IceInSpace AstroCamp - Lostock, Jan 26-29 2006

[iceman (Mike)]

Hi guys.

This is now the official thread announcing the IceInSpace AstroCamp, to be held at Lostock on January 26-29 in 2006.

It is being held over 3 nights, Thursday Friday and Saturday nights. Don't forget Thursday is a public holiday (Australia Day).

A web page is now live with all the details for the event, including costs, sponsors, competitions and prizes, activities and guest speakers, etc. It's likely to evolve further as the event draws near, so check back regularly.

A booking form is almost complete, and will be launched tomorrow morning so you can book your spot!

The name has changed from "IISA" (IceInSpace Astrofest) to "IISAC" (IceInSpace AstroCamp), so there's no confusion with the QLD Astrofest. It's also planned that future QLD and Snake Valley (VIC) IceInSpace star parties will share the IISAC "brand".
The logos haven't been updated yet, but they will be soon.

Please start planning your trip and when the booking form is live I hope to see some people confirming their interest!

Please use this thread to discuss the event or ask any questions.

[gary]

Hi Mike,

Thanks for the excellent web site.

Wildcard Innovations is proud to be a sponsor of the IceInSpace Astronomy Camp
and Mai and I look forward to seeing you all there.

Best Regards

Gary Kopff
Managing Director
Wildcard Innovations Pty. Ltd.
20 Kilmory Place, Mount Kuring-Gai
NSW. 2080. Australia
Phone +61-2-9457-9049
Fax +61-2-9457-9593
sales@wildcard-innovations.com.au
http://www.wildcard-innovations.com.au

[bird (Anthony Wesley)]

Hi Mike. I'll be there for the three nights, sounds like fun!

Bird

[janoskiss (Steve H)]

Bird, you get to go to all the parties. No fair.

[bird (Anthony Wesley)]

Yep, I'm a real party animal...

[iceman (Mike)]

The newest sponsor on board is SKY:Lab Astronomy Software, who are sponsoring a prize of "STAR Atlas:Pro - Level II" (valued at $129). Thanks SKY:Lab for your support!

I've updated my local copy of the page and will upload it today (hopefully) once I've made a few other changes around the site.

Hopefully the booking page will be ready in the next day or two.

In other news, I sent emails out to astro clubs yesterday to try and get some support from them (in the form of attendance!). If you're active in your astronomy club, it would be great if you could mention IISAC and convince them to come along!

I have had some A4 posters printed up (of the poster logo above). If you are able to help distribute these to where you think they might be of use (astronomy shops, astro clubs, etc), then please get in touch with me via PM and i'll send you some.

[iceman (Mike)]

Hi all.

The online booking page for Lostock is now live - please go to the IISAC page and follow the links to the booking form.

If you want to sleep in a bunkbed, spaces are limited so get in early and book your spot!

An email will be sent to you confirming your booking and will have the details on how to pay.

If you have any problems with launching the booking page (it's a popup window), please let me know.

Thanks to h0ughy, tornado33 and Alan Meehan who went up last weekend, there are now some new images on the IISAC info page showing the farm houses, the swimming hole, the toilet/shower block and the kitchen. I'm heading up there this weekend and will get some more photos then, too.

Thanks!

[iceman (Mike)]

Just a note:

The Red Light Pens that you have the option of ordering through the IISAC booking form are in addition to any Red Light Pens you may have already ordered.

The new batch would be a new order to have in time to hand out at the camp.

[frogman (Anthony Lord)]

Hey Mike ..... popup caravan ? behind my Patrol ?!?!?!! any thoughts ? or should i just throw the swag in on top of my scope ?

Anthony

[bird (Anthony Wesley)]

Mike, I've registered for 3 nights.

Bird

[h0ughy (David)]

I have registered, for 3 nights.

Mike is doing a wonderful Job Guys getting this off the ground. Come on and support your IIS and book, pay and attend this event, you won't regret it! the more happy campers the more photons collected, canons and Pentax's melted and glorious images captured.

[h0ughy (David)]

Originally Posted by frogman

Hey Mike ..... popup caravan ? behind my Patrol ?!?!?!! any thoughts ? or should i just throw the swag in on top of my scope ?

Anthony

Its a long and winding road anthony, very narrow in places, by all means bring the van if you must! Not everyone can bring their hotel with them . be glad to see you there Anthony

[iceman (Mike)]

Froggy, as h0ughy said there's no problem bringing a van, there's room to park it there. But it is a narrow and winding road for the last 25 km's so just be aware of that.

[iceman (Mike)]

Hi guys.

The naming has slightly changed to "IceInSpace AstroCamp", the abbreviation is still "IISAC".

I've updated the original attachment in this thread to include the new poster.

I've attached a smaller version to this post.

[Robby]

Just one comment... I'd suggest removing the "JOIN US UNDER THE STARS" line.
Otherwise very nice design.
Cheers

[Orion]

George and I are registered for three nights, it will be nice meeting everyone.
See you there!

[iceman (Mike)]

Great to hear Ed! Look forward to seeing you and George again, it's been ages!

[iceman (Mike)]

Louie and I went up to Lostock on Saturday afternoon to do some more reconnaissance..

It's a great spot and will be very very dark!

Here's some pics.

1. From below the house looking back and observing areas
2. Camping area (on other side of road)
3. Camping area
4. The house and observing areas
5. Amenities block and observing areas
6. From above the house looking back, and observing areas

[iceman (Mike)]

And some pics of the water hole.. it will be a very popular spot on a hot sunny day.

[Orion]

I was planning on going up there on Sunday for a bit of a drive and a look around but that was a no go because of the rain.
I might try again next weekend.