The weather was beautifully clear again last night, the TV was a load of rubbish so we went for a wee drive into the Waitakeres, west of Auckland. This is a bush clad hilly water catchment area with very low population. 30 minutes drive took us up to the top to a small carpark on the side of the road with a hill to the east and a clear view to te west out over the Tasman Sea. No lights !! But Heaps of stars !! Amazing !!
I took the binos and the camera and tripod but this was a recce so didn't have the scopes. I will next time !!
Spent about 20 mins enjoying the amazing view, took some more pix till the memory card was full then trundled home with bigger plans next time. There are several locations that could be used as well with easy access.
Just so lucky to have a good viewing site within half an hour of home. Didn't realise just how much was lost from my backyard. I'll setup my gear to be a s portable as posssible for future vists. and have a thermos and some red light so I can spend some time up there.
Giving me ideas to make an 8" Collapsible Dob that will fit in the wagon to really see something. Just wish mirrors were not quite so dear over here.