Orpington Astronomical Society

Society => Announcements, Meetings, Events => Topic started by: Mike on Nov 06, 2012, 15:53:53

Title: Deep Sky Camp - 9th to 12th Nov
Post by: Mike on Nov 06, 2012, 15:53:53
We have a deep sky camp due this weekend. Who is going?

I have an email from Jackie at Rother Valley to say that the field is a no-go area due to it being completely sodden after the rain. So if we did go it would need to be Blacklands unless someone has an alternate location?

Title: Re: Deep Sky Camp - 9th to 12th Nov
Post by: The Thing on Nov 06, 2012, 15:58:32
I won't be coming to this one, alternative plans have been laid by my other half AND her sister. Warth of the Ivors missus kind would result from any dissension.
Title: Re: Deep Sky Camp - 9th to 12th Nov
Post by: JonH on Nov 06, 2012, 16:43:41
Well I was planning to go, has Blacklands got hook ups? Also where is it?
Title: Re: Deep Sky Camp - 9th to 12th Nov
Post by: Mike on Nov 06, 2012, 16:46:34
Jon...

http://www.blacklandsfarm.co.uk/

Yes it has hook-ups.

Mike
Title: Re: Deep Sky Camp - 9th to 12th Nov
Post by: JonH on Nov 06, 2012, 16:55:50
Looks good to me, i'm up for it weather permitting.
Forecasts so far don't look good at all, but we all know how they can change on an hourly basis......
Title: Re: Deep Sky Camp - 9th to 12th Nov
Post by: Fay on Nov 06, 2012, 17:18:31
i am doubtful i will be going, but keeping an open mind
Title: Re: Deep Sky Camp - 9th to 12th Nov
Post by: Ivor on Nov 06, 2012, 20:07:27
I have a night pass for Saturday night.
Title: Re: Deep Sky Camp - 9th to 12th Nov
Post by: MarkS on Nov 07, 2012, 08:39:51
I'm not surprised Rother Valley is off limits - my own garden (which is usually a good indicator) is a bit squelchy in places.

I'll be watching the weather before making a final decision on Blacklands.

Mark
Title: Re: Deep Sky Camp - 9th to 12th Nov
Post by: Mike on Nov 07, 2012, 12:04:17
Blacklands appears to be OK. I have the following reply from Leon....

"Hi Mike, the top field is essentially always ok, as it is very well drained. This time of year, any area of the field you prefer will be fine. It is unlikely anyone will be at the reception, but you should find some envelopes there to put your fees in and post through the reception door..
Best
Leon"


Title: Re: Deep Sky Camp - 9th to 12th Nov
Post by: JonH on Nov 07, 2012, 12:05:58
I take it that means no real need to book?...
Title: Re: Deep Sky Camp - 9th to 12th Nov
Post by: Mike on Nov 07, 2012, 12:11:33
No not at Blacklands. So just turn up. To pay you put money in an envelope at the reception hut and pop it in the letter box. We usually camp near the toilet blocks over towards the corner by the tractor. There are hook-ups there. The lights on the toilet block can be disabled by putting some dark tape over the PIRs.
Title: Re: Deep Sky Camp - 9th to 12th Nov
Post by: JonH on Nov 07, 2012, 12:19:19
Would that be the field that doesn't have the pond along the side?
Title: Re: Deep Sky Camp - 9th to 12th Nov
Post by: Carole on Nov 07, 2012, 12:23:50
I'm awaiting the weather forecast.

Carole
Title: Re: Deep Sky Camp - 9th to 12th Nov
Post by: The Thing on Nov 07, 2012, 15:05:31
Quote from: JonH on Nov 07, 2012, 12:19:19
Would that be the field that doesn't have the pond along the side?
Yes. Isn't Google Maps wonderful:)
Title: Re: Deep Sky Camp - 9th to 12th Nov
Post by: JonH on Nov 07, 2012, 17:17:29
I'd be lost without the technology of today! Literally!!
Title: Re: Deep Sky Camp - 9th to 12th Nov
Post by: Mike on Nov 07, 2012, 19:03:00
Jon - At the main entrance is a plastic cow. You can't miss it. At the gate into the field (past the bungalow) is a plastic cow. Once in the field, turn left at the plastic cow, down to the plastic cow and turn right, then along to the toilet block and past that till you get to a plastic cow and a tractor. Camp there.

The field is full of plastic cows, I think there is also a shark and a camel.

Title: Re: Deep Sky Camp - 9th to 12th Nov
Post by: JonH on Nov 07, 2012, 19:24:10
Thanks Mike, i'm sure that will make more sence when i get there....  :lol:
Although i have to wonder, you sure this is a real camp sight and not some illegal plastic cow breading ground masquerading as a camp sight?
Title: Re: Deep Sky Camp - 9th to 12th Nov
Post by: MarkS on Nov 07, 2012, 21:25:16
The plastic cows and tractor are visible on the Google Maps satellite image - if you know where to look.
Title: Re: Deep Sky Camp - 9th to 12th Nov
Post by: JonH on Nov 07, 2012, 22:19:08
If you know where to look......
Title: Re: Deep Sky Camp - 9th to 12th Nov
Post by: MarkS on Nov 08, 2012, 06:10:31

Well here's a couple to get you started ....
(http://www.markshelley.co.uk/webdisk/couple_of_cows.jpg)

You can even see their cow shape shadows!
Title: Re: Deep Sky Camp - 9th to 12th Nov
Post by: Rick on Nov 08, 2012, 17:22:05
...but if you see these ones (http://maps.google.com/maps?hl=en&ll=52.051105,-0.795161&t=k&z=21)  then you took a wrong turn somewhere...
Title: Re: Deep Sky Camp - 9th to 12th Nov
Post by: JonH on Nov 08, 2012, 21:58:13
I'm sure I'll figure it out, camp next to the cow and tractor, how hard can it be...

Any ideas who is planning to go?
So far looks like cloud Friday night and rain all day Saturday, but Saturday night could be good.
Title: Re: Deep Sky Camp - 9th to 12th Nov
Post by: MarkS on Nov 09, 2012, 08:23:04

I won't be coming this weekend - I've got lots of jobs to do at home and the conditions don't look good enough to justify a weekend away.
Title: Re: Deep Sky Camp - 9th to 12th Nov
Post by: Fay on Nov 09, 2012, 08:40:44
I wont be coming i dont think the weather will be good enough, also I have a sore throat & cough, so may not be a good idea.
Title: Re: Deep Sky Camp - 9th to 12th Nov
Post by: Ivor on Nov 09, 2012, 08:49:07
I can't make it tonight so I'll be making a decision tomorrow lunch time.
Title: Re: Deep Sky Camp - 9th to 12th Nov
Post by: Ivor on Nov 09, 2012, 13:01:54
The rain on Saturday is shifting to the evening now so it's not looking good; it must be down to my new tent so apologies. Does a tent count as new kit?
Title: Re: Deep Sky Camp - 9th to 12th Nov
Post by: Mac on Nov 09, 2012, 16:40:35
QuoteDoes a tent count as new kit?

:roll:

Of course it does, no trying to sneak that one by.

Tut tut.

Mac
:cheesy:
Title: Re: Deep Sky Camp - 9th to 12th Nov
Post by: JonH on Nov 09, 2012, 16:50:54
QuoteDoes a tent count as new kit?

Ahhhh so YOUR to blame!  :lol:
Title: Re: Deep Sky Camp - 9th to 12th Nov
Post by: Tony G on Nov 09, 2012, 17:05:34
SO WHERE IS EVERYONE!!!!!!!!! :!

Tony G
Title: Re: Deep Sky Camp - 9th to 12th Nov
Post by: JonH on Nov 09, 2012, 17:21:20
Figured there was no point tonight as weather looks rubish and no one else going, still might venture down tomorow though.
Title: Re: Deep Sky Camp - 9th to 12th Nov
Post by: Carole on Nov 09, 2012, 18:02:03
QuoteSO WHERE IS EVERYONE!!!!!!!!! 
Oh no, another of Tony's con tricks  :cheesy:

Carole
Title: Re: Deep Sky Camp - 9th to 12th Nov
Post by: Tony G on Nov 10, 2012, 13:19:46
Quote from: Carole on Nov 09, 2012, 18:02:03
QuoteSO WHERE IS EVERYONE!!!!!!!!! 
Oh no, another of Tony's con tricks  :cheesy:

Carole

All I asked was 'So where is everyone' :-?
But be careful as there are many Con-Artist out there in many guises! Some you think of as good colleagues, and some just out of the blue!

Tony G
Title: Re: Deep Sky Camp - 9th to 12th Nov
Post by: Fay on Nov 10, 2012, 18:57:08
Tony can you stop sneaking into my tent!!!!! :o
Title: Re: Deep Sky Camp - 9th to 12th Nov
Post by: Tony G on Nov 10, 2012, 21:36:05
Quote from: Fay on Nov 10, 2012, 18:57:08
Tony can you stop sneaking into my tent!!!!! :o

You didn't say that the first 12 times. ;)
Too much of a good thing!!!!!

Tony G