Great montage Robin! It says it all. Fun, Friends, and lots of scopes. The group shot is superb thank you.
I only had to drive 2k to get home but I am wrecked (I slept most of the afternoon).
It was a pleasure to meet so many IIS'ers (and families) and to discover that they are ALL terrific people and that I am pleased to call them my friends.
I was one of the silly few that stayed up until dawn each night, even on the 2 rainy nights! But last night (Monday) was more than could've been expected!!!!
About 10 visitors came from
Snake Valley and a few from Ballarat to look through the scopes and went "OoooH, Aaaah!
Monday night: 9-10/10 Transparency and 9-10/10 seeing, nil wind, mild temp, and it stayed like that till about 5:30am. (others will confirm this). I did the usual sky tour, then was shown a few new objects. I managed to get pics of the Sun, Mars and Saturn with the little Kodak (I will post them tomorrow). I have already posted some pics here:
http://www.iceinspace.com.au/forum/s...ead.php?t=5025
The Sunday Night Feast was amazing. We asked the CFA ladies to cater for 40 people. There was enough for about 60-80 and we had 2nds & 3rds! The display room has some interesting items especially Mick Pinners Dob/Wedge Cart! We also watched DVD's and pic shows on the Big Screen on most days and some of the nights and Dave 47Tuc gave some great talks (Leonids was funny!!) The rest of the time was relaxed general conversations about EP's, scopes mounts, astro objects, the weather etc. Just plain old 'good company'.
The door prize was won by Sue Pinner (12 mth Sub Aust Sky & Tel), raffle prizes went to Dave47Tuc (Binocs), recieved the Telrad and the book and DVD went to Neil. Over $500 was raised and presented to Mike to keep IIS going for another year.
Astro pics will be judged after they are all processed and posted.
Thank you to all of you that came and made it a success, and thanks to those that couldn't make it for your best wishes.
I need sleep!
p.s. The seeing was so good that 5 of Saturns Moons were clearly visible while Saturn was still down on the horizon!!! (all 5 moons & positions verified via Davo P's Sky map program on his lappy) and Saturn did not boil at all. A clear still image about 1 minute after it arose from the horizon!!!!!!!!!
Dave I hope your itching to get out again next Sunday
Great looking group of IIS's too. 
L.
