DECEMBER 7th to 9th : BARAMBAH CAMP - REGISTER NOW!! - LESS THAN 2 WEEKS TO DARK - Page 3

Gargoyle_Steve (Steve) · #41 01-09-2007, 12:51 AM

The thread talk HAS been a bit quiet Andrew, but there's a few of us definitely anticipating the upcoming dark nights! I haven't had my dob out at all since coming home from Astrofest - I even resorted to viewing the lunar eclipse mostly through my 20x80 bino's (excellent view through them mind you!).

There have been more than a few people who were dead keen to attend who have had to drop out for reasons of work, family health (and in one case an overseas trip over the same time period) but those of us still attending I think will have some fantastic observing/imaging at night, and a very relaxing weekend the rest of the time.

Looking forward to seeing everyone there!

For those who were unable to make this camp (and of course for those who are coming as well) make plans for our next camp now - the April 2008 Dark Sky Camp!! We'll get details posted down the track once this event is behind us and the piccies have all been pasted in the photo album.

astroron (Ron) · #42 01-09-2007, 02:27 PM

Steve, I am looking forward to the first one

Gargoyle_Steve (Steve) · #43 02-09-2007, 02:52 AM

Me too Ron - even though you and I have already been there on our reconnaissance visit (AND managed to squeeze in a few hours observing!) I am really looking forward to it.

One week exactly from now and we'll be there - out on the big field, observing our little hearts away under those lovely clean dark skies!

dhumpie · #44 02-09-2007, 11:39 PM

Wish I was going.....would be nice catching up with you guys again after Astrofest but I think I will be heading to Leyburn this time. Hope you guys have a blast there...

Darren

Gargoyle_Steve (Steve) · #45 06-09-2007, 10:10 AM

Well the best laid plans of mice and men........

With the weather reports looking very dodgy at present for the weekend, and the Camp starting tomorrow, we have rain bucketing down around here on the Sunshine Coast.

Some of that weather is confirmed by staff on site as definitely leaking through to Barambah, and so our inaugeral Camp is looking threatened.

Discussions are in progress as to whether to go ahead with this weekend, or postpone and try for another weekend when hopefully the skies will be clear.

More information will be posted here as soon as possible.

If you've registered and need to discuss this pm me and I'll get back to you asap. If you want, leave me a phone number and I'll call you.

For the optimistic ... here's a link to download a site map of the Barambah facility. I've done a layered edit over a copy of a site plan highlighting all the relevant features for our Camp.

When arriving on site follow the pathway shown until you get to the dining hall to check in, this building will be the main gathering point during the Camp.

http://www.users.on.net/~darklord/Barambah%20site%20map.jpg

Here's the 3 sets of directions for getting to the Barambah facility via either Kilcoy & Jimna, Kilcoy & Nanango, or Gympie and Kilkivan:

http://www.users.on.net/~darklord/Route1_via_Kilcoy_and_Jimna.doc

http://www.users.on.net/~darklord/Route2_via_Kilcoy_and_Nanango.doc

http://www.users.on.net/~darklord/Route3_via_Gympie_and_Kilkivan.doc

astro_south (Andrew) · #46 06-09-2007, 11:22 AM

Steve

I was going to post a question about the unsealed roads and how these might be affected by the rain, but I am happy to postpone it if that is where the discussion ends up.

cheers

Andrew

DJVege · #47 06-09-2007, 11:27 AM

I'm out, unfortunately. I'd love to come regardless of the weather to just meet everyone, but my Dad has decided to fly down for the weekend, so will be spending time with him.

Gargoyle_Steve (Steve) · #48 06-09-2007, 12:58 PM

Well it looks like the discussion has ended - common sense has had to take place over enthusiasm, and the decision to postpone this weekends Camp has been made.

More details will follow here as soon as alternate dates, etc, have been sorted out.

I do feel a bit bummed out by the fact that we've had to postpone, but it was a case of us all having to make a good decision, not the one that we wanted. The decision to postpone was agreed upon by all 4 of the attending committee members who have been contactable today, with one out of touch.

Emails and pm's will be sent out to all those who had registered, but please get back to us here or by pm or email if you have any questions.

Gargoyle_Steve (Steve) · #49 13-09-2007, 12:32 AM

The committee has alternate dates under discussion, we'll post further information in the next couple of days, please stay tuned!

BluMoon (Guy) · #50 25-09-2007, 08:12 PM

Hi Steve,
Any further news?
I am certainly keen to attend, but have a couple of important dates coming up in Oct so dont want to miss out.

Guy

Gargoyle_Steve (Steve) · #51 28-09-2007, 03:47 AM

Hi Guy .....

Yes all the date juggling, etc, is over, things have been finalised.

The Barambah Dark Sky Camp 2007 will now run from Friday 7th to Sunday the 9th of December, with new moon falling on the 9th. We'll get the website updated asap.

Again everyone is welcome, this is not limited to IIS members, but rather is open to anyone with an interest in Astronomy. We are still limited to approximately 60 beds however, so registration prior to the camp is essential.

Questions?
Answers here http://www.darkskycamp.org.au
or email us registrar@darkskycamp.org.au

[1ponders] (Paul) · #52 23-10-2007, 07:32 PM

The bad news is I won't be able to attend the inaugural Barambah Dark Skies Camp.

The good news is Sya and I have sold our house in Nambour, bought 5 acres of dark skies on Coolabine Rd in the Obi Obi (do a google map search

) and our settlement date is the 10th of December for both events, so I will be very busy getting ready to move that weedend

I'll start a new thread elsewhere and post some piccies later.

Argonavis (William) · #53 18-11-2007, 02:23 PM

I am hoping to be there, weather permitting (always circumstantial this time of year).

Am I allowed to camp on the observing field?

astroron (Ron) · #54 18-11-2007, 02:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Argonavis

I am hoping to be there, weather permitting (always circumstantial this time of year).

Am I allowed to camp on the observing field?

Hi Bill this question was answered earlier on in this thread

Apologies Dennis, I had thought I'd sent you an answer on that.

Unfortunately there is no room or facilities within the grounds of the Barambah EEC for camping or caravanning of any sort.

The observing field immediately adjacent is technically not Education Dept land, but rather State Forrest, and as such we (the organisers) do not have authority to give you permission to 'camp' there.

We expect that once set up, people will leave telescopes and/or vehicles parked there during the period of the Camp.

Please feel free to pm me, or email us at registrar@darkskycamp.org.au for any further enquiries.
__________________
Are you coming to the Barambah Dark Sky Camp??
NEW Dates for 2007 Camp - Fri 7th to Sun 9th December.
Autumn 2008 Camp - Sat 5th to Wed 9th April.
www.darkskycamp.org.au

jjjnettie (Jeanette) · #55 20-11-2007, 10:30 AM

Iza comin along! Me and one of the offspring.
Is there access to power in the observing field?
Cheers

Odlaw · #56 20-11-2007, 11:35 AM

Sorry Guys

Work has thrown me out of the running again.
Will have to wait until next years.

[1ponders] (Paul) · #57 20-11-2007, 11:41 AM

I wont be there unfortunately as I am moving to my new dark sky location

Gargoyle_Steve (Steve) · #58 20-11-2007, 09:55 PM

That's a bummer you can't make it Odlaw, hopefully next time as you say. See if you can plan ahead for 5th to 9th of April next year, would be great to see you there!

Great stuff Paul, I hope the move goes well, and that the skies are nice and dark for you.

Look forward to the invites....

Sadly Jeanette no, there is no 240v power to the observing field - unless of course you bring along a generator.

Just a reminder folks - if you're coming to this camp please go to the DarkSkyCamp website and register, even if you had registered for the September camp you need to re-register for this one.

Maybe we should kick off a new thread to make sure everyone knows it's LESS THAN 3 WEEKS NOW !!!!

Gargoyle_Steve (Steve) · #59 25-11-2007, 05:25 AM

Just in case anyone else is also after the co-ordinates for the Barambah Camp these have been provided by Mark (Principal of the facility) and are accurate for the middle of the observing field, ie where his own pier just happens to be located:

152° 19.779' East ....... 26° 20.506' South

I've converted these over for those who prefer d-m-s format:

152° 19' 46.74" East ....... 26° 20' 30.36" South

joshman (Josh) · #60 26-11-2007, 09:05 AM

hey hey hey everybody, i'm loving this idea, however, that weekend i'm busy, i've got to pick the lady friend up from the airport saturday morning then trip up the sunny coast for a short but sweet holiday. however...i *may* just may! be able to make it along for the friday night, i highly doubt it, but there is a definite possibility, it all depends on how adventurous i'm feeling! either way i assure you that i most certainly will spend that night under dark skies observing/imaging!