Bretti Reserve Star Parties 2015

[GTB_an_Owl (Geoff)]

i think geoffro has one too Jakob

we can have Pig races

geoff

[GTB_an_Owl (Geoff)]

which reminds me - what day you coming geoffro?

geoff

[Allan]

Originally Posted by jakob

Not sure about Monday .
Just testing latest Astro acquisition !

That looks like a nice alt/az mount.

[Fizics (John)]

Looking doubtful that I can make this one . Wednesday and Thursday nights would be best for me so hope to get there.

[Rick Petrie]

I am leaving Wednesday morning if any one wants to travel convoy.
All those getting there early, could you save me a caravan spot....nice and level with a view,thanks.

[Rick Petrie]

Originally Posted by jakob

Not sure about Monday .
Just testing latest Astro acquisition !

Is that a pregnant tripod Jakob?

[glend (Glen)]

So who is going up tomorrow besides me? Allan_l, Geoff? Hoping to get there around 1pm if I can get away resonably early.

[GTB_an_Owl (Geoff)]

i'm all packed bar pillow and clothes (and the inevitable last minute stuff)

geoff

[Allan]

Looking at the synoptic chart with that low pressure system going through on Wednesday, my guess is Monday and Tuesday will be the only clear nights at Bretti this week. Just saying, for those planning to head up mid week.

[glend (Glen)]

The Accuweather extended forecast agrees with you Allan - about Monday and Tuesday, but also says Wednesday is sunny and clear but Thursday will be partly cloudy and then sunny again on Friday. There should be some clear nights for every one up to Saturday morning but if doesn't look good for the nights after that.

So yes the safe pick is Monday and Tuesday, maybe Wednesday depending on when and what goes through. Best to watch the Wednesday forecast for those coming up mid-week, as Allan has said.

What does 7Timer have to say?

[OffGrid (Steve)]

Allan_L had extended an invitation to Deb and myself but we would not be able to get to Bretti until Saturday. With the weather looking 2 bob each way, I will make a call on Sat morning if we are going for an overnighter.
We used to canoe the Barnard river in the mid to late seventies and have camped at Bretti on and off over the years.
Very nice spot but Buckets Way from the 12 mile to Gloucester would have to be the worst paved road I have ever travelled over.
Came back from Qld on that road last Wednesday, not good and I would be reluctant to carriage a scope over that section of road.
From Gloucester to Walcha, not to bad even with a van.

[Allan_L (Allan)]

Originally Posted by OffGrid

Very nice spot but Buckets Way from the 12 mile to Gloucester would have to be the worst paved road I have ever travelled over.
Came back from Qld on that road last Wednesday, not good and I would be reluctant to carriage a scope over that section of road.

Steve, No scare mongering please.
Plenty of us have travelled the Bucketts Way for the last six years, all with expensive telescopes. There have not been any reports of any problems.
The quality of the road comes and goes but it is by no means the worst.
Of course it depends on how you transport your "precious".
I wouldn't chuck it in the back of a trailer and hope for the best.
But mine travels nicely on the passenger seat.

I hope to arrive mid afternoon today.
Weather looks great Mon-Thurs from what I can see on line.

[OffGrid (Steve)]

Apologies to Allan_L and others. From that reminder and hindsight I aught to have keep my personal opinion of that section of paved road off web.

[GTB_an_Owl (Geoff)]

well what a great 5 days away (well 4 out of 5)
just what i needed
thanks guys

geoff

[glend (Glen)]

September is just around the corner and the new New Moon is on the 12th this year. NSW School holidays are not a factor as they don't start until the week after the New Moon, which means Bretti should be mostly vacant as it was in August.

The week leading up to the New Moon, from the 5th onward provide good long periods of darkness with the waning moon, with the moon not rising until after midnight that weekend and then rising later as the week progresses.

For those that hibernate during the winter cold, it's time to dust off the equipment and get out and enjoy the night sky.

[glend (Glen)]

Just two weeks to the next New Moon period at Bretti. Winter cold is fading away and spring starts next week, so get motivated and organised now to enjoy the dark skies of Bretti. It doesn't matter if you have not been there before, all are welcome.
The Gosford Caravan and Camping Show is on this coming weekend at the Gosford Racecourse, for central coast folks this is a good chance to pick up anything you need for dark site camping.

http://www.caravancampingoutdoorlivi...e-godford-show

[skullmurphy]

Hi Glen,

Looking at the possibility of going to Bretti on Thursday 10th September to possibly 15th or 16th and hope the cows keep well away.

Have not had my scope out since the May Bretti camp due to a number of reasons with flood damage and work done on the house contributing.

Will be able to test out my Cub Camper and test a possible faulty Televue eyepiece and get away from the crap at home and have some fun with some stargazing mates.

See ya

Skull

[glend (Glen)]

That's great Scott. The New Moon is two weeks from tonight with good dark nights the entire week prior - from say the 7th onward there will be increasingly long nights with the residual moon only appearing in the very early AM hours rising progressively later.
No school holidays during this new moon period! Who else can come along?

[Rick Petrie]

Sorry can't make this one Glen.
Looking to maybe October for me.
Hope all that go, get some dark stuff.

[Fizics (John)]

Calendar is clear week of the 7th so if the sky is clear I will not miss this one.
By the way did you get much rain last trip?