Snake Valley Astro Camp March 2018 16/3-19/3

[barx1963]

The Snake Valley Astro Camp! March 16 – 19 2018

Camp commences midday, Friday 16th March and concludes midday Tuesday 20th .

The Saturday night “Spit Roast under the Stars” will be on again. Cost will be $10 per head meat and salads provided

PLEASE NOTE: Fees are unchanged except that for juniors (those who have not turned 18 by 24/3/17) a single fee of $10 will apply regardless of how many nights they stay. Hopefully this will make the camp more affordable for families and juniors.

4 nights of beautiful dark sky away from City glare.
- LIMITED TO 50 BOOKINGS ONLY PER NIGHT-
(plus casual visitors also welcome, if setting up gear a $5- fee will apply)

- The observing field has 240 volt mains Power
- There are 11 bunkhouses (from 2 to 8 bunks) and lots of camping space on the observing field.
- Caravans welcome.
- Hot showers & toilets in a caravan park style amenities block.
- Large dining room for about 60 people
- Recreation room (billiards, table tennis)
- Fully equipped kitchen with all cooking utensils, crockery, cutlery, fridges etc.
- Lake for swimming, fishing, canoeing etc.
- BBQ facilities
*Please note, Bunkhouses CANNOT be booked for one night only.
Exceptions are accepted if you are in a shared bunkhouse with others staying more than one night. Alternatively, the campsite is available for one night if that's all you can stay.

* Alcohol is allowed, but 'drunkenness' or use of illegal drugs will not be tolerated.
* Aerosols of any description (Aeroguard, deodorant etc) are TOTALLY BANNED on the observing field. Stray spray could (and has) permanently damage optics.
* A red light only policy is in place on the observing field after dark. Lap top screens are to be suitably shielded and dimmed. DIM Red Lights (Red LED Head Torches, etc) are acceptable. PLEASE NOTE, a sheet of cellophane taped over a tactical flashlight is not a DIM red light. If a white light must be used, please warn nearby observers before turning it on.
* Persons violating above rules will be asked to leave and will forfeit fees paid.
* We would prefer for the field to be smoke free, please consider those around you

Snake Valley Astronomy Camps are fun, low key, social events. A white light ban is in force (as expected), but due to the nature of our camps, imagers and observers are all mixed in together having a great social astronomy experience.
WHERE IS IT?
The camp is held at Crystal Lake Cabins in Snake Valley. Street address is 554 Linton-Carngham Rd, Snake Valley VIC 3351. If coming from Melbourne travel to Ballarat then take the Glenelg Highway to Linton and turn right onto the Snake Valley-Carngham Rd. The campsite is on your right before getting to the township of Snake Valley. Please be aware that the Snake Valley Observatory run by the Snake Valley Astronomical Association is not the site of the camp.
The Campsite is a private business that we hire for the duration of the camp.

THE BUNKHOUSES
The 11 bunkhouses range from 2, 4, or 6 bunks up to several with 8 bunks (4 sets of upper and lower bunks).
They have mattresses, but no bed linen. You will need to supply your own sheets, blankets, doona's, and pillows. Or just throw a sleeping bag on the mattress.

CAMPING
The observing field/camping area is on a very gentle slope to assist drainage, bordered on the west by trees and the road, and on the east by the lake. Plenty of room for a lot of people to camp and set up.
240v power is supplied.

SKY
Very dark. There is a faint light dome visible low in the east, coming from Ballarat, Melbourne and Geelong.

OTHER STUFF
Solar Observing during the day. We will try and organise a workshop or two over the weekend. Will advise details once they have been finalised.

COOKING
The kitchen is fully equipped.
All cutlery, cooking utensils, pots, pans, jugs, you name it, it's probably there!
Microwaves, grillers, enormous gas ovens and stove top, 3 fridge/freezers.
All you need is your food.

SHOPS
There are supplies available locally.
3k - Snake Valley General Store: Basic groceries, petrol etc
closes 12:00 Sat, shut Sunday
5k - Linton Store: Basic groceries, petrol, hot fish & chips, hamburgers etc.
Open 7 days till 8pm
12k - Smythesdale: Supermarket, petrol, shops.
Open 7 days
20 minutes - Ballarat

LOCAL SIGHTS: Nimmons Bridge, Computer Museum, Jubilee Gold Mine Historic Reserve, Sovereign Hill, etc.

FEES
(to allow more people to attend the camp some people may have to share a bunkhouse)
PLEASE NOTE: No booking will be regarded as firm until payment is made.

Membership fee (Compulsory for all staying overnight) $10
Please contact Malcolm Barker via email on snakevalleyastrocamps@gmail.com or by phoning 0352313048 or via PM on Ice in Space, user name barx1963 if you have any queries about the fees

Bunkhouses (per person)*
2 nights $60.00
3 nights $80.00
4 nights $100.00
Campsite (per person)
1 night $25.00
2 nights $50.00
3 nights $75.00
4 nights $95.00
Juniors under 18 - $10 regardless how many nights or whether staying in bunkhouses or camping.
Children under 5 y.o. - free

Please book in by completing details on PDF booking form attached to this post. Please scan completed form and return to us via email to snakevalleyastrocamps@gmail.com along with a payment receipt (see below).
Please note: The camp will be proceeding regardless of rain, wind, snow or cloud. When booking in, please consider that refunds will not be given if pulling out due to the weather forecast.

If you have any queries or would like assistance with your booking, I can be contacted via email on snakevalleyastrocamps@gmail.com or by phoning 0352313048 or via PM on Ice in Space, user name barx1963.

Payment details:
BSB 063510
Account 10397720
Please include your name in the detail field when making a payment. If possible email a copy of the payment receipt to snakevalleyastrocamps@gmail.com

[pfitzgerald]

I'll be there Malcolm.

[The_bluester]

I am in for at least two nights, with my young bloke for one.

[Jen]

Woohoo I'll be there too 🤗🤗🤗

Is it march yet 😬😬😬😜😜😈😈😈

[Andy01]

Looking forward to it :)

[JohnG]

I am in...

My usual small one bedroom suite with the lake view please.. :D

John G

[pfitzgerald]

Hail, hail the gang's all here...:D

(Well almost - early days yet - newbies always :welcome:!)

[Jen]

🤣🤣🤣

[Jen]

Oh yeah I forgot to mention I will have the spa suite and be nice and close to all the facilities hehehe 🤣🤣🤣

Any more teaching ideas 🤔 teacher John 😬

🔭🔭

[Garnimoa]

I'm in too for the entire time this time around.
Looking forward to this one.

Cheers Gerald

(EDIT: I can only do Friday Afternoon to Monday Morning now)

[jbdave]

I would love to go to something like this.
Maybe some of the pros could help this newbie out :)

[pfitzgerald]

David it would be great to have you along - there will be plenty of 'Pros' to help you out. We were all newbies once, and some of us are still toddlers with this AP gig. Malcolm and the organisers run a top notch event - so bite the bullet and join us.

Paul

[traveller]

I will try and do my best Malcolm.
But, we have a by-election on March 17 (Batman) and we are doing the sausage sizzle on the day.
Will advise closer to the date.
thanks
Bo

[JohnG]

Don't know about pros but there are plenty of experienced people who would be more than happy to get you up and running either visually or with imaging, you would get to see a lot of different setups to help you on your astro journey.

As said earlier, bite the bullet and come along and enjoy yourself even if it is only over the weekend. :thumbsup::thumbsup:

[Greenswale]

I'm gonna try to make it to the camp again!

The plan is to avoid bicycles, mad dogs, crashes, ambulances, viruses, and maybe zits (?)! It seems like ages.........

Coffee, please!

[pfitzgerald]

Welcome back Wren!
Was that black, white or Irish coffee?;)
I hope that all has gone well with your recovery.
Paul

[barx1963]

David
I have sent you a PM!!

Malcolm

[NewBee101]

Hi all, will be there as well. paper work going in tomorrow. looking forward to it. Love to get some time at the scope, considering we have had cloudy nights here in Stawell.
Robert

[barx1963]

Bookings are coming in!! Thanks all for the support. I will do a collation tonight and let you know who is coming!!

Cheers

Malcolm

[barx1963]

Bookings or indications pending paperwork are:

Malcolm
Paul Byron
Barry Coverdale
Martin (Welcome back Martin!!)
Paul Milvain +1
Gavan
Stefan +1 ( and a couple more!)
Beth & Bruce Van Every
John G
Robert
Paul F
Steve F
Jen (surprisingly)
Andy C
Gerald G
Wren
John Pullen
Brian Medeiros +1
Dave M

So numbers are starting to build!! Obviously there are a few newcomers to the fold which is great and a couple who we haven't seen as much of recently!

Cheers

Malcolm

[barx1963]

Updated List

Malcolm
Paul Byron
Barry Coverdale
Martin (Welcome back Martin!!)
Paul Milvain +1
Gavan
Stefan +1 ( and a couple more!)
Beth & Bruce Van Every
John G
Robert
Paul F
Steve F
Jen (surprisingly)
Andy C
Gerald G
Wren
John Pullen
Brian Medeiros +1
Dave M
Rowland

[pfitzgerald]

Looking forward to it Malcolm - no school commitments this time! Just out of curiosity is Henrietta named after Henrietta Swan Leavitt?

Paul

[roddz]

Hi All
Can I book one campsite for Friday and Saturday night.
Looking forward to seeing everyone again.

Rodd

[barx1963]

Sure is!!

[pfitzgerald]

Then she's very appropriately named!

Have you read the book Miss Leavitt's Stars? If not I'll bring it with me to camp for you. The other book you should get a hold of to read is 'The Glass Universe' by Dava Sobel.

Paul

[barx1963]

Hi Ya Rodd

Good to hear, I will be in touch!!

Malcolm

[barx1963]

Paul
Have both those, Miss Leavitts stars is a great read. Glass Universe is on my "to be finished list" which is frustratingly long!!

Malcolm

[pfitzgerald]

I know how you feel - 'Hidden Figures' is on my reading list, and has been for almost twelve months. Roll on SVAC!

[Jen]

:eyepop: ITS MARCH 😜😜😈😈🤣🤣
Woohoooo 🤗🤗
Have you guys filled in your booking forms ?
Only 15 more sleeps 😘😘🍾🍾🔭🔭👽👽


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[spacezebra]

Are there still sites available?

Cheers Petra

[Jen]

Hey Petra 🤗
The cabins fill up pretty quick but there is always room for you to camp on the field, we just push Wren further down dobbie corner with the frogs 🤣🤣

[mill]

Jen you stuffed up (No pink writing) :P

[Jen]

:eyepop: hey Martyyyyyyyyy 🤗🤗 good to see you buddy 😍
Yeah using my phone is a little hard to make the writing purple these days lol lol 😈😈 don't make me edit my post buahaha 😈💜

[mill]

hmmmmm might have to come over to Swan Hill to tell your boss that you are using work time to be on IIS :rofl:
Will see you soon :thumbsup:

[Greenswale]

Fabulous company, frogs. But I ain't gonna get bogged no more, no more, I ain't gonna get bogged no more...... enough of the lyrics:D

[barx1963]

Hey Petra

Lovely to hear from you, have sent a PM

Malcolm

[Jen]

Now now Marty there is no need for that �� Let's talk about this over a few scotches ����

[dmurton]

I've got time off - I'll be there all nights. I'll share a cabin please. Paperwork to follow. Look forward to catching up with everyone.

Regards

David

[barx1963]

Thanks Dave
BTW I think I have your Geelong Astro Society cap from the last camp. Forgot I had picked it up during the cleanup and found it this weekend while sorting out stuff.

May demand a ransom for it though!!

Malcolm

[04Stefan07]

Looking forward to the camp as always, it comes around quick!

[mill]

You're on the scotch now??
What is happening to this world when when my favorite astro girl (is this still politically correct :P ) gives up her stubbies :eyepop:
I'll see what i can do :rofl:

[Garnimoa]

I've paid for 3 nights Friday, Saturday and Sunday going back Monday morning have work to do Monday afternoon (damn it!!)

Can I have a bunk please (happy to share)
but would love that 'exclusive room' again hehehehehehehe

Cheers Gerald
:newbie:

[Jen]

Hahahaha no I still love my Ouzo Marty ������������

[barx1963]

Hi all!!
We have a whole bunch of fresh bookings have come in, including a couple of newbies. Will try and colate them all tonight (if I can tear myslef away from the skies outside!!!:eyepop:)
On another note, hope anyone heading to the Messier Party at Heathcote on Saturday has a great night. Wish I could go but too much to do here!!

Cheers

Malcolm

[barx1963]

Hi all
Done a bit of compiling. Some details of bookings to be confirmed. But the list looks like this:

Malcolm
Paul B
Barry Coverdale
Steve F
David Murton
John Pullen
Beth and Bruce Van Avery
Leonid Kaplan
Will Nuttall
Dennis Busato x 2
Kara and Brian Medeiros
Rowland
Wren
Stefan and Claude
Martin
Paul M
Gavan Salter
Robert Dumesny
John G
Gerald Grech
Jen
Jamie Pole
Andy C
Paul F
Rod
Paul Litchen
Diego

Maybe a few more still to come.

Malcolm

[blinky]

Hello, looking forward to coming on saturday and sunday and meeting a new lot of astro enthusiasts. I am from Geelong so I know a few of your "regulars"
I intend to camp and will get paper work done over this weekend to confirm.

[barx1963]

Leigh
Welcome aboard!!

Cheers

Malcolm

[Jen]

:eyepop: 4 more sleeps 😍😍


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[mill]

Everything is ready to be packed, single malt is waiting to be consumed, camper trailer is ready to go.
Should have taken rest of this week off too :P

[Garnimoa]

I'm curious on what some of us are after with our observing/photographing for the coming weekend or is it a case of 'Pot luck?' :shrug:

I'm after the Horsehead, Leo Triplet, The Rosette Nebula, The Running Chicken, Sombrero Galaxy and Jupiter.

Hope the weather is kind to us and we are able to capture our 'Hubble-esque' photographs :)

G-)

[04Stefan07]

Good question, interesting to see what everyone's aim is!

After the last camp there were a few things I had to improve/modify or by which I have.

Aiming to get an even better polar alignment (as I am still practicing it) than last time and hoping to capture Orion and the Sculptor Galaxy. Possibly Jupiter as well.

[The_bluester]

In my case I will be observing visually. About my only "Aim" is to see if I can split Sirius again, I managed it a few camps ago but never since.

Aside from that, whatever takes my fancy at the time, and whiskey.

[bojan]

I may drop in to say hello.. if I find some free time between tearing old carpets and installing new laminate flooring in the house... and provided I can still move (hard work, every muscle I never knew I had was aching last long weekend...)

[barx1963]

Would be great to see you again Bojan!

Malcolm

[barx1963]

These days I rarely plan, too busy in the lead up to give any though, though keen to try for some more galaxies in imaging, will try for a couple of obscure bits in the dob!! Suggestions are welcome.

Malcolm

[The_bluester]

I hate to post the question, but is there a plan on what should be done if a total fire ban or worse fire conditions are declared? Other events I have been part of cancel or shut down for a TFB.

CFA is currently showing the fire rating as "Severe" for the area but not yet declared as a total fire ban however they are talking about the worst fire conditions for the season.


I get a bit twitchy seeing a bush/grassfire went through our place a few years ago, we are still tidying up.

[barx1963]

Hi Paul
Good question. It is a situation we will monitor. The forecast looks a bit milder than when I last looked (see http://www.eldersweather.com.au/vic/south-west/snake-valley ). Obviously we will not run the spit if it is a fireban day on Saturday.
Unlike the LMDSS, we have a good road and a nearby township with a CFA station so it will be a bit safer. If there is any risk, we will let people know so they have time to make a decision.

Malcolm

[Lukemac]

Hi is these still room for camping on Saturday night?

[barx1963]

Hi Luke
No problems with camping, cabins are full.

Cheers

Malcolm

[The_bluester]

Hopefully it does not come to it. The forecast I was looking at was saying 35 degrees, now 34 and the other one I have used a lot is saying 30. Hopefully it continues to get milder.

[barx1963]

Unfortunately Saturday has just been declared a Total Fire Ban day so unfortunately the spit roast is off. We will still have salads and as I have ordered the meat we will see if we can do a bit of a roast in the ovens.

Cheers

Malcolm

[The_bluester]

I was about to post that, not sure what time they declared it, I just saw it listed elsewhere. I may actually head home on Saturday morning and come back in the evening. Our area is down as a total fire ban but at a lesser fire rating and I don't know how comfortable I am leaving everyone else at home while I am off hours away.

I have to admit that I find the fire rating system implemented after Black Saturday a dead set confusing mess. How come you can have a total fire ban day but on the fire danger scale it is the third lowest of six ratings? Stupid setup IMO.

[barx1963]

The ban only went on at 2-20pm today. I had checked only a few minutes before and it wasn't there.
Yes it is confusing!!

Malcolm

[Andy01]

.... Or maybe just do the spit roast tomorrow night instead?

[barx1963]

Andy
The time frame is a bit tight as it really needs 4-5 hours. I cannot arrive with the meat until about 3-30pm
Also a few people are only coming on Saturday. Proposal at this stage is we still do the spit on Friday which would come off at about 8pm and we wil serve it as cold meat on the Sat night (it will be a warm day anyway) If that doesn't meet general approval, we will do a pizza run (or similar) into Ballarat. Will stil have salads etc.

Cheers

Malcolm

[Jen]

It's today it's today woohoo 😜😜 soooo excited my cars all packed ready to go
See you all soon 😍😍🔭🔭🔭🍾🍾🍾💜💜💜😜😜😜

[barx1963]

Hi all
See you up at SV!!

Cheers

Malcolm

[barx1963]

Couple of enjoyable nights so far. Friday night cleared up OK after midnight. I managed a bit of imaging and visual. Sat night it cleared about 10pm with a few drifting hazes until about 1am.
Huge thanks to our 2 presenters, Steve (Astronomy in the frozen north) and Andy (imaging composition) for their talks and also to Steve once again for his expertise with the cooking for last night.

Hoping to get some more time in tonight!!

Malcolm

[Paddy]

I reckon you guys must have had a late night last night!

Thanks again Malcolm and Paul for such a wonderful camp. Even though I only made Friday night, it was so good to catch up with eveyone and even get some observing in!

[pfitzgerald]

I'd also like to echo Paddy's thoughts - well done to the organisers.

Thank you for the fellowship to all those who were there on the Saturday it was great to catch up with you all. As for the viewing...well maybe next time. :-)

Paul

[barx1963]

Thanks Paul
Great to see you and thanks for bringing the projector! See you in November, if not sooner.

Malcolm

[barx1963]

Yes Paddy we had a late one, lost the sky about 5am. BTW I have posted a new M83 of Facebook and the Deep Sky thread!!

Malcolm

[04Stefan07]

Tiredness is catching up on me now, just as I am about to get stuck into processing my shots from last night.

A big thank you again! Hope the next camp comes around as fast as this one did!

[The_bluester]

Lovely and relaxed event as always. Nice to get one good and one near great night out of the camp. And my 9 year old really enjoyed the experience, I reckon he will be back. I am going to need a trailer the way this is going, we had my ute canopy filled just about to the roof to leave space for Christopher and that was after sending some stuff home with my wife yesterday!

There is much danger to my wallet in looking through big dobs at star parties, the detail seen on Jupiter and on M83 one night and realising that there is actually detail to resolve on Omega Cen (Which I have always found ho-hum in the C925) and in the homunculous (Which I previously thought looked pretty good in the 925) is addictive.

[Jen]

Is it November yet 🤣🤣🤣😈😈😈
Next camp 9th November 😍😍

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[Garnimoa]

Really enjoyable time with you all! Loved it!!

Great presentations by Andy and Steve too. And a wonderful meal on Saturday night as well, with plenty of leftovers too (made myself a meat sandwich the next day for lunch - YUM!)

Also thanks to John for his Photoshop help too, lots of extra knowledge I will use when I get the time to process my pics.

Looking forward to the November Camp!

Please find some of the pics I took from my P4P (Drone)
https://www.dropbox.com/sh/u0g6zagh69pgfj8/AABTD5FltBnII0y9hmLgeV1Ya?dl=0

Cheers Gerald ;)

[barx1963]

Have arrived home safely if a bit tired. Great to see some new faces as well as some "old timers" we hadn't seen for a while.
Managed to get out under the stars on 3 nights with Sunday being an all-nighter. Monday didn't live up to it's reputation so the die-hards had to content themselves with chatting/sleeping/processing.
The new cabins were a great success. Andrew should be upgrading the cabins in the future which will make them much more comfortable. By the next camps the kitchen and dining room should be updated, should be a bit nicer going forward.
As Jen has mentioned, we have booked the next camp for November 9-13 which is the weekend after VicSouth.
Lastly a big thanks to everyone for supporting these little astro get togethers. Especially to Steve for his presentation and culinary skills, to Andrew for his presentation, Paul and Barry for helping with putting the show on. On a personal note, thanks to Rowland for his processing tips!!
Cheers and clear skies!!
Malcolm

[JohnG]

Just got home after my 7 hour drive, another excellent camp with plenty of new faces, whom, I am sure, enjoyed themselves, great to see the return of some of the old timers.. :lol: whilst conditions were not the greatest, it was, as far as I am concerned, another great camp. Was great to see people who really enjoyed learning. :thumbsup::thumbsup:

Come on November.

John G

[barx1963]

Anyone from the camp that may have imaged Eta Car area, Rob K is looking for images that may show a Nova. See http://www.iceinspace.com.au/forum/showthread.php?p=1364246#post136424 6

Cheers

Malcolm

[Jen]

G'day everyone :P:P I think I have finally caught up and recovered from another awesome camp :D:D As usual I had the best time ever, great company catching up with the regulars (welcome back Marty) and I have made some awesome new friendships with the noobies too (which I hope I haven't scared them away hahahaha.....:lol::P:D;)
The only part that I do hate at these camps is that I never get to say good bye to many of you because during the very little sleep that I do have at these camps you all seem to disappear then... hahaha mmmm...I see a pattern here LOL LOL :question:

Thanks Malcolm and all involved for making this camp run smoothly like it does, despite the crappy weather I enjoy every camp at this event because of all you friendly, helpful, funny, entertaining, software sharing great bunch of people hahahaha
I learn so much from these camps, even though I still have so much more to learn I just keep getting better and better every year :) so yeah thanks heaps my fav little astro family <3 <3 <3 And hopefully I will see you all back in November :)
Check out my pics from this camp The Cats Paw Nebula & Gabriela Mistral

And if you aren't my friend on facebook (why the hell not hahaha :question:) check out my very first timelapse and startrails pics :) taken on the Saturday night

https://www.facebook.com/jenny.bryent/videos/10155739592891725/
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IS IT NOVEMBER YET :lol::D