Those looking to head to Somerset Dam this weekend for the opening of TenChain Hill Obs can draw some comfort from the possibility the Bureau offers of some relief from the rain.
To whet appetites, we did have a few hours last night before atmospheric moisture made seeing too ordinary. But I did manage a few 10 m inute subs of M16, The Eagle.
Hope to see you there.
Peter
Be there or be square!
I'll be heading over early afternoon I hope. Driving in convoy with Alex so we don't get lost.
Apart from our astro gear and sleeping stuff, what else do you want us to bring along Peter?
Those looking to head to Somerset Dam this weekend for the opening of TenChain Hill Obs ....
Peter
good work "PMRID" and a successful opening to you
Just a thought with the roof rolled back it acts as a wind tunnel (personal experience) and funnels the wind by sweeping it up an over the wall (nasty) .
what will you be doing to close off the end wall flush to the roof when open
just a thought
Nice size though
Be there or be square!
I'll be heading over early afternoon I hope. Driving in convoy with Alex so we don't get lost.
Apart from our astro gear and sleeping stuff, what else do you want us to bring along Peter?
I seem to remember you usually have quantities of homemade brews on hand to warm the observers' palates. This would seem a good habit to encourage. If you a vegan or ciliac, have gluten intolerances, go crazy on beta carotene or harbour other culinary habits, deficits or disadvantages then you should self-cater. That apart, I'll throw large quantities of snags on a BBQ and allow others to bring whatever else they want. Girly stuff like salads, paper napkins, cutlery etc.
So alkehol and greens, if you eat them.
Sorry, but I can't help but be a bit girly. I was born that way.
How about something desserty, I could bring along a mud cake or similar to share?
G'day Peter ... Joy and I are hoping to come visit you and the better half and share your night skies this weekend.
Having said that, I've had the flu for just on 3 weeks now and I'm still trying to get rid of the last of it, so I'm not sure how a long evening out in the cold night air will go yet.
We hope to know what we're doing in the next day or so, but were hoping we could make this trip as our inaugural visit anywhere with the little 13 foot van we bought a couple of months ago. I assume that would be ok with you, and that we can find a little level spot somewhere on your property to park it for Saturday night?
So alkehol and greens, if you eat them.
Sorry, but I can't help but be a bit girly. I was born that way.
How about something desserty, I could bring along a mud cake or similar to share?
G'day Peter ... Joy and I are hoping to come visit you and the better half and share your night skies this weekend.
Having said that, I've had the flu for just on 3 weeks now and I'm still trying to get rid of the last of it, so I'm not sure how a long evening out in the cold night air will go yet.
We hope to know what we're doing in the next day or so, but were hoping we could make this trip as our inaugural visit anywhere with the little 13 foot van we bought a couple of months ago. I assume that would be ok with you, and that we can find a little level spot somewhere on your property to park it for Saturday night?
Steve
Great news Steve. Plenty of room and power for a van. The site is about 1 km back from our road frontage and access is via an earth track. I suggest you give me a call in the morning to see which track is best suited to your van. 54260185. Much depends on how much more rain we get tomorrow.
It doesn't sound as though the van is too heavy so you should be able to take our grass track that we use during periods of wet. We have a black soil track that is used in dry weather but turns into slush at the drop if a bucket.
Thanks Peter, will do - still waiting to see how I feel, have had a sore throat again tonight believe it or not. This is about the 3rd time around.
(And No, it's NOT sore from cheering on the Maroons during tonight's State of Origin broadcast. I cheered very quietly, under my breath all the way to Qld's win.)
Come to think of it, since the match finished I AM feeling a lot better!
Well folks, it's raining BUT the forecast is for it to clear early tomorrow. So we may just end up with one of those spectacular nights when the dust has been rained out of the air and you can see the neon sign outside the restaurant at the end of the proverbial universe.
So, keep the faith and be here tomorrow - just in case.
The latest on the state of the access track is:
TAKE THE GRASS TRACK.
DETAILS:
At the front gate, the grass track goes off to the right. Light vehicles will have no trouble here but as with all soggy ground, the trick is to keep moving, don't stop and try not to spin your wheels. There is only one difficult spot that is quite close to the front gate and you'll see it. If in doubt, use the treack that goes straight ahead. It is a bit grassed over and also has a sloppy patch or two but is solid enough. The two teacks meet up a couple of hundred hards in from the gate and head east.
After aout 500 metres or so, you'll see that the track splits with a grassy track going off to the left through the trees with the earth track more or less going forward. In view of today's rain, the grass track is the preferred path for all vehicles. It has no really boggy spots but does have a few small potholes. So keep moving, watch for the potholes and keep a slow but steady pace.
As much as the rain is proving to be a nuisance, it has also been a blessing so we are not complaining.
For those wondering about accommodation, we have a large 3-bay shed next to the observatory with basic kitchen facilkities, BBQ, kettle, toaster, coffee and tea-making facilities. TV/DVD also and a gas BBQ.
Plenty of room for folding cots and the like.
Plenty of power points also. Toilet facilties are at the main house a 200 yard walk from the observatory although, gentlem,en, there are plenty of stops along the way for the simple and obvious answer to nature's call.
Ladies may need to more usual facilities of the house.
Observing sites abound. Try to get here in daylight.
I'm sorry and disappointed to say Peter that we're not going to be able to make it after all. I still can't seem to shake off this damn flu, even though it's been almost 4 weeks now, and I'm just not up to spending an evening out in the night air yet.
I went back to the docs this week and he's prescribed some different antibiotics, but they haven't kicked in yet and I'm still not fit for a night outside, nor I suspect fit enough to pack the gear in the car either.
I do hope we can come down another time for a visit, but for all those who do go along this weekend please have a great time, and soak up a huge bunch of photons for me because god knows it's been ages since I've gathered up any myself!
... god knows it's been ages since I've gathered up any myself!
Aha. A clear sign that you are suffering photon deficiency. The symptoms are well-known. The condition is quite debilitating and if unchecked can lead to hairy palms and a nervous tick around the sphincter. I earnest;y recommend you deal with this as quickly as possible and extend the offer of TenChain for a full immersion cure at any time.
Sorry to hear it Steve.
Peter
Peter, do you have a toaster in the shed?
Cause if anyone wants a bit of crumpet with their cups of tea and coffee during the night, I've quite a few packs of crumpets and muffins from work to donate to the cause.
I'd love to be there for the big event Peter, but seem to have caught a nice headcold from my son and loaded up with stuff I need to complete for work.
Hope the weather holds out for the faithful! I'll just have to hope you have another viewing session in the not too distant future.
good work "PMRID" and a successful opening to you
