IceInSpace Astrofest 2006! 26-29th Jan at Lostock ** New Prizes Announced **

[iceman (Mike)]

Guys,

Please use the poll above to indicate whether you think you'll be coming to the IceInSpace Astrofest 2006, at Lostock in the Hunter Valley of NSW.

Dates: 26th-29th January 2006 (3 nights, Australia day long weekend)
Location: Lostock Scout Camp, Lostock (near Dungog/Gresford). It is about 3-4 hours drive, north of Sydney.


Prizes:
- Orion 80mm ED OTA (valued at $699)
- Argo Navis Digital Telescope Computer from Wildcard-Innovations (valued at $599)


Features:
- Exclusive use!
- Very dark skies
- 2 farmhouses with up to 30 bunkbeds each (bring own linen)
- Loads of room for camping
- Huge observing fields with good open viewing (no trees etc)
- Can park car near scope/tent
- Power available on-site for recharging batteries, etc.
- Undercover area for meetings/presentations/wet weather etc
- The houses have full kitchens (stoves, cutlery, glasses, hotwater)
- Each house has 5 showers and 5 toilets
- Swimming hole for cooling off during a hot summer day
- Off-site caravan park at Lostock Dam, about 6km's away

The cost will be worked out once we know (roughly) how many people are coming, but it won't be expensive - at this stage hopefully between $10-$20 per night. Obviously you don't have to stay for the 3 nights, you can stay for 1 or 2 if you wish, so the cost structure will be based on a cost per night to give you flexibility.

Please use this thread to start discussing the logistics of the star party, questions you have, events, activities, food, catering, etc. The organising committee will also be discussing these things and will make any announcements as they come to hand.

Please use the poll to indicate whether you're likely to attend. If you know of more people who are likely to come, reply here with numbers as well.

Thanks!

[Orion]

I'll bring it up at the next NAS committee meeting.

[iceman (Mike)]

Thanks Ed, would appreciate it very much.

[Rodstar (Rod)]

Yeah, I am a starter for at least 2 nights!!! I think I have a pretty chance of talking Shane into coming too. One bunkbed for me please!

[iceman (Mike)]

C'mon guys more votes please! I need to know roughly how many might be attending.

More info about the place (Lostock Scount Camp):
- Bunkbeds (some double, some single) in each farmhouse
- Each farmhouse has several (up to 5 in each) toilets and showers.
- Hotwater!
- Fridges and freezers in each house
- 240v Power
- The Lostock Caravan Park (6 km's away) is good for off-site accomodation if you don't want to camp or use a bunkbed, they have on-site vans available.

- If you're coming from a long way away and want to stay extra nights to make it worthwhile, you can come 1-3 days early if you like, no problem at all!

Please vote!

[Striker (Tony)]

Mike...I voted as unsure but this one considering its a lot closer is a fairly high chance of me attending.

Can I just sleep in my car.????????????

[iceman (Mike)]

Sure you can, if that's what you want to do.

[33South (Chris)]

Mike, I just voted that I will likely be attending but not sure how many days/nights yet.
Thats because the Friday is a working day and Im trying to negotiate a days leave, but so is everyone else.

[ving (David)]

gawd... I voted ages ago. unsure... I wonder if cheryl would want to come...

i am here (turn thumb upside down)

[[1ponders] (Paul)]

If I'm able to attend then Lostock would be the one for me. Maybe Striker and I could drive down together

[h0ughy (David)]

Originally Posted by [1ponders]

If I'm able to attend then Lostock would be the one for me. Maybe Striker and I could drive down together

it would be great if you did come, I will have the 12" available for visual use and the EQ6 mount for photography and such. Your quite welcome to use the 12 if you don't wish to lug the scope all that way Paul

[Itchy]

Although i am very likely to attend, I may have to work on the Friday. Although it is close enough for me to work and get there for that evening.

Cheers

[cahullian]

you can count me in mate.
I'm not sure if I will camp out there or use the bunks but I am leaning towards camping atm

[iceman (Mike)]

Announcement

There will be a lucky door prize for those attending the IISA. To be in the draw, you need to stay at least one night.

The prize is an Orion 80mm ED OTA, valued at $699.

I hope that encourages some more people to attend!

[Astroman (Andrew Wall)]

I would love to go, still have to work out how I would get there though. So at this stage, it's a no from me

[astroron (Ron)]

Maybe a group of us Queenslander could get together and share the petrol,even if we don't take a scope it would be a great weekend,any offers?.astroron

[Brendan]

Im in not sure how many nights, have to see with the new job and such.

[ballaratdragons (Ken)]

I sure would like to get up there. Meet all the Northern members and learn even more! Drop in on my folks at Toukley in the same trip.

But alas, I can't answer yet either same as Brenden coz of the possible new job!

How far is Lostock from Toukley?

[h0ughy (David)]

mike can almost answer that

[cahullian]

About an hour less than Sydney Ken