The next Deep Sky Camp will be from Friday 20th February to Monday 23rd. The Feb ones have traditionally been the best viewing, though also the coldest so bring plenty of warm clothes!
So who is going and what time are you getting there?
I am going on the Friday and plan to get there about 3pm.
I'll go on the Friday in the Caravan is its not too wet, if anyone needs a bed for the weekend let me know, the only caviat is you will need to help me hook the thing up.
Im hoping I can go, although my mount is dead right now, going to have it looked at before then hopefully.
Fingers crossed, I really want to bring the C14 down this time!
Daniel
:O)
Tuesnoad I presume? I may have to make some 'boots' for my tripod to stop it sinking in the mire!
Hopefully the ground will be nicely frozen.
I may or may not be there this month, I need to sweet-talk my in-laws. Hopefully the field will be firm enough not to need the Freelander...
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I can GO.
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I'll get there for friday, not too sure on the time yet.
you could at least *try* to look pleased Mac.
I am afraid I am waiting to see what the weather will be like.
Carole
At a wedding on the Friday, so hopefully will be down on Saturday (with a hang-over no doubt) through to Monday.
Tony G
PS How unconsiderate to have a wedding knowing that DSC was on, as I tried to explain to the couple, but they just wouldn't listen. :roll:
I'm coming whatever the weather (unless roads are impassable). If the sky looks excellent, I'll take the afternoon off work and arrive in daylight.
Mark
Ian, that was funny!!
So, presuming Paul is coming, that makes 8 definites and 3 maybes.
it's not looking like the ground's going to be frozen though...
I will be coming Mike, if weather not bad
Great! :D
I'm still going, even if its wet etc etc etc etc, providing I don't crash!!!!!!!!
Yep I'll be there no matter what the weather (within reason). Got no imaging kit so will be an observing weekend for me. Was contemplating taking the lightbridge but know I will end up with it and not being able to get rid of it so scuppered that idea.
So what's happened to the HEQ5? i thought you were 'keeper' of that instrument? John
I am. It is knackered. It was used during a public observing session and it looks like someone has knocked it or walked into the weight whilst it was tracking or slewing as one of the brass teeth on the DEC motor is bent. Needs a new gear and/or motor.
ouch, oh well,
I'm probably going to take my 12" because I want to keep it, you never know if the rings arrive we could see it sink into the mud.
Mike
I promise to take the lightbridge back if you want to take it! You'll have to pick it up though, I can't move it.
Just looked at Ceefax for the weekend.
Predicts:
Friday - cloud
Saturday - sunny intervals - temps max 9 min 6
Sunday - sunny intervals - temp max 9 min 3
But what is the mud like?
Who's going down on Friday to let us know how muddy it is?
Carole
I'm going down on Friday. I doubt it will be muddy. There hasn't been much rain lately and the bottom of the field has good drainage. last time was a particularly wet month.
Jim - Are you not going to DSC? If not, will you be at home on Friday? If so, I will see if I have room as a wheel has fell off the trailer and everything will need to go in the car, so it might be a bit cramped. If I do have room, and you are in on Friday I will give you a call to collect.
If anyone has a spare lead, HEQ5 mount to car battery, with croc clips on the end, please could I borrow it, just in case, for DSC?
Thanks.
Sorry, wont be able to make this weekend, still recovering from James's Operation last week.
Although I will be there on saturday night for the meal.
Probabaly get there mid afternoon.
Mac.
Look forward to seeing you, hopefully, Mac. Hope baby is getting on well
I am thinking along the lines of, coming down early Saturday, with equipment, but not camping, I will stay late, especially if a clear sky.
Stopping for dinner?
Yes Mike
Cool. See you there.
At the moment I am planning on coming down tomorrow (Friday), and stopping over to Saturday. Leaving my tent and household equipment there but I then have to come home to a family function during the day on Saturday and am planning on coming back to Tuesnoad by around 6pm. So should be back in time for the meal.
Mike is it too late to order a veggie meal as I can't eat poultry and I having a feeling the beef meal is going to be too hot for me.
Planning on staying over to Sunday, but need to get home by Sunday night, although I could leave it until very late if the skies are good.
However, the weather could change all this, but currently looks OK.
Is a cheque OK for the weekend payment?
Carole
CURRY BEER GUNS ... Just try to keep me away :-)
Sorry Carole I hadn't had any replies by the time I came home today so I ate it all for dinner tonight :twisted:
:evil:
Rhys has decided that this is the weekend he's going to have Chicken Pox. I'm not going to make DSC this month :(
And I was so looking forward to the curry Mike. I'll give you a contribution to the ingredients next week.
If the field is muddy, you're on your own. At least until Chris arrives :)
:(
OK Mike, it's my own fault for being so indecisive.
Mike, is there any chance you could put a bit of the beef aside and not make it so hot, or have you already put in the spices?
If I don't hear from you by the time I leave I'll have to think about bringing something myself.
Just been looking at all the weather forecasts, and they all vary, and just as I am doing so the sun has come out. Think the only answer is to take a chance.
See you all there.
Carole
Carole it's Beef Kofta and green chillis and hot chilli powder, plus garam masala are rolled up into the meatballs.
OK I am about to leave the house so see you all later or tomorrow.
That was such a good DSC, I really regret not taking the tent. The drive home was a bit better than previous attempts as I used the headlights, never thought about them before & was driving home in pitch black!
A very nice meal from Mike & Cris & good company, really good that so many people turned up, as that is what makes it.
What a good group we are!! :)
Popped down last night with Luke for a few hours & very impressed with turnout for mid Feb - must have been 15 or so people there.. Looks like some great images were being taken & can't wait to see the results - Mark it'll be interesting comparing your recent attempts at m81 from Sidcup with last nights effort...
The food looked great and although I didn't sample it from all the comments tasted great as well - just glad i wasn't in Chris's caravan last night....
John
:( missed a good one again...
It wasn't coz I wasn't there, was it?
Hope everyone had a good time! The skies looked really good so I'm looking forward to the images from everyone.
Got back home at 9pm yesterday so it was too late to come along plus the skies were starting to look really mirky over Orpington. Will have to make sure I attend the next one, even if it's the Saturday night, and sample this wonderful food Cris and Mike cook.
I think everyone had a very good time.
Friday night was cloudy with the occasional few stars popping out. I took the opportunity to collimate my C11 with an artificial star.
We enjoyed much sunshine during Saturday - it must have been the hottest day of the year so far - certainly too warm to wear a coat. It gave us all a chance to relax outside with wine and beer.
The sky remained cloud-free as evening approached and we all had a good look at the cresent of Venus. The imagers had time to set up and begin imaging before Mike served up two terrific curries - one hot and one mild. We had a few good hours of imaging and observing before the clouds began to roll in. At that point, Comet Lulin was just visible low in the sky and we managed to view it through binoculars and small telescopes. Its fuzzy blob and extended tail was faint but still easily visible.
Thanks again to Mike & Cris for their hard work and excellent cooking.
Mark
Yes, Saturday night's sky was excellent and I echo the thanks to Mike and Cris for their hard work.
On a personal note I would like to thank every-one who has offered me advice on the purchase and use of my new equipment, it was a huge learning curve for me as the ETX works completely differently. I learnt a lot this weekend.
I don't think the one image I took is going to be much cop, but I haven't actually finished processing it yet, but again, all part of the learning.
Meeting the horrid mud again in the gateway was too much for my car and I risked doing serious damage to my 4 month old car with the rubble that had been put down which hadn't got pressed into the ground at that stage. Thus I had to carry everything in from the road and cart it back to the car when coming home and it took a long time and was exhausting, especially the 12v battery and the weights for the scope.
I don't think I will be coming to another winter DSC at Tuesnoad.
Carole
Hi Carol.
I agree to have a 4x4 get bogged down is quite daft, and I'll not be going to that site again, I was spoiled from the night before being is a campsite with nice showers and hard standing "luxury" .
Mike Cris, thanks for the hospitality again it was great.
Mike, can you get Jade Goddey up onto the video site and the Egg Quaeda guys as soon as possible.
For those who were not there today, again lots of fun to be had, Paul the links promised are here:
http://www.airrifleshop.co.uk/Accessories/Springs.htm suppliers of springs
http://www.trobb.f9.co.uk/ this is where I got my gun from
Chris
Chris,
hope you are not still under the influence of excess imbibed liquids :P
Nope wait for the video....
Was the bottom gate still messed up from my excavation :oops:
Was the top gate off limits ?
Yes and Yes.
Why and why ?
Seems daft not to bother filling the holes before a new booking arrives or at least allow access via the top gate - unless the bottom of the field was a bog.
Are we not wanted :-?
Don't worry about it, that was the last time we ever use the field at Tuesnoad.
do you have another in mind? Chris, how about your place over Deal way?
We are going to use Woodlands until we can find somewhere else.
Sounds good to me!!
Where's Woodlands Mike?
So I can look it up.
Carole
Is it this?
http://www.caravancampingsites.co.uk/kent/woodlandfarm.htm
If so looks nice.
Showers, and we can make a bonfire. Near Howletts Zoo (I'd like to go there) and some beautiful countryside.
Carole
No that's not it.
This is it - http://www.campingsite.co.uk/index.html
We've had a DSC there before.
Looks good to me. Electric hookups, site shop, 'Loo of years award' and fishing in the ponds. What are the skies like there ?
Look good.
What are the disadvantages that have stopped us using this regularly before?
Carole
It's full of people.
This looks really good to me. Especially with electric hookups because I had more or less given up the idea of imaging because I can't lug heavy stuff.
Oh! just seen Mike's post. Full of people isn't good!
Well it is a campsite. To be fair it is a large field so getting away from people isn't a huge problem. We have used it for DSC before and it was one of the best DSC's we have ever had. We will go there for the May DSC and see how people like it.
Rose and I would like to say thanks to everyone for having us at the DSC and being made welcome. Thanks also from Rose`s bruvver Syd who also thoroughly enjoyed himself. A special thanks to Mike and Cris for the luvverly curry which was consumed with much enjoyment and smacking of lips. Yummy!!!!!! It`s a pity we missed Tony`s fireworks.... and Comet Lulin. Never mind, there is always another time. Doug and Rose ..... and Syd. :D
QuoteWe will go there for the May DSC and see how people like it.
Sounds like a good idea.
Will we need to book? Ive been there before in the summer & it was packed....
Just a thought,
If we all turn up, i.e. 6-8 tents,
Will we all be together?
Also will we get charged for putting up the communial tent?
I've asked them for more info - In case nobody else has........
If I get a reply in time, I'll bring a copy thursday, if not I'll send it to those interested.
Shooting the fish sounds challenging :twisted:
Being a proper campsite, does that mean "best behaviour" or "business as usual" ;)
QuoteAlso will we get charged for putting up the communial tent?
Even if we do, we still need one.
Carole
We have got to all be together!! We all arrive at different times as well:(
Woodlands don't require a booking, you can just turn up. Though perhaps it may be prudent to book in the summer and tell them we want to be together, i.e. get them to reserve some spots. Either that or whoever gets there first plants some flagpoles !!!
Yes we will get charged for the communal tent so everyone would have to chip in to cover it. I doubt it would be more than £1 each.
Yes, as it is a proper campsite it does unfortunately mean we will have to act at least reasonably sensibly.
Having looked on Google Maps we would need to make sure we were as far away from the mobile homes as possible as they are bound to have lights on and off all the time as well as 'street' lights. Some long extension leads might be needed! However the area around about seems only full of chicken sheds and nice dark fields. The ground looks chalky so should be dry and firm, don't want my bits of my tripod to start sinking again.
Some of the mobile homes are more like houses and have security lights according to the camps website, although judging by the size of the place, I'm sure we could find somewhere to hide.
It seems the electric hook ups are around the middle of the field - according to a review :-?
A review -
http://www.ukcampsite.co.uk/sites/reviews.asp?revid=1571 (http://www.ukcampsite.co.uk/sites/reviews.asp?revid=1571)
More -
http://www.ukcampsite.co.uk/sites/details.asp?revid=1571 (http://www.ukcampsite.co.uk/sites/details.asp?revid=1571)
Google Maps
http://maps.google.co.uk/maps?ll=51.102684,0.66806208&z=16&t=h&hl=en-GB (http://maps.google.co.uk/maps?ll=51.102684,0.66806208&z=16&t=h&hl=en-GB)
Guys... WE HAVE BEEN THERE BEFORE !!!
Last time, the only light that was even close to being intrusive was a tiny light on the toilet block, but although it could be seen it was not a nuisance at all.
I have prices if anyone is interested.
Don't know if the society would get a discount.
QuoteI have prices if anyone is interested.
Do tell old chap. 8)
I'm assuming the prices are probably in the same region as what we currently pay, give or take a quid.
As Mike said, the society has been there before.
I tried looking on google earth, but couldn't see if it's aheep shit and quicksand free :(
For the facilities there, this has got to be a bargain.....................
TENTERDEN ROAD, BIDDENDEN, KENT TN27 8BT
TEL/FAX: +44 (0) 1580 291216
E-mail: info@campingsite.co.uk
RESIDENTIAL PARK HOMES
LEISURE HOMES & TOURIST PARK
Situated in the heart of the beautiful Kent countryside, Woodlands offers quiet and tranquil environment to enjoy your holiday. Our central location makes us an ideal base for visiting the many historic Castles, such as Leeds Castle, Hever Castle and the famous Sissinghurst Castle and gardens only 5 minutes drive away, many other attractions throughout Kent and East Sussex are all within easy reach.
Country drives or bike rides through the many quaint villages in the area are also a must, perhaps taking in a glass of our local Biddenden Wine or enjoying a Cream Tea at one of the many tearooms in the area.
The park is a large open level grassland, having hedging to the perimeter offering some shade in the summer months. We have two ponds where a couple of quiet hours can be spent enjoying a spot of fishing.
We have electric hook-ups (advisable to pre-booked), and a modern toilet and shower block facility which has been awarded 'Loo of Years Awards' during the last few years. There is also a children's play area, however the children can soon be worn out as our large field allows space for children to enjoy a game of rounders, football etc. keeping them occupied while you lay back and enjoy your holiday.
We operate a small site shop where all essential items can be purchased from camping gas to a bottle of milk. Our friendly staff are on hand to answer any questions on the area and to provide tourist information on local attractions.
Why not complete the on-line information request form and allow us to send you more details along with our price list. Even if you have your main holiday booked we are a perfect spot to enjoy a weekend away or a short break, we are definitely worth a visit.
WOODLANDS PARK TARRIFF 2008
Low Season High Season
Small Tent ( Hiker / Biker / Cyclist ) £ 5 - 00 £ 6 - 00
Tent / Caravan / Car / Motor Home + Two people £ 12 - 00 £ 14- 00
Electric Hook – up £ 2 - 50 £ 2 - 50
Extra Adult ( Fourteen Plus ) £ 2 - 50 £ 3 - 00
Extra Child ( Five - Thirteen ) £ 2 - 00 £ 2 - 50
Extra Car Or Small Tent £ 1 - 50 £ 1 - 50
Discount : Book 7 CONSECUTIVE nights or more in one booking and receive a 10 % discount
OFFER EXCLUDES BANK HOLIDAYS
HIGH SEASON – ALL BANK HOLIDAYS - JULY AND AUGUST
In other words it will be more expensive per person than Tuesnoad, but then you do get proper showers and toilets and with electric hookups you can bring a heater too !!!
Can't wait!!!!
From one of the reviews.
QuoteWe did not use electric hook up but that area did seem a bit crowded so I would advise booking if you want electric hook up.
:-?
Too whoever's been there before,
Are all the electric pick up points near the middle?
or are there some nearer the edge.
as we dont realy want to be in the middle of loads of people,
Only for the sake of the equipment safety.
If not then the equipment will probably have to be put away during the night,
which might be seen as being noisy?
Looks good though.
Looking at the google map, the bottom right hand corner of the field looks the best bet, as
it seems the furthest point from the rest of the site.
If there are no electric points at the edges, then we might be able to get away with the
Genny at this location, with the extra sound proofing,
Mac
Last time we went to the bottom right corner of the field and it was a good spot. If I remember rightly the hookups were in the middle. I do have a very long hook-up cable plus extension so if there is one not too far away we might be able to use it. If anyone else has a hook-up extension cable too we could extend it further still.
I'm happy to use my batteries as normally personally.
Mike
Sounds nice, might just tempt me back to DSC. Do we all need to book individually?
I have a 30m mains extension lead if that helps (13A plug/socket type)...
We could make a kind of wagon train ring with cars instead of wagons, to protect our equipment
are you expecting a Cherokee raiding party then, Fay?
Mind you, we can do that scene from Blazing Saddles. You know, the one that Paul keeps quoting from after his garlic beans...
Paul could be the star of the show & do his party piece!
If Jim comes back I'll get no sleep again with his snoring, mind you he does inform me that he has found a cure.
Anyway, the most important thing about this site is you can get to the local put and get back easily.....
We did stay at the bottom right last time it was fine but the nearest lekki is about 150 meters away I think.
But I would still rather go here than the other place the thought of a decent shower block is worth the extra £9 alone.