Pony club people looking at going to SPSP - Page 2

Mars (Patrick) · #21 09-03-2011, 08:19 AM

I'd like to go. However, I was wondering if you guys are planning on camping or off-site accommodation?

I haven't actually done much legitimate outdoor camping so I've been looking into proper camping gear that I might need to purchase. I assume tents & sleeping bags are the go here? (That's assuming, of course, I can actually fit it in my car after packing in the telescope! I may have a new telescope too) I've also never been to Wiruna before so I'm also a little intimidated by the description of the limited facilities (toilets/showers), especially for so many people.

The website says that you can stay in a hotel but being 25km away, I'm sure it would be an inconvenient drive each morning/evening.

Has anyone been before? Or can offer any advice?

Allan_L (Allan) · #22 09-03-2011, 11:26 AM

Hi Patrick.
Yes I went in 2009.
Like you I was a newbie to SPSP then and to camping, and was a little intimidated as to what to expect there.

Unfortunately it rained non stop for the three days only letting up after lunch on the Sunday after most had left.

The facilities are pretty good there, and they were more than adequate for the number of people (in the hundreds).

Most of us do tent it there, and you would be well placed to try to travel with the Pony Club gang, because when I went I didn't. and could not find them the entire time.
Much better to be camping with friends.

Travelling to and from the hotel would be a bummer especially since the light regulations and casual parking will be restrictive.

I am sure you will get better advice from some one else, unfortunately I will not be going this year again.

Hope you have fun ... and clear skies

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mars

I'd like to go. However, I was wondering if you guys are planning on camping or off-site accommodation?

I haven't actually done much legitimate outdoor camping so I've been looking into proper camping gear that I might need to purchase. I assume tents & sleeping bags are the go here? (That's assuming, of course, I can actually fit it in my car after packing in the telescope! I may have a new telescope too) I've also never been to Wiruna before so I'm also a little intimidated by the description of the limited facilities (toilets/showers), especially for so many people.

The website says that you can stay in a hotel but being 25km away, I'm sure it would be an inconvenient drive each morning/evening.

Has anyone been before? Or can offer any advice?

tlgerdes (Trevor) · #23 10-03-2011, 08:52 AM

Hi Mars,

All you really need is a tent, sleeping bag, airmattress, extra blankets (it can get coollllldddd) and telescope

. Everything else can be supplied onsite. We have the local scout troop setup a kitchen hall where you can get breakfast, lunch, dinner and midnight snacks (hot donuts at midnight, the best

). There are mens and womens toilet/shower blocks, but you might have to wait a little for a shower. We have recharging statons for batteries also.

The site is fairly easy to get to Old Ilford Rd, Ilford is on most GPS units and a map is supplied on registration. There is about 3km of dirt road from the main rd to contend with, but it a typical country dirt rd, well looked after.

Allan_L (Allan) · #24 10-03-2011, 11:22 AM

Hey Guys !
I know this shortcut via Merriwa .....

(only thing is that it seems to add about an hour to the trip...funny that)

Mars (Patrick) · #25 10-03-2011, 01:31 PM

Thanks everyone for the info and replies.. I just registered!

Of course any further info on what to take or expect will be most welcome.

PS: I think Ratrace taught us not to take shortcuts

tlgerdes (Trevor) · #26 11-03-2011, 10:59 AM

Hi Mars,

Temps can go negative at Wiruna (last year at the SP in May we hit -2). I expect though the April temp will get down to around 5deg over night, so thermals are recommended.

Even with airbeds, it is still recommended to put an insulation material (foam, blanket etc) on the ground if camping.

Even if it is cloudy, setup. Wiruna has this phenomenon I call 2 o'clock clear. Doesnt matter what the weather, at 2am it seems to clear up and give clear skies till sun up. This happens on about 70% of cloudy nights.

Dont forget there are 2 observing fields. The main "visual" field and a smaller "astro-imaging" field about 1/2 km further into the property around The House.

Zincberg (Andrew) · #27 20-03-2011, 07:30 PM

Well, I finally made my mind up and I have registered to go. Very much looking forward to it actually.
If anyone is a little short of space in their car, I should have a bit of extra room for taking gear. Feel free to pm me.. Ill see what I can fit in.

Andrew

Rodstar (Rod) · #28 21-03-2011, 07:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tlgerdes

We have the local scout troop setup a kitchen hall where you can get breakfast, lunch, dinner and midnight snacks (hot donuts at midnight, the best

).

I always pack lots of fresh and dried fruit etc. If you were to live only on the food available from the Scouts (which in the circumstances is a wonderful feature of SPSP), you may find yourself a little jammed up (so to speak).

jakob · #29 26-03-2011, 09:07 AM

I have just booked!
Looking forward to a fun weekend.

gb_astro · #30 26-03-2011, 05:57 PM

Jacob, hope you got in before the Midnight Friday 25th March cut off.

gb.

jakob · #31 26-03-2011, 08:05 PM

What do you mean, cut-off?
I only booked today.

Quote:

Originally Posted by gb_astro

Jacob, hope you got in before the Midnight Friday 25th March cut off.

gb.

gb_astro · #32 26-03-2011, 11:18 PM

Jacob, as I read it online registrations for spsp closed at midnight yesterday.

gb.

GTB_an_Owl (Geoff) · #33 27-03-2011, 12:36 AM

if you missed registration Jacob - you can still go

just have to register and pay when you get there (i think)

geoff

mr bruess · #34 27-03-2011, 01:21 AM

I've missed out on registrations for spsp.

GTB_an_Owl (Geoff) · #35 27-03-2011, 01:33 AM

and i quote

"Registrations for the 19th South Pacific Star Party have now closed.

If you are interested in attending, you but haven't yet booked, you can do so at the event. Please note that people who register on site are not eligible for entry into the Door Prize draw. You can still enter the Astro-Imaging Competition and Telescope Makers Awards but you will need to get your entries in on time.

The Saturday Night Roast Dinner is fully booked.

If you have any questions or intend travelling to the event and registering on-site then please contact Paul Hatchman at President@asnsw.com or Les Sara on 0419 297 592."

geoff

jakob · #36 27-03-2011, 09:02 AM

I assume that I'm fully booked.
Online system took my money and gave me a registration number.
Now for the hard part, packing

:screwy :

Rick Petrie · #37 27-03-2011, 01:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jakob

I assume that I'm fully booked.
Online system took my money and gave me a registration number.
Now for the hard part, packing

:screwy :

Seems like you registered OK, probably best to confirm with Paul Hatchman.
The hard part Jakob is not the 'packing' but the 'remembering' what to pack!!