul (Byronpaul)
Darren (Desler)
Bo (traveller)
Paula (Forgey) + 3 others
Martin (mill)
Alistair (alistairsam)
Ken (Nico13)
Doug (hagar)
Neale (Cloudyagain)
Cam (Cam) + 3 kids
Rowland (rcheshire)
Paul (sparrow_34)
Aiden & Stace + 2 kids
Stu (AussieAmature) & Karen
Daniel (danielsun)
Wren (Greenswale)
Jacob
Aaron (Little Dragon)
Peter M (exfso)
Barry Coverdale
David Murton
Dave (Big Dave)
Peter A & Friend
Michael & Emiel
Luke McG + 1 adult + 1 kid
Muru Shank + 1 adult
Paul (apaulo)
Margaret & Rodney
Jo


There is still some space left on the Camping/Observing Area for tents.
Be quick, the Camp is almost totally booked out.

[Jen]

Oh i love a good dare :lol: i soooo wanna go dam it LOL :rolleyes:

[Varangian]

Hi, any spots left on the camp ground? I would also appreciate a heads up if someone drops out of one of the bunks. Please confirm if I require membership to participate. Many thanks, John.

[erick]

We could both turn up in March 2013 and show them! :D

Gee, are they going to laugh when our eclipse is completely clouded out. :sadeyes:

[mill]

Hi John you are welcome to come and you don't need to be a member.
How many night's, what night's and Saturday night feast?
Will keep an eye out for bunk dropouts :P

Cheers,
Martin.

[mill]

Hehe then it isn't a dare anymore :P

[Jen]

:eyepop: oh no dont say that (i bet they will too Eric)
Im missing out on an awsome 4 day camp for this event so it better not dissapoint :P

[Varangian]

Name: John
How many people: 1
Number of nights: 2/maybe 3
Which nights: Fri and Sat/poss Sun
Bunkhouse or camping: camping
Saturday night feast: Yes

[mill]

John you are booked in :)

[mill]

We are now fully booked out so we can't take anymore bookings :(

[Jen]

:sadeyes::sadeyes:

[mill]

50 attendees so far:

John G
Ken (ballaratdragons)
Nicko
Paul (Byronpaul)
Darren (Desler)
Bo (traveller)
Paula (Forgey) + 3 others
Martin (mill)
Alistair (alistairsam)
Ken (Nico13)
Doug (hagar)
Neale (Cloudyagain)
Cam (Cam) + 3 kids
Rowland (rcheshire)
Paul (sparrow_34)
Aiden & Stace + 2 kids
Stu (AussieAmature) & Karen
Daniel (danielsun)
Wren (Greenswale)
Jacob
Aaron (Little Dragon)
Peter M (exfso)
Barry Coverdale
David Murton
Dave (Big Dave)
Peter A & Friend
Michael & Emiel
Luke McG + 1 adult + 1 kid
Muru Shank + 1 adult
Paul (apaulo)
Margaret & Rodney
Jo
John

[Varangian]

Does that mean there is one place left Martin?

[mill]

No, i just miscounted.

[Varangian]

Ok no worries.

[Moonman]

48 sleeps and counting!:P

[mill]

Just for anyone who has never been to the SVcamp before, here are the directions for the last stretch of road.
Not long to go now :D

[Moonman]

I reckon some of the regulars might need to consult the map too. Lots of different ways to get there and get lost on the way too.

[Cam]

Very true!!! My first Snake Valley camp last March I was following google maps on my phone. It told me to turn left at Langi Kal Kal Rd. I was escorted out of the place because I had driven into a prison LoL. Thankfully I had a back seat full of LiL ppL and car full of telescopes otherwise they might not have been so forgiving LoL.

[cxz]

Sorry if I'm a bit late here. Hope there's still room for a first time amateur!

Name: Chris
How many people: 1
Number of nights: 2
Which nights: 17th and 18th
Bunkhouse or camping: Camping
Saturday night feast: Yes!

[mill]

Chris you are booked in :)

[mishku]

Hi Marty :D

I think we might pop up for a night or two, but have no real plans as it will be post eclipse... so... perhaps two, for friday and saturday nights but we won't stay (or if it's just me, i'll camp). Probably yes for saturday night feast, but will have to let you know?

Mish :D

[mill]

Hi Mish.

As long as you can let me know with a bit of time left :)

Cheerio
Martin.

[mill]

Hi everyone, we have a small workshop planned for Saturday.
It will be presented by Doug Braidwood (Hagar).

SATURDAY PROGRAM

2:00pm - Session 1. Setup and Basics of CCD Imaging

- BREAK-

3:30pm - Session 2. Image Processing

5:30pm - Group Photo

6:00pm - Saturday Night Feast

Cheers,

Martin Meupelenberg

[byronpaul]

Martin,

like the idea of the imaging workshops :computer: saves Doug saying the same thing a dozen times over the weekend ..... not likely from us newbies who are sponges at these SV camps.

Can't wait .... less than a moon cycle now. Looking forward to catching up with everybody for some great skys, lots of laughs, and a bit of R&R.

Paul

[Jen]

:eyepop: sniff sniff now im really sulking that im going to miss out on this camp :sadeyes: Douggie you owe me a private lesson now (on imaging that is) ;) i could see your grin from here :lol:
I hope you all have a great time guys and wishing you all clear skies :P not long to go now :thumbsup:
PS... im just wondering where is Ken ?

[mill]

The sun will will be short and sweet but camp will be long and even sweeter :P

[mill]

For anyone wanting to know the S/E coordinates and the deviation to put in their maps etc, here they are.:

Place Name Search: Snake Valley

VIC
Victoria
LOCB
O
-37º 36' 47'' S [Decimal Degrees -37.61307º]
143º 35' 42'' E [Decimal Degree 143.59494º]

Magnetic Field Components

D = 10.858 deg

Cheers,
Martin.

[joe8489]

Is it ok if I pop along as a visitor

I'd be coming on my own but I don't have any telescopic devices and such.

All I can bring is beer, snacks and my enthusiasm.

Let me know if there is any info I need to provide or can I simply just "rock-up"?

Cheers
Joe

[mill]

Hi Joe.

You can just pop in, we have some more people just visiting and we dont need any info.
See you when you come over:thumbsup:

Martin.

[joe8489]

Thanks for that Martin!!

I'm looking forward to it

What is the best day to come in your opinion?

[Jen]

Check the weather and pick the clearest night :D Otherwise Saturday night the place is fullest :D Rain hail or shine either way you will have the best time these guys are amazing with their i-will-go-out-of-my-way-to-help-you-any-way-i-can-approach :D
And they always make me giggle :rofl:
And now im waffling because im so jealous that im missing out this time round dam it LOL :help:

[Exfso]

Marty, as you know I wont be making it now, I am having my left shoulder operated on. Same weekend as the camp, well the Monday morning anyway:sadeyes: Hope everyone has a blast.

[Moonman]

Peter,

Sorry we won't see you at Snake Valley. All the best for you operation.

[Varangian]

Apologies I have to cancel so perhaps a place opens up for someone else?

Regards, John.

[mill]

Yeh a shoulder operation is a pain in the you know where :P
You will be missed and i hope you won't have too much pain :thumbsup:



That is ok John it happens every time :D

[Varangian]

Yep I am now away at glamorous Charlton from 12-16 Nov with work so difficulut to justify leaving the kids to attend. Cheers, John.

[Cam]

Any chance someone is going to have a little time(and patience) and show me how to align this HEQ5 properly? please please please

[mill]

Ok you turned my arm and i will show you how it is done :P

[Cam]

Thanks Martin :D

[Jen]

Awwww it's November I bet u all are getting pumped for camp now :D have fun guys xoxo

[Cam]

The lil ppl and I sure are:)

[Forgey]

Hi Martin, due to unforeseen events, unfortunately me+3 wont be able to make it now :( I was so looking forward to it too. Hope you all have a great time.

[mill]

No problem Paula there is always next time :)

Martin.

[danielsun]

Well it's getting close now, only 1 week to go!!
I better get cracking and start organizing all my stuff, Batteries , memory cards, etc...
Really looking forward to it as these camps really are the most relaxing and enjoyable long weekends.
Bugger that you guys can't make it (Pete, John Paula).
Good luck with the operation Pete, we'll miss you mate and hope to see you all in March.;)

[niko]

Good call Daniel - bloody memory cards, they seem to get scattered to the four winds.

I am so unprepared - I guess I'll just chuck everything in the ute like I usually do - new ute so there's tons more room for all the crap I've bought since last camp!

See you all in a week!!!!

[alistairsam]

Looking forward to it as well, and this time I'll remember my Tent Pegs!!

[mishku]

Hi Marty,

Between the eclipse, starting a new job and a critically ill grandmother, I am an apology for the Saturday night.

Hope you guys have an amazing time, see you in March

Mish

[cxz]

Hey all, bit of a newbie and glad to see you all this coming weekend! I'll be there on Saturday. Reckon anyone could show me how to collimate my reflector? In any case should be a fun camp!

Just noticed a killer problem! How does someone get to Snake Valley on a Saturday? Buses don't run on the weekends from Ballarat station! I'm coming from Southern Cross and planning to go for mid-afternoon Saturday to Monday morning.

[mill]

Sorry to hear about your Grandma and you not coming :(
Will see you in March.




I could pick you up from Ballarat station when you give me the time you arrive.

Martin.

[cxz]

Hey Martin,

Thanks for the gesture! Much appreciated! I arrive in Ballarat station on Saturday 17th at 13:34PM

~C

[traveller]

I can help as I am coming on Sat, check your PM and get back to me.
Cheers, Bo

[mill]

Thank you Bo, that saves me driving up and down with the van :)

[traveller]

All sorted Martim, I will take chris down from Melbourne.
Bo :thumbsup:

[barx1963]

3 cheers for Bo!

:party2:

Malcolm

[scagman]

Hi Mill,

I know it's last notice but is there any vacancies for 1 on sat night, camping and feasting.

Cheers

[mill]

Hi John that is ok, you are booked in now :)
See you Saturday.

Martin.

[mill]

Thank you Bo :thumbsup:

[cxz]

Thanks for all the support guys :)

[niko]

well, the spare room has bits and pieces spread all over as I try to gather all the astro gear (and dust it off).

Had to buy another tent as mine is 300kms away and I couldn't bear the thought of a 3hr round trip after work just to pick it up. Thank god for the sale at Rays.

The ute is half packed, the leave is organised and I'm raring to go!!!

Bring on the weekend and clear skies!!!!!!

See you all there in 36 hours or so!

(Now, where'd I put that USB to micro USB cable......?)

[erick]

Have a great time folks. We are staying up here in FNQ with a goal of seeing some 19 waterfalls! One down as of today. Hope I can join you next March.

[Jen]

Hope you all have a great time guys :D

[Nico13]

Yep all packed and ready to go.
It's amazing how much you can fit into a Ford Focus Hatch.
Also got a new tent (sale at Rays) for the occasion so things should be a bit more comfortable this time, see you all Friday.

Oh Martin I've got that cup of coffee I owe you as well, it's in a bottle with De Bortoli written on it, hope you'll like it.

Cheers

[mill]

Thank you in advance, we both can drink from that coffee :thumbsup:

Thanks,
Martin.

[mill]

You will forget something anyway :rofl::rofl:

[mill]

Erick and Jen, you both can still make it :D

[traveller]

Where is the count down clock :P

[niko]

It's true - I'm bound to forget something. At least I'm bringing 2 of most things!!

Ute is already packed and ready to roll.

Just have to get through disability training this morning (in preparation for you mental cases) and then I'm hittin' the open road!

So, for me, the count down is 5 hours!!!!

[Cam]

I have to head to the tip and empty a trailer .ggrrr. Condition of me borrowing it

[mill]

3 hours for me because i have a motherload of stuff packed for Ken :P

[Jen]

:D I'm still nice and warm in palm cove at the moment :D that would be going from one extreme to the other weather wise :lol:

[barx1963]

:lol::lol:
Not very PC young Niko.

[Heath]

Hello Martin and SV crew,
Is there any room for a blow in on Saturday evening? Hit and run mission?
Haven't set up the AP gear in over 6 months so keen to have a night of complete frustration under the stars.
Regards Heath

[joe8489]

Hey all

I'll be heading down tonight to get a glimpse of the stars , ill be leaving Melbourne at about 9pm so will be getting to SV at around 11pm. I'll be on my own and given my last minute decision, I'll be sleeping in my car (as I have no tent). Hopefully I'm not breaching at laws in doing so??

Just wondering how the skies were looking for tonight? Clearing by any chance?

[Greenswale]

Well, its Sunday morning and the ambience is shattered. Jen has turned up!

Terrific skies for a few hours last night, cloud wrecked everything in the early am. Forecast for tonight looks brilliant. Hoping......

[Aidan]

Aidan here,

Quiet guy with the dobsonian, wife and two small kids.

We had a ball thanks to all, my 3 year old didn't want to leave and has been talking about camping all day.

Great feast, great company, and beautiful clear skies atleast for quite a few hours.

Hopefully see you all at the next one

Aidan

[barx1963]

What! Another quiet person at SV. With Doug, Jen and Niko I thought we had enough of them!

Malcolm

[Astroman]

Lol!

[traveller]

It was quiet without you there Malcolm...:P

[barx1963]

Well it is looking good so I am heading up tonight. I know the moonage will be a prob but I need and SV Astro fix!!

Martin, are there any cabins free? (I know it is usual to only have cabins for 2 nights but as it is a flying visit I was not wanting to bother with a tent)

Malcolm

[Big Dave]

Another enjoyable SV just past, although I was buggered before I got there this time. Thanks to the SV members for running another stella event.

Regards,
Pavaloti.

[StarsInMyEyes]

Hey Guys,

Got home this morning, but just unpacked the car.
Had a great time, met some great people, had clear skies - cant wait for the next one :D.
( gotta take some toys next time :thumbsup: )

Peter

[barx1963]

Arrived home this morning after scooting out of camp at 8-30am. Sitting at work not really achieving much.
Managed about 3 hours of pretty nice observing under very dark skies once the moon went down.
21mm Ethos had first light and it was my first session ever using only Ethos EPs :D
Thanks to Ken and Martin for their usual stellar job of organising, and especially to Ken for showing his video setup.

Malcolm

[alistairsam]

I had a great time as well, two clear nights, well almost.
Amazing view of the tarantula, eta C and M42 through Paul's C11, a chance to test out my home built 10" scope, great company, witnessed Jen's flying visit!
Thanks to Doug for his talk on Image processing. We should have these talks every camp, especially on common issues we all face.
Looking forward to March.
Stayed up till sunrise and took these pics. The lake looked serene.

[rcheshire]

Yes. Thanks Ken and Martin. A great time... Looking forward to March.

[niko]

Another fantastic SV camp! Thanks to everyone for making it possible and for making it such a great time.

Even with days of frustrating tech issues I still had a ball. Am hoping that the push through till 5:30am on the last night will produce some reasonable results. I think I can see Barnard's loop in a few images - either that or it was sheer exhaustion!

Thanks to everyone who offered help to fix my weird issues - purchased a new PC when I got home. Now the fun of re-installing everything begins!

cheers

niko

[barx1963]

Hey Niko! I'll never be able to observe the LMC again without thinking of your comments on Monday night!!:P

Also found your credit on my DVD of Fellowhip of the Ring last night. Gosh its a long way down! Still they couldna done it without you!

Malcolm

[Jen]

SUPRISE :D:D:D I just couldn't keep away from the place I had to pop over to see you guys :D even though it was a flying visit I still had an awesome time catching up with you all even Harry had a great time and Drew of course hehe IS IT MARCH YET :P

[rcheshire]

Laser pointers >1mW = prohibited weapon in Vic., http://www.austlii.edu.au/au/legis/vic/consol_reg/cowr2011325/

General guidelines from today's research

An exemption may be required for >1mW for legitimate use. That is, mounted on an astronomical optical device for the purpose of finding. Rules seem to vary between states.

The usual understandings/caveats apply. Responsible use - no need to say, don't point at aircraft.

[azagil]

Very Jealous of you all, I sent an email to the snake valley club for info on the club and events yesterday but didnt know yous had something on....I just got my CPC 1100 2 weeks ago and still waiting for a good night out.....hope to get some info on the club soon and meet you all in the near future.....enjoy the weekend and clear skys!!

[Rob_K]

Sounds like a great time was had once again, looking forward to March! :D

So Jen made it to the camp? Does not compute, I'd swear I saw her in Port Douglas only a day or two before the camp. :shrug: ;) Must have been her evil twin sister... :lol:

Cheers -

[Jen]

Aza there is another camp in March keep an eye out in the forums for dates hope to see you there its a great camp :D


:lol::lol: It was her evil twin that went to SV :P

[danielsun]

Hey guys, What a great camp it was!! Laughed our heads off--->:rofl: and had a ball.
During the day it was fun watching everyone with their RC toys and some of the huge stunts and stacks!! Pics below ( Big Daves huge jump!!)
Jen's surprise visit was a real surprise! Go Jen!!:thumbsup: and nice to meet Harry and see Drew again.
Cams kids were also a highlight. What great little characters they are and I will have to do some training to re-race the little cheeky one again next time. He gave it to me all weekend for losing.:lol:
Darren (Desler) won the 50 mtr free style for retrieving his RC plane from the lake a few times.:lol:
The last two nights were nice and clear and between the pics and timelapses and deep sky stuff I am now sorting through all of the 21.5 gigs of data.
Thanks Ken and Martin for another very successful camp.

Cheers Daniel.

[danielsun]

and a few more pics.

[Shark Bait]

I like that wooden framed reflector. It looks like a well put together package.

[danielsun]

That is Alistair's brilliantly made home made reflector. A very clever man and that is just one of his brilliant projects. ;)

[cxz]

Hey all,

Thanks for the awesome SV camp. Was great for a newbie to see through all the different scopes and meet some cool people. Hope to see you guys again soon, possibly in March. Special thanks to Bo and Alistair for making my transport a little easier :)

C.

[Varangian]

Kids kicking around balls (look out scopes!)
Men walking around drunk eating chips
Strange UFOs clearly identifiable by all present
A man setting up a scope for leprechauns

Man, I really missed out in this one:lol:

[mill]

Oy!! i was't drunk at all :rofl::rofl:

[alistairsam]

Thanks for the comments Stu, Daniel.
still needs a few final touches.will post some build pics. but yeah, can't wait till march and some clear skies.

[Shark Bait]

Yes, please post some more photos of that scope. I know that you were at a dark site but do you use some sort of shroud to deal with stray light?

[alistairsam]

Hi Stu,
got some build pics here
http://s1289.photobucket.com/albums/b519/alistairsam/10Inch%20F4%20Serrurier%20Truss/?albumview=slideshow. I did use a partial shroud opposite the focuser, but primary only needs a partial one to minimize dew.


Looking forward to a few more reports from the camp.
We did have a few key players missing so a bit quieter than usual.

[Shark Bait]

Guitar tuning heads to adjust and tension the secondary supports! :prey2:

[alistairsam]

Credit for that goes to Rolf Olsen's beautiful serrurier which inspired mine.
http://www.pbase.com/rolfolsen/10_inch_serrurier_truss_tube_newton ian

[byronpaul]

Here are some shots of the lads helping Alistair get his work of art ready for the night

[Moonman]

Hi All,

Back safely now in "bite size" Tassie and have put a few shots up on my blog for those wanting to take a look.

http://astronomytales.blogspot.com.au/

Cheers

Michael

[Moonman]

Also time lapses on Vimeo

https://vimeo.com/user14092002/videos/sort:date/format:detail

[byronpaul]

Ok,

My synopsis of the camp is as follows ….. starting with the weather ….. whilst being patchy, far exceeded that from the last few camps. Friday night started out really good, with quite a few hours of great seeing before cloud rolled in mid morning. Similar seeing on Saturday night, although not quite as transparent as Friday night. Sunday was great – seeing came and went, but for a couple of us who stayed up till sunrise, this night was the best. During the early hours of Monday morning, there were periods of seeing that were brilliant. Not sure about Monday night as I had to go back home to work.

Dabbled with solar during the days, and both visual and imaging on each of the 3 nights, with the 3rd night being most successful for both. With the help of many in attendance at the camp, got my best ever polar alignment (thanks John G), my best ever Sync with Stellarium (thanks Alistair) and fluked a couple of good images of NGC253, Tarantula, M42, Horsehead & Flame and Eta Carina. John G’s tutoring at the last few camps, along with input from Martin, Doug, Daniel and Neal amongst others saw me kick a few goals. I had a few beginner chuckles as my imaging set-up worked flawlessly whilst a few other seasoned campaigners groaned and cursed a few expletives at technical issues they were having :2thumbs:

Doug’s talk on Imaging on the Saturday was super informative, and input from others in the discussion was great. For novices like yours truly it was great to get some perspective on techniques, software, effort vs. reward, etc. Thanks Doug, John G, Daniel, Martin and the others that contributed to this discussed. p.s. Doug, I was awake …. just micro resting my eye lids :poke:

Entertainment provided during the days by the Snake Valley RC Club was a barrel of laughs …. Note to oneself ….. set-up an RC Spare Parts shop in Snake Valley before next camp :rover1:

Great to see Jen and family drop in for a night on their way back home to Swan Hill from the Qld Solar Eclipse. Camp wouldn’t be the same without our Jen …. would be a lot quieter (joking Jen) :lol2:

On the Sunday night the views with the CGEM1100 and a 24mm Panoptic were stunning. Alistair and I tried different targets, and different eyepieces including Naglers, ES 82’s and ES 100’s ….. but on the night the Panoptic was the sweet spot. The views of Tarantula, Eta Carina, NGC253, 47 Tuc were highlights and nothing short of spectacular ….. luv the dark skies of Snake Valley. :eyepop:Great to see some of the “Imagers” come over and have a look through an eyepiece.

Once again Ken and Martin, you’ve put on a stellar Camp. Whilst always being fun and relaxed, you turned on some good weather as well this camp which was a bonus. Alway highly entertaining, at these camps everybody gets on well, is happy to lend a hand, share their experiences and just chill out :thanks:

Can’t wait till the Mar 2013 camp, but in the mean time here’s a few more pics

[byronpaul]

And a few more ...

Note niko's thumbs down in the last pic .... :P

[byronpaul]

And a few more ...

Note the puzzled looks in the 3rd pics .... note sure which wire is loose but it was working .... and check out the toys in the last pic ....

[byronpaul]

And the last few ...

Check out niko's thumbs up in the 5th pic .... he got it working :P

The check out the buddy astromoners in the last pic .... surveying the sucker holes :rofl:

[Cloudyagain]

Great collection of pics there Paul. I'm surprised you had time to look through your scopes! Looks like you will be appointed official photographer next time.

Great work.

Neale.

[desler]

Great set of images Paul and I really like the time lapse Michael.

Yep, another camp done, great seeing at times, great people and laughs all the time. I just spend so much of my time looking forward to the camps, It's had to believe we save all that laughter for an astro camp.

I really enjoyed wandering around and having a peer through the odd scope and have a chat with the respective owners while getting some data that still has to be processed.

Overall a fabulous time, even if it was a bit cold in the lake. I wouldn't miss it for the world!

Is it March yet?

Darren

[Jen]

Lol @ Paul I just couldn't stay away I had to pop in at least one night to see you guys :D and I'm sure there was plenty of other noisy buggers there I won't mention names hahaha :rofl::P
Thanks for the reviews and the pics guys it makes me feel like I was there the whole camp :D keep em coming
Is it march yet ;)

[Dave47tuc]

Hi all
Thanks for the photo's and stories.
Great to see SV camp is going as strong as ever :thumbsup:
Well done to Ken and everyone who makes it a wonderfull event and still going strong.

I do find it funny how things change so much! here are a few photo's form 2005 camp the first one if I remember don't see these on the field anymore:D Some farmiliar faces ! I hope to visit the camp again someday.

Dave. :)

[Jen]

Hey g'day Dave good to see you on here thanks for the old pics yeah it seems the imagers are trying to run us visuals out of camp :rofl: :D

[rcheshire]

Do I really look that old? Great pictures.

[Cam]

Thanks for all the advice on camp and I actually got to look through a polar scope and see the stars align... This is so damn frustrating doing it on my own tho. Ive been trying for a cpl of hrs and I just cant get Octans in the polar scope. Im sure I saw it in the binos but whatever I do I just cant see it from the mount GGRRR Im about to give up until March camp and take the dob out.

[danielsun]

Hey Michael, glad you made it back across the pond ok.:thumbsup: Nice work with the time lapse and a neat tip to getting the day to night transition.:thumbsup:
I have put together a few of my timelapses but just need to upload them.


Hey Dave, wow! a blast from the past.:thumbsup: How time flies!
Really hope to see you at one of the camps again soon.:thumbsup:

Cheers Daniel.

[Wombat_In_Space]

I have to agree Dave varst contrast in equipment that was on the field at that first camp. Good to see the camp is still running after all these years and the SVAA has grown with it. I do miss coming to the camps, alas work commitments means I wont be making any of them again.:(