well thay should have enough money out of us IIS'ers now to go give the place a bit of a spray or at least go get the "there ain't no spiders here" signs printed up
I just signed up and realised afterwards that I used the members form, so then I thought well why not sign up as a member, so I did . I hope they accept my application, dispite my reputation
Finally and hopefully I will be able to join the fun for the SPSP 2007. Having missed the last planned trip (last Aug) and the IISAC2007 to work, I want to make this trip a good one.
Just before I register, I was hoping if anyone can give me a good suggestion on what is the most worthy activity or places that I can go during the SPSP, as well as before and after the date?
Myself ( and a friend) will be flying from Kuala Lumpur on the 10th, and going back on the 17th. We planned to rent a caravan (which I think is much cheaper option than renting a motel and a car).
I understand the Anglo-Australian Obs is like 3 hour drive from Wiruna. What else do you guys think I should visit?
Shah, it will be great to see you if you can make it!
The one thing that comes to mind is wine country if you are interested in wines. The premier wine area in NSW is the Hunter Valley which is about 90+ mins north of Sydney. The Hunter is not directly on the route to Ilford, so you would have to take a different route to visit there. Mudgee is not renowned for excellent wines, but has good steady wines, and is much closer to Wiruna (about 40 kms north of there).
While at SPSP - we did a short trip to Mudgee to check out the wines - we spent a great deal of time at the Elliot Rocke Estate - picked up a Semillon - Ice Wine (Good wine for the next IISAC), nice drop!. Another one worth a visit was Pieter Van Gent - Winery and Vineyard - they had an extremely fine Muscat.
If not into wine - there are many small cheese, mustard, jam (you name it) places that specialise in locally grown produce which you can sample and buy. Worth the trip we brought home alot more than we arrived with.
I imagine you'll be driving through the blue mountains on your way there - now there is a MUST STAY destination. Beautiful scenery, lots to see and do. Probably one for before or after the SPSP, not during.
Thanks guys for the feedback. Not really into the wine thing though, but I sure looking forward to experience first hand of the celestial and terrestrial from down under!