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Having been a long term attendee to SPSP, I would like to add my 2 cents worth.
* Camp as far away from the observing area as possible (in the camping area of course), that way you and your family don't have to be concerned as much with them generating light at night (in fact block your living area with your tent/caravan and car).
* avoid arriving and setting up at night (not a big no-no but just a pain, especially if pitching a tent). Cars are not allowed to drive in the observing area after dark.
* wrt food, for those without families I have found the Scout food is OK for a couple of days if you want to travel light. The Scouts is really the only hot food takeaway for many Kms (there is no corner shop!)
* The site has pit and even flush toilets (don't worry about toilet paper)
* There is rain water in limited supply, so bringing water is appreciated.
* there are hot showers, but be prepared to wait (you may not be surprised to hear that early morning are a good time to go if the night before was clear).
* if you appreciate a good port, don't buy the Mt Ilford stuff (although it might make a good drain cleaner!)
* The site is normally well signposted, once you take the Sofala road out of Ilford (drive along this about 9km and, if it is like previous years, you should see the first SPSP sign pointing to the left to a dirt road).
* For newcomers think about how you cover your scope when not observing and during the day.
* Cars left within the observing area may have to demonstrate to the light police you can disable your interior lights, including the boot (and think about the blinking external lights when some cars are locked/unlocked). Probably best to avoid having cars in the observing area totally (except setting up/packing up). Have a nice compact bag for all the naglers (with the name Glenn Dawes on the side - so I know which one to pick up )
* other than that usual starparty rules apply (red lights etc)
* and most important, HAVE FUN and don't worry about the weather - if you can't have a star party you can always have a party!
Regards
Glenn D
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