Continuing from my enquiries thread for DSC 2015.
http://forum.orpington-astronomy.org.uk/index.php?topic=10157.0
Who is interested in going to DSC this month (weather permitting).
On the little feedback I have had so far Running Water seems the likely candidate.
Carole
I'll not be going that far but I may spend a few hours with the portable stuff somewhere dark and closer.
Have you considered how windy it will be so near to the coast ?
QuoteHave you considered how windy it will be so near to the coast ?
No hadn't thought about that.
Well we could ask what the ground is like and try Cairds even if we have to leave the cars in the car park (see my other post).
Carole
I'm up for it in my tin tent
julian
So are we talking about Cairds or Running Water Julian?
Carole
I'm planning to go.
Mark
I dont think I am going to this one, jury still out. will be going next month
So referring to this thread:
http://forum.orpington-astronomy.org.uk/index.php?topic=10157.0
Where does every-one want to go?
Looking at the replies there could be about 4 people going (Including me weather permitting), in which case we could go to Cairds and if necessary leave the vehicles on the hard standing parking area in case the ground is too wet. This might mean we would need an extra long cable for Van hook up (I need to check on that), but we can still pitch the tents and kit on the field.
Alternative, if there are only say 4 of us, those without vans might like to share the Glamping POD (and the cost) rather than pitch tents if it is wet. Just heard from the owner who says the ground is drying out nicely.
I have so far interested in this month:
Julian (Van)
Carole (Van)
Mark
Robert
Carole
I'm a 'maybe' at the moment as I can't commit. Got a lot on so I can only say yes or no nearer the time.
I'm also a maybe.
QuoteWhere does every-one want to go?
Don't care just want to go away in the van and do some astro imaging.
julian
OK as Robert doesn't want to go too far, and Mark wants to try out Cairds, I have checked the ground conditions with the owner.
He says:
QuoteBecause we have had some frosts the ground is a little better than normal at this time of year. Yes there is a tractor to recover you from the site but the first section of ground we have put some reinforcement down but we could park about six vehicles on the entrance to site allowing if you like to just set your equipment up in the field. Ground starting to dry out nicely.
I have also enquired about using the Glamping POD, he's going to get back to me on that as he might have a booking.
It could be we will have to leave the cars in the car park and set up on the field.
Is every-one happy with this scenario, as I think wherever we go the ground is likely to be damp this time of year.
Carole
yep :D
julian
How far is the car park from the field (lugging equipment)?
Does it mean Julian/Carole will in the car park, away from us tents?
I would try Cairds if I was going to be around :(
The car park is just in the top section of the field (https://www.google.com/maps/place/Cairds/@51.021884,0.390124,132m/data=!3m1!1e3!4m2!3m1!1s0x47df3fe62ecbef07:0xc38db8eef135f10f?hl=en), which is not that big, so not far to move stuff.
It's a very small field Mark.
This is a photo of the field taken from the car park fence.
Below it is an aerial view. As you can see you can only get around half a dozen pitches each side.
I've marked the two hook up points, I think there are 4 sockets on each.
The Glamping pod is where the two cars are on the left.
If those who camp pitch between the hook up on the right and the toilets, then we should be quite close and not far to move stuff from the car.
(https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-ugjK77eQRQs/VNkXFzrBlpI/AAAAAAAABYo/YxECNMb72iI/w484-h809-no/Cairds.jpg)
Link to the site for further info.
http://www.ukcampsite.co.uk/sites/details.asp?revid=10001
Carole
Just checked the prices at Cairds and this is his reply:
QuoteThose dates are fine.
The charge for tents is £10 per night including electric. Motor caravans and caravans are £12 per night including electric. The clamping pod is £45 per night and is available.
Carole
will there be enough electric hookup points for all carole?
not sure whos definitely going/booked ?
roger
There will be 8 hook up points in total (4 on each post), I have a splitter so I won't be taking up two points with the camper. If any-one else has a splitter can they please bring it.
I think the POD also has power.
I am going away this morning until Thursday afternoon and might have access to internet now and then. Then I am away again Sunday to Monday/Tuesday which is why I wanted to get this thread started beforehand.
Talk amongst yourselves. I have sent Fay the E mail address of the owner if any-one needs to E mail him, he's pretty quick at replying. I don't like to put it on here.
Carole
I've set the DSC location to Cairds on the main website. Please check it looks sensible there. Thanks.
That looks fine Rick, thanks.
It is however reasonably important to know how many people are likely to attend in case we need to park in the car park. If we get too many people, then some will have to park in the field, but only do so if you have a tow bar (just in case it's needed).
I did a big detour today in coming back from the Kent coast and went to Cairds to see for myself.
The ground is obviously not dry but it is fairly firm, and they said if it doesn't rain between now and DSC then we could probably even park vehicles on the field.
However if we are parking in the car park, we should not block the gate to the NE end of the car park see the aerial map further back, and the two campervans should park along side the Glamping POD (and they will move the bins).
So fingers crossed for a clear weekend and no rain beforehand.
Carole
I have listed to come:
Mark
Robert
Julian
Me
Fay (maybe)
Kenny (Evening visit only)
Mike and Petra (Maybe)
Roger ??
I'm a "No" now for staying over as have got myself a place on an astrophotography workshop with Astronomia on the Saturday but I may still pop over for an evening visit.
Theres no flies on you Kenny, always up to something!
I will be in Stratford upon Avon that weekend so it's an unfortunate pass from me. I hope you all have a great weekend.
Robert
Mark, Julian, Carole then ...
..... and a few maybes.
Mark I just drove almost past your place today towards Cairds and Satnav said it was around 38 miles from High Halden.
Carole
I'm still a maybe. Petra says it is too cold but i'm still on unless something crops up. I will travel light and just bring observing kit though.
definitely not as away at ma` n pas`..
roger
Mark
Julian
Me
Fay (maybe)
Kenny (Evening visit only)
Mike (Maybe)
i am going weather permitting
Great Fay. So that's 4 definites - weather permitting and the campsite know that.
My weather site says Tuesday, Weds,Thurs & Sunday look good, but not Friday and Saturday, but LR forecasts change all the time. I will arrive/stay longer depending on the weather.
Carole
Nope, Im working :!
not looking good!
It's too early yet for forecasts to be accurate.
My trusty website that I use says clear Friday and Saturday at least up until midnight, but it has been known to be wrong on occasions.
http://www.yr.no/place/United_Kingdom/England/Ticehurst/long.html
Also concerned about all the extra rain that might have fallen on the camp terrain today. Was it raining in Kent and Sussex? I've just come back from Peterborough and it was a horrible journey back in the rain what with spray from lorries and difficulty seeing my wing mirrors with rain on both windows and mirrors (I took the van).
Carole
Dont know how you did it Carole!
Quote from: Carole
Also concerned about all the extra rain that might have fallen on the camp terrain today. Was it raining in Kent and Sussex?
Yes - pouring down - really horrible :(
Oh gawd, so looks like it might be a car park job for the vehicles then, provided we are still going, still says clear for Saturday.
Carole
It looks like I wont be going. the car has gone into the garage as a problem. if it is the starter motor it may be ready tomorrow. if it is the battery, a new one will not be before saturday!!!!!!!! Nightmare
Bummer Fay.
Carole
Forecast is heavy rain and 40mph gusts on Friday afternoon/evening. Daily Express has it's usual "80mph storm to batter Britain". Windy on Saturday also - even if Saturday night is clear it is unlikely to be imaging weather.
Mark
Oh dear
Car wont be ready until at least, saturday, so wont be able to go. I have advised Peter by email. bit sad as we plan for so long, and it does not often come off!!
It's still saying clear up to Midnight on Saturday, but clouding over after that with a light breeze on the website I use.
I went to Danson Park today and it was really squelchy, so I am thinking it's bound to be the same at Cairds.
Don't really feel I want to pack and go all that way and fight the mud for just a few hours, some of which will be taken up with polar alignment.
How does every-one else feel?
Carole
I'm in two minds. It seems ages since I last went camping and saw everyone. But there's no likelihood of clear sky Friday night and Saturday seems iffy. The ground here in Kent is pretty saturated again and there's more rain on the way Thursday and all during Friday.
Mark
Personally I think it's going to be a lot of effort for very little reward plus coping with loads of mud.
I think we should forget this DSC and stay in the warm.
Carole
I know I cant go, but we can choose another suitable time, does not have to be official, as long as a few can go and there is no moon, even if there is a moon, we can go to relax, socialise and have a good chat and a laugh
Reluctantly I agree. Many folk couldn't make it and now the conditions are not looking good. Shame, I was really looking forward to this one.
Mark
OK, official DSC is cancelled for this weekend. I'll E mail Rick to adjust the home page.
Yes we could do an unofficial one if the conditions are suitable.
It's a shame, but the right decision.
I'll PM Julian to make sure he knows as he was the only definite who hasn't yet responded.
Carole
Quote from: Carole on Feb 18, 2015, 22:58:59OK, official DSC is cancelled for this weekend. I'll E mail Rick to adjust the home page.
No need. I already saw this and adjusted the event appropriately.
I have E mailed Pete the owner, and asked him what our chances would be for the March DSC with regards to other bookings. I personally can't come to the next DSC as I shall be on holiday, but will co-ordinate it up until the time I go away on 12th March.
Carole
I was looking forward to using my new microwave.
May be next time or Kelling 2019
It is a shame but the weather looks more suitable for sailing than astronomy.
Quote from: julian
I was looking forward to using my new microwave.
All the modern conveniences!
I am sure it will work the same in the van as it does at home!! :lol: :lol:
QuoteI am sure it will work the same in the van as it does at home
No it doesn't, as I can't get the van in the kitchen.
The microwave is fixed to the wall of the van. :!
well what you cook in it will taste the same :)
It's 9:30 on Saturday morning and it's snowing heavily outside down here in Kent.
That would have made for an interesting DSC!
Mark
Yikes - lucky escape.
Actually when I went to the Isle of Wight a couple of years ago in March, it snowed on the last night. Luckily I had seen the weather forecast and had put my kit away, but quite a few dobs and full regalia were covered in snow. I didn't fancy what would have happened to my camping obsy had it been covered in snow so I put it all away. Driving across the island to the Ferry was interesting and slightly worrying though.
Carole
It was clear when I came home last night, but fairly horrible here this morning (just enough snow to show up on the grass, then sleet and rain). I hope the weather gets better later, 'cos I'm due to be helping get a radio station up and running, and that'll mean being outside putting up an antenna...
Must be very local snow spot. Paul says the same at his location. Yet there is no snow here and all around you:
http://www.ukweathercams.co.uk/
It's all over now. We had 15 minutes of heavy snow. It was settling on the ground but has all melted now.
Mark
No snow here, just cloud and the occasional shower. Looking good for tonight though :)
I am half setup on the patio, must try and get that comet tonight, before too late.
Quote from: Fay
I am half setup on the patio, must try and get that comet tonight, before too late.
Good luck! Hope the sky clears.
thanks Mark, looking dubious at the moment
Lovely Moon and Venus tonight!
I was just about to open the observatory roof but checked the rainfall radar and saw a heavy shower heading my way which will hit in 30 minutes .
Heavy snow, rain, and hopefully clear sky - what a day!
Mark
The only rain in the whole of Kent and it's over me :(
It's clear here.
Ivor said he went cross country walking today and it was really squelchy underfoot, so we definitely made the right decision.
Carole
Yes - it's very squelchy indeed. I've just slipped on the mud outside - luckily didn't hit the ground. 3 inches of rain in the last 7 days.