Hi, The Desailly Range people were just driving around and didn't introduce themselves officially. They said a number of people they have seen around, have been given permission. They ignored the next couple of vehicles that went past us. I didn't get any contact info. Not needed. There are yellow signs on trees just west of Mt Carbine that prohibit tresspassing put up by Curraghmore Station Ph 40948293. The Mulligan Highway is some form of public stock route and in NSW you can stop on a stock route but not camp overnight. The hilltop is on a crest a couple of kms going west past Bobs Lookout. Both sides of the road have adjacent small hilltops that look suitable. I don't think my hill had a power pole. The area is quite close enough to the centreline according to the calculated waypoints that "Max from Sydney " had on a Smasung tablet. Most astro-nuts in the area seem quite sociable. Fires, litter, overt camping and dangerous ie inconsiderate or selfish parking seem the main issues. In those cases the persons may attract negative attention. We're in Pt Douglas this afternoon and in was drizzling in the ranges on the way over to the coast. I believe that the cloud is strongly influenced by topography and distance from the ocean. Thus I'm inland and not on top of a mountain. Anectdotally I've noticed the rain shower clouds hugging big hill/mountains. The vegetation is fairly sparse past Mt Carbine. A good indicator of climate. I'll try to put this up in the public area. If I fail, could you post it for others, please. There are a couple of other commercial camping places near Mt Carbine that do caravan/ tent sites that we saw driving past. Some bookings are not being confirmed/taken up, ie. no-shows. So I would try your luck for a powered site etc, but be ready to have a bit less luxury. BTW. There was so much negativity about eye hazards and so on in 2002 for Ceduna that the area was thinly visited as I experienced. Telling the positive on IIS won't cause a stampede I suspect. Walking through the tourist precinct in Pt Douglas I saw a local Optometrist selling Eclipse Shades in the window== Really great to see commonsense and enthusiasm
Have arrived here safe and sound after a 6 hr trip from Townsville - a beautiful park and my cabin is great. Have met up with Allan and Eric, and a few from our Townsville Group. Bring on tomorrow am to check out some sites.
Is there a space for me there?
I am in dilemma - to go or not to go.... Considering odds for clear weather during totality (BTW, Skippysky shows improved chances for clear weather on eclipse day.
Is there a space for me there?
I am in dilemma - to go or not to go.... Considering odds for clear weather during totality (BTW, Skippysky shows improved chances for clear weather on eclipse day.
A beautiful morning here at Mt Carbine ..... quite a few wandering around at Sunrise, and most of us will be gathered at a clearing around the rec hall. Looks pretty good luckily, so dont have to go for a drive to find a spot.
A bit of cloud around the horizon, but the Sun had pretty well cleared by tomorrows Totality time.
I saw some DSO from the Mt Carbine cemetery last night.
This morning Judith and I drove 30 km west. We will probably watch the eclipse from 10km west of here.
I am in the Aliner near the top of the hill in the caravan park.
The forecast looks OK.
Wes, Judith and I watched the eclipse from 10km west of Mt Carbine.
There was some cloud just before maximum eclipse but it was clear for all of the 2mins of totality. I saw 5 prominences with a 100mm refractor. The corona was great too. Now for the next eclipse!
Think Glen had the best views with his heading out of town, but we did OK at the Caravan park - cloud until about 10 minute til totality, then cleared for us to experience and view the diamond ring and corona = amazing!!!
Then pretty clear for the rest of the partial phase .... all abuzz here at Mt Carbine!!
Ok, going back to last night, when we cruised up to the Mt Carbine Cemetery!! The night was so clear, not a sound to be heard as we crept into the cemetery and set up our gear amidst the tombstones! About 12 of us, and what fun we had, though many were very disorientated with the views overhead. What the heck is that constellation??
Glen had the North American Nebula, and of course Andromeda was in her glory plus 47 Tuc, Tarantula and more. Glen and Wes found that new supernova that is around.
Stayed up later than I would have liked, but well and truly worth it.
