Now that I have your attention, it’s been way too long since the last SVAC. Paul Fitz and I have been in discussion with Malcolm and we’ve decided (Well, truthfully, Paul decided) to have a go at organising a camp since Mal is so busy dancing his way around Oz and shooting people with arrows. We’ve decided to try for a camp 4,5,6 Oct but NOT repeat NOT at SV. We are looking at a much more salubrious camp near Lake Nillahcootie between Mansfield and Benalla. We are currently in discussion with the camp manager. Things are progressing nicely and we hope to have something more concrete to announce soon. We will post details here on IIS and probably on the ASV site. We are looking at https://www.auscamp.com.au/project/nillahcootie/ If you’d like to take a gander. We are hoping all the SVAC regulars plus lots of new folk will turn up. It really is a great campsite. Stay safe, and clear skies. Steve Fleming
PS. There WILL be a spit roast/Offset smoked meat and…..Pav!
Fingers crossed that you can make it happen. The area is about the same travel time for me compared to Snake Valley but an easier run with the most sensible way being to just go up the Hume past Violet town.
Good to hear. Things are looking positive at the moment. We hope to get a lot of SVAC regulars plus new folk who may want to learn about viewing and Astrophotography. It’s a great source of friendly knowledge!!
Hi all
Just a quick note to say that I have spoken to Steve and Paul on this and heartily support the initiative. I think it is a great idea and with my very busy schedule SV has proved hard to get organised post COVID.
Looks like a great place with very dark skies . I note the camp site is in a distinct valley though and on the shore of a large lake, so I guess the possibility of fog issues comes to mind. I only mention because when I drive down from my mountain dark site, into the Michelago/Monaro valley below, which is also flanked by high hills, it is often full of cloud or fog and that's without a lake, it's probably worse this time of year, so in Oct it would likely be less common?
Does anyone have any knowledge around this aspect?
Looks like a great place with very dark skies . I note the camp site is in a distinct valley though and on the shore of a large lake, so I guess the possibility of fog issues comes to mind. I only mention because when I drive down from my mountain dark site, into the Michelago/Monaro valley below, which is also flanked by high hills, it is often full of cloud or fog and that's without a lake, it's probably worse this time of year, so in Oct it would likely be less common?
Does anyone have any knowledge around this aspect?
Mike
Fog is quite common in areas of NE Victoria at this time of year, especially where I live (Alexandra). I regularly check the extent/clearing of fog using the satellite imagery displayed in Cloud Free Night. You can view a zoomed in version of satellite imagery over Central Victoria, with a location marker at Nillahcootie Camp (to the NE of Alexandra) at https://www.dahni.au/satellite.html. Despite extensive fog areas this morning, there was no fog at Nillahcootie Camp. I too have not been to a Star Party since SPSP 2019, and look forward to this "local" event.
Well folks. Planning is going well. We are just waiting to finalise access to an account so I can give you details of where to pay. It looks like the Saturday meal will be smoked brisket, with a small amount of smoked chicken, and of course salad and for sweets, Pavlova
. I note the camp site is in a distinct valley though and on the shore of a large lake, so I guess the possibility of fog issues comes to mind. I only mention because when I drive down from my mountain dark site, into the Michelago/Monaro valley below, which is also flanked by high hills, it is often full of cloud or fog and that's without a lake, it's probably worse this time of year, so in Oct it would likely be less common?
haven't been to a star party since SPSP 2019
