LOSTOCK 11th - 14th October ( alternative to Bretti )

[Inmykombi]

Hi all,
Arthur has very quickly organised an alternative to Bretti, due to an impending arrival of a motor home club on the same weekend as we had planned to go.
This Alternative is Lostock Scout property ( top house.)
The top house has hot water for showers, a kitchen with a stove and a microwave and fridges for storage with bunk style sleeping.

Thanks for getting this happening so quickly Arthur.

I am in for Lostock on the same weekend as we planned for Bretti.
Unfortunately this site is not free as was Bretti.
It will cost a small sum per night as well as a per person booking fee.
Typically we pay about $30-$50 each for a few nights....please correct me if I am wrong Arthur....

We need a head count please folks.

[Allan_L]

Lostock Scout Camp Site:
The site of the annual IISAC. (a preferred location selected over and again by Iceman himself)
Dark skies, close to Sydney (north of Maitland in the Hunter Region)
All the luxury of home, warm shelter, with electricity, water, toilets, showers, beds, full kitchen.
Very cheap accommodation, depending on numbers, could be a low as $25 per person. TBA.
Country location in farm lands very tranquil and relaxing.

This should be a small gathering, not formal in any way, plenty of fun, plenty of experience, perfect for the absolute beginner, or the experienced.

I recommend this 4 day (3 night) sojourn to all who can make it.
Even if you can only make it for one or two nights.

I am looking forward to it.
Please indicate if you are interested, would like further information (information on how to get there is included in the IISAC section of this website) or you can PM Geoff, Arthur, or myself to discuss. :hi:

[Arthur Alchin]

Yep, i'm in and as an added token Brian has a working Bee the week before and has told me he will get them to slash the hill up behind the water tanks which is quite flat but higher than the house. it is outside the house fence but i will be looking very closely at this area. may need a few 25mtr extension cords to run from the house if we want power on the Hill (i have 1).

If transport is an issue PM Arthur.

[Inmykombi]

Is anyone able to contact Jakob ?
He hasn't been back on line since he informed us of the Bretti situation.

I don't have his number but if anyone does have it, it may be an idea to call him and let him know of the changes, in case he is expecting to meet us at Bretti.

[Arthur Alchin]

Don't have Jacobs number, can only hope he sees the thread before the date. Maybe one of the sydney guys might have it??. I think i will be tenting it up there but will need to take ropes and a couple of star pegs to keep cattle out of my tent :rofl:

[Inmykombi]

Just leave your smelly old freezer boots out front....that will keep 'em away....:D

[vic4loc]

I'm interested to come as well, been following the Bretti thread. Due to work can only make the Sat night, will be bringing along a friend who is interested in astronomy. Please advise how much is it for the night?

I'm thinking of taking a 1kVA generator for power, according to the spec, it is quiet, around 53db, sorry this is my first time planning to take along a generator, what is the ettiquette of generators at dark site? beside the noise.

Victor.

[Allan_L]

Hi Victor,
You are most welcome to come along with your friend.
There should be plenty of spare bunks available.

We generally take generators to Bretti, to recharge batteries during the day, but not generally to run equipment during the night-time observing sessions.
As you can imagine, a great deal of the appeal is to get out under the country skies and enjoy the peace and quiet.

That said, generators are rarely needed at Lostock as we have 240 volt power available from the house. Recommended setup is extension cords and a power board. Or 12 volt battery and inverter if needed. We can help set you up if necessary.

As to cost, I am not too sure, except that I recall it seemed way too little for the level of comfort and facilities. Perhaps Arthur can provide the exact cost details in advance. From memory there is a small fixed fee which is divided by the number of attendees (pro rata for days attended) plus a smaller amount per person (per night). As a guide, maybe $20 for the three nights.

[vic4loc]

Hi Allan,

Thanks for your reply...


There are bunks? :) we were planning for tents and camping :)



That is great, I have a 20m extension cord reel & power boards.

Reason I was thinking of the generator is that my batteries seems to only last for 3-4 hours max. I bought 2x 17AH batt., one is used to power the HEQ5 + dew heater, the other for the QSI & laptop when it runs low.

Victor.

[Allan_L]

PM sent

[Arthur Alchin]

I am just waiting for the verification letter from Brian to sign that outlines the cost but it is always cheaper than the bottom house. Last time it was a total of $100 for the four days plus $3 per person per day. Since then there has been a price rise but it was not very big, possibly $120-130 in total for the rent which of course we share between us all.

As all who attend are aware we have no indemnity insurance as we are a friendly group and consider this to be a social get together. This is a non profit, fun, expense only weekend. This is not an "Iceinspace" official event.

[Inmykombi]

All are welcome, If I remember correctly the house should sleep about 10-12 in bunk beds.
Or you can "tent it" outside if you wish.

Looking forward to this weekend.
I have one new mate coming along as well.

[warpsl]

hello.what are the directions for the new site?and can i pay when i arrive?regards.

[Inmykombi]

You certainly can pay when you arrive, no problems.

The road where we will end up is called Patterson River Road and the town is LOSTOCK.

Basically, we drive through Maitland to Lorn, Bolwarra, Mindaribba, Tocal and Patterson, Vacy to Gresford and turn at Gresford to get to Lostock.

If you have a GPS you should have no troubles.
If you don't, you can follow us up as we meet at the Northbound Twin Service Stations on the F3 Freeway at about 8.30 or 9.00am.

[Allan_L]

Here are some directions I found elsewhere on the site


we have booked the Top House.

[jakob]

Lostock OK with me.

Arthur, thanks for quick organization!:thanx:

(I was away for the W/E, only just caught up with the latest news)

Looking forward to dust-off the scope.:thumbsup::thumbsup:

[Arthur Alchin]

Looks like its all system go :rofl:

A big welcome to all those who haven't been before :welcome:

To those with a last minute decision to go u can either go directly to the house and we will all be arriving late morning or u can catch up at the twin servoos as geoff mentioned below. If u have a UHF CB we travel on channel 8 and go by the
General handle of "iceinspace pony club boys" (i know sounds a bit lame but it works) :screwy:

Thanks Jakob, confirmed on FB, yes. Look forward to catching up

[Inmykombi]

You Beauty, We have a few confirmed now.:D
Has anyone heard from Deeno ?

[Rick Petrie]

I am looking good for the Thursday and Friday night so far, have a function on the Saturday night though and will have to leave early.
Fingers crossed for the weather playing fair.:prey:

[jakob]

I'm aiming to leave Wednesday and stay at gresford o/n.
Anybody else?

[Allan_L]

Sounds interesting.
Where in Gresford would we stay?

[jakob]

Gresford caravan park near bowling club or lostock dam
Unless we find free place

[Allan_L]

Hey Jakob,
How about you come and stay at my place Wednesday night?
I have a couple of spare bedrooms and we could then travel with the group from the twin servos on Thursday morning.
I am at Tuggerawong, and only about 20 minutes from the twin servos.

Anyone else from Sydney (or further away) want to do the same?

PM me for details.

[Arthur Alchin]

Will be at twin servos thursday (with bells on) between 8 and 830 and sitting on channels 8.

Will have the car and trailer parked out the back as usual.

This is exciting. Anyone heard from Mr Owl??????

[Allan_L]

YES.
Mr Owl has indicated to me his intention to accompany us this trip.
However, I think he has yet to finalise his travel plans.
He may be looking for a travelling companion with a spare seat.

Unfortunately, I have picked up a bugger of a virus, and must be considered a doubtful starter.
Fingers crossed and keep the medicinal drugs coming.

[Arthur Alchin]

If he needs a seat i have a spare, just need to be notified, can pick his gear up wednesday and get him on thursday unless he wants to stay at my place wed night

[jakob]

Allan,
Thanks for the offer.
It would eliminate the traffic problems to get to the freeway.
At the moment I leave my options open.
I have your phone number in case I decide.
Quick recovery!

[GTB_an_Owl]

Well gentlemen!

is attendance going to be "rain, hail, or shine" ?

geoff

[Inmykombi]

If I look ahead on the Weather resources section of IIS, it looks encouraging as the East Coast and inland areas look free of cloud from about Thursday if I read correctly.
As we know though, it can change quite quickly.

Here's hoping....

Thursday morning 8.00 to 8.30 am at the Northbound Twin Servo's ?

[GTB_an_Owl]

Bom MSL chart says crap weather for thur & frid - might clear for sat - but sun looks to be best nite

we might have to stay an extra nite ?

geoff

[Inmykombi]

I am there rain, hail, or shine.....
If weather is a bit ordinary, I may head back early though as my wife is not well.

[Arthur Alchin]

Whether Weather permitting or not i'll be there.
See you all thursday morning. Mr Owl: you right fr a lift????

[GTB_an_Owl]

yes thanks Arther

will be driving myself
possibility i might not come till friday though
see how i go

geoff

[Arthur Alchin]

No problems, catch u up there

[Inmykombi]

It will be great to catch up Geoff.

Look forward to seeing you there.

[Allan_L]

Packing tomorrow.
Note to self: Apple Charlotte

[vic4loc]

I'm confirmed as well, will be arriving Sat afternoon with a friend.

Victor.

[Inmykombi]

Just One ????

What will all the others eat ?

[Rick Petrie]

Unfortunately guys,I am having to withdraw my attendance to Lostock this weekend. Disappointment deluxe however, just too many things I have to do. I hope you guys can manage without me.:P That apple charlotte makes it even more disappointing.:(
Hope you all have good skies and I'll catch up soon. Cheers Rick.:)

[Allan_L]

Bugg@r !!!
:sadeyes: :sadeyes: :sadeyes:
You will be missed !

Maybe we can take your scope, and a cardboard cutout of you :question:

[Arthur Alchin]

Totally agree Allan, wish we could have real life Avatars at times like this

[Inmykombi]

Packing as I write this.
See you all tomorrow.

[Allan_L]

I will try to be there by 8:30.
but if I am late, please do not leave without me.

I will be bringing Jakob with me.

[Inmykombi]

I am pleased to say I had a great time away with you all.
You are all as crazy as me so I fit in well.:P
Weather wasn't playing the game, but some down time with mates was good.
I must say that I want a pair of Bino's like Jason's.
2 x 150mm refractors give a different and pleasing dimension to observing.


With Geoff's help, I have solved the mystery of the missing battery cover for my red light torch.
Geoff ( Mr. Owl ) said to eliminate the most improbable and then look at the most likely.
This brought to mind " Ockham's Razor".
So Applying this to my problem I realized that instead of the battery cover being sucked up into the Black Hole in the centre of our Galaxy, it must be either on the ground somewhere, or in my van.
It was nowhere on the ground....
I found it in my van under the passengers seat, thus proving that his theory works.

The battery cover is back home on its torch now...

Looking forward to next time away.

[GTB_an_Owl]

same here Geoff

had a great couple of days

was great to meet Jason and have Victor and Nabil join us on the saturday

OOPS! almost forgot Jonathon and Johnno - sorry guys

geoff

[warpsl]

hello.thanks for the warm welcome and good company.it was probably my most memorable view of 47tuc before the clouds came over.:eyepop:

[vic4loc]

It was great to catch up with like-minded people, and the chance to see each person in real life :) pity the weather & cloud didnt play nice.

Victor.

[jakob]

Thanks guys for a great time, rain hail wind and shine! :)

I was able to test out my new EP and filter.
Geoffrey, I.m sorry you missed out on the (imitation) Apple Charlotte, I didn't:lol::lol::lol:
Thanks Allan.

Till next time, J.