Well that was a great week.
Great weather.
Great company.
Very nice spot.
The water level is down to virtually nothing (it is reportedly around 6% at the dam proper). They let it all out for the sake of the cotton farmers.
Very important for the area and major force behind the dam originally.
(It is said they "own" the water).
The reserve is VERY well (even over-) maintained by the council with three visits per week to clean toilets and replace toilet paper, empty bins, mow grass (what little there is) and other general maintenance. And it shows.
The weather is very Dry. Low humidity every day. Dew was none to speak of. Even the big thunderstorm produced little more than 17 drops per sq meter. Perfect for astro. Clouds occasionally passed over, but disappeared quickly.
No light was evident in any direction.
Horizons were down to single figures in all directions.
It was a long drive (5 hours plus breaks from Wyong @ 90kph on average)
The road up there was great, Limit of 110 for a lot of the way, and bitumen right up to the front gate.
And at half way between Sydney and Brisbane, it opens the possibilities for a wide range of participants.
It was great to see Dunk (currently on assignment in Brisbane), but like a true Qlder, he refused to adopt this crazy southern time adjustment. This made synchronization interesting with conversions to and fro the norm.
It was hot during the day, but there was a big covered picnic area that provided great relief. It got cold very quickly after sun set.
I regard it as a great alternative site, especially if weather is an issue at other sites, but it would be too hot November to say February inclusive (IMHO).
I think once a year (or thereabouts) it should be programmed in, with plenty of advance notice. Other times, maybe, if nothing else is showing promise.
I am eagerly awaiting Aldi selling those strong straight tent pegs (that look like huge nails) again, so I can be better prepared for our next visit.
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