This weekends Deep Sky Camp is looking very likely to be at Blacklands Farm as we have further rain due this week. I think it unlikely that Rother Valley will be any good after these conditions lately. I will finalise this once I know the conditions at RV from Jackie.
So..... Who will be going?
I have just spoken to Jackie & she thinks the field will be ok.
I wont be staying, dont fancy camping on a dodgy stomach,
but i'll probably visit on saturday.
Mac.
I'll be there if it's Rother Valley but I might only be able to make the Saturday night.
Mark
Bring your warm things - it was frosty down here in the depths of Kent last night!
Well at the moment the forecast for the weekend is looking terrilble. Cloud and rain most of the time.
Quoteit was frosty down here in the depths of Kent last night!
I was absolutely frozen imaging last night, it's ridiculous for the middle of May and we've had the CH on on several times this week.
Saturday evening is forecast clear at both Henfield and Northiam but at 0 degrees on yr.no
Carole
I am thinking it is all sounding iffy. Mark & Mick will only go if Rother, I prefer Rother, under the circumstances.
Not heard that anyone else other than Julian, Mike, Doug & Rose, are thinking of going.
So, if Blacklands, only Mike & Doug & Rose, Julian, Mac may visit on saturday, may be there. Weather looking bad.
Unless there are two camps, but then only a couple of people in each camp...................................thoughts?
The weather is the big deciding factor, is it worth the hassle for 2 nights, with not everyone staying the two nights? A big part of DSC is everyone getting together.
I'm not sure where you're getting your weather info. From Carole but the forecasts I've seen is for rain all night Saturday.
QuoteI'm not sure where you're getting your weather info. From Carole
As stated above:
Quoteyr.no
Henfield long term
http://www.yr.no/place/United_Kingdom/England/Henfield/long.html
Northiam long term
http://www.yr.no/place/United_Kingdom/England/Northiam~2641331/long.html
I always use this site as it seems to be fairly accurate.
Carole
That's a Norwegian weather service. Not entirely sure it would be accurate for the UK.
I know Mike, but it's hardly ever let me down.
But of course, you can't always rely on forecasts several days ahead.
Carole
Quote from: Mike on May 16, 2012, 09:23:33
That's a Norwegian weather service. Not entirely sure it would be accurate for the UK
Going back to the good ol' Michael Fish, he was in this country and didn't know what was coming. :lol:
That site does seem more accurate than some others. Metcheck comes to mind very quickly. :roll:
Tony G
Quote from: Mike
That's a Norwegian weather service. Not entirely sure it would be accurate for the UK.
I'm not entirely sure the Met Office is accurate for the UK either :cheesy:
I use YR as well, amongst a dozen others
QuoteSo, if Blacklands, only Mike & Doug & Rose, Julian, Mac may visit on saturday, may be there. Weather looking bad.
Unless there are two camps, but then only a couple of people in each camp...................................thoughts?
There can only be one DSC whatever the site. Anything else would be like what happens when people go to Kelling rather than the DSC, the DSC goes on but is less well attended.
Personally I am going to check the weather forecast on Friday morning and decide then if I am going or not. I don't fancy a weekend without doing any astronomy just to get a wet and muddy tent.
QuoteI don't fancy a weekend without doing any astronomy just to get a wet and muddy tent.
My feelings exactly.
Carole
I've got my new tent ready and I can't wait to try it out. However by the sound of things this may not be the weekend to try it!!! :(
Like Mike I'll decide Thursday night after looking at the weather forecast.
I'll be able to be there both Friday and Saturday nights but no astro equipment on Friday night - a long story ...
QuoteI'll be able to be there both Friday and Saturday nights but no astro equipment on Friday night - a long story ...
Well looking at the Weather, we've got as much time as you need, do tell. :cheesy:
Mac.
Likewise. The weather forcasters seem to have no idea what's the outlook for the weekend is. If we do go and it's inclement the event shelter could come in handy.
Yes even yr.no now predicts poor weather over the weekend.
Carole
So have we cone to a conclusion as to which venue?
or is it still a split decision?
Mac.
Still showing clouds at both sites :-?
so, are we going knowing it will be cloudy, at best, or cancelling?
I won't be going... as usual :!
OK I have just made my mind up and will not be going to DSC as the weather is not looking good. Rain is forecast for Sunday
and I do not fancy packing up in the rain. Instead going to watch all the recorded programmes in the warm and dry at home!!
Ditto, I have thought it all thru & dont think it will be worth going.
Bit sad as look forward to going, we are always on tenterhooks because of our weather.
Jackie just sent a text to say the field was ok, but I just said that it has not been definitely decided if, or where the camp would be held yet.
I won't be going.
Weather doesn't look too good and I seem to be fighting off a cold :(
Shame because it seems ages since the last camp.
I'll wrap up warm and cosy to watch Apocalypto.
Mark
Oooh you will enjoy that Mark!!!!!!!!!!!
I have just watched "The Last Mimzy" a childrens film
Were going there on the 25th and 26th, mainly because if it s clear the moon will be very nice and there's also saturn and mars knocking about, also you can Ha image as well.
thats a good idea Chris
Quote from: Rocket Pooch on May 18, 2012, 07:55:56
Were going there on the 25th and 26th, mainly because if it s clear the moon will be very nice and there's also saturn and mars knocking about, also you can Ha image as well.
I'd be up for that if the weather is turns for the better.
I'm busy on 25th/26th :(
So is anyone actually going?
Cloudy tonight.
Cloudy all day tomorrow.
Heavy rain tomorrow night.
I don't think anyone is going. Try again next weekend.
no one has come on and said they are going Kylee. Leaves you a bit in the air, shame.
You know the ones that are not going
I'm not going this weekend due to the weather but may be up for an adhoc DSC next weekend if it's looking better.
Ah shame but I understand...don't want my first weekend with you lot to be a miserable one! I'm not about the following weekend so I guess I'll have to wait for the next one.
See you all at the meeting ;)
Well me and SWMBO (She who must be obeyed) will be going next week whether it be snowing or the sun beating down as I've worked it out that it is more than 12 months and more since I was last camping and it seems such a waste having 42 tents and not using any, and Flis is also not working next weekend which was alway a bit of a problem as the DSC's were every 4 weeks(moon phasing) which clashed with her rota.
So no matter what the weather I'll be there. ;) .................unless the X Factor or something like that is on :lol:
Tony G
PS........Mick, forget the motorhome for the moment until the birds have flown the nest, and use one of my 41 tents that I won't be using. Free of Charge..... during the day. :cheesy:
Cheers Tony you're a real mate. Can I have the one with the bar and jacuzzi please :kiss:
Actually, the weather turned out far better than predicted. It would have been a pleasant and fairly warm weekend camping even though no astronomy could be done. Last night's rainfall turned out be be some fine drizzle.
The KESRailway had a 1940s weekend - there was a Douglas DC3 Dakota flying around Tenterden early yesterday afternoon (seen from our house - I looked round when I heard the engine noise) and today there will be a Spitfire flying around Bodiam.
Mark
At least the weather had the decency to remain cloudy at night :-?
we are prisoners of the weather forecasts. shame they cannot be accurate. Lots of forecasters all get their info from the same provider, so we all have a problem trying to average it out between them.
we were probably the sacrifical lambs, & by not going to DSC have made the weather better for everyone else!!!!
(ps, i am sure my first letter after a full stop used to automatically become a capital, without intervention from myself. Am I right or wrong?)
You're wrong ;)
Ok the weather looks like its going into a better pattern this week, shall we have a go or no-go for this weekend on Thursday?
i am ok for it
GO FOR IT! but where will it be? if the weather is as good as what it says it's going to be, will it be Rother, or the Other. :roll:
Poet and didn't know it! :lol:
Tony G
Hello,
I think Rother, we have a week of virtually no rain comming up so it should be ok.
Chris
:! Im working again this weekend,
Might pop down on Friday.
Mac.
Finally a weekend with nothing on ! I'm going to try and get down there for Friday night :)
good robert
Well done Fay for booking the corner (with electricity) ;)
I be there Friday evening about 6.30 - 7.00pm.
So who else is going???????
Tony G
As I have the Imaging Session on Friday i'll be down for SAturday night.
Do we need to book in or has the entire corner been booked?
i have booked the corner, as jackie could get a sudden influx with the better weather
I spoke to, I think it was Jackie, who said the corner is booked for about 5 -6 pitches, but if more were to turn up then we could move out into the field a bit more.
Tony G
OK i've booked to be on the safe side.
Quote from: Mike
OK i've booked to be on the safe side.
Is the the other side unsafe then?
:lol:
I'm going to try and get down there on Saturday :D
the unsafe side is where I camp................................explosions expected!
Either explosions or showers of sparks where wet electric blankets go up in smoke, followed by a smell of crispy bacon.
So Fay, is your nickname Crispy or Sparky :lol:
Fay - I'm thinking with the warm sunny days expected & the cool nights there could be lots of mist - so make sure you have your 'portaloo' to hand or you could be getting lost again ;-)
I did think about that John!
Also, i have a new blowup bed it is really big & I hope it fits in the tent, I hope in this heat, that the air does not expand too much in it, causing it to explode!! I will be like one of those big balloons going up in the sky!!!!!!!
A BoomFay perhaps !
:lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: very funny Robert
I'll be there Friday PM. No exploding air beds I hope.[
Testing the kit out now as it's so long since I put it all together that I don't know if it's all working.
Will be there about 7 or 8pm dogs and everything!
Just got to fit a scope in..
Quote from: Rocket Pooch
Will be there about 7 or 8pm dogs and everything!
Just got to fit a scope in..
With your open top in the warm weather you can simply pile it high!
I am thinking of going tomorrow. Anyone else able to do that?
As the weather forecast is good I am thinking of coming, but we have tickets for the theatre on Saturday night. Am thinking maybe going home on Saturday, leaving kit behind and then coming back again late after the theatre but this might present a problem with the car lights, I guess I could leave the car parked at the main gates (there is a car park there isn't there?)
Wish I could come tomorrow Fay, but I am doing the members evening talk on Thursday evening.
Carole
QuoteI am thinking of going tomorrow. Anyone else able to do that?
Are you going to make it back for the meeting?
Mac
I forgot the meeting, would like to have heard Caroles talk........................ bet it will be hot in there!!!!
The car park is now owned by the indian restaurant
mick are you going? Have you decided?
QuoteThe car park is now owned by the indian restaurant
Oh!!
..............and I have a feeling they lock the gates after a certain time as well. I think I'll give Jacky a ring and see what she can suggest.
Carole
OK Just rung Jackie, and she thinks the Indian Restaurant will be OK for me to park there overnight on Saturday, and I can speak to them on Friday about it. So if I can sort that I'll be staying Friday and Saturday and maybe Sunday see how the weather etc goes.
Seems a shame to waste some good weather.
Carole
Quotemick are you going? Have you decided?
No, taking the opportunity to fix broken stuff outside. Will come down for a visit Saturday though and will *bring the BEECHE key* that I keep forgetting to post
Quote from: Fay on May 23, 2012, 14:41:37
I forgot the meeting, would like to have heard Caroles talk........................ bet it will be hot in there!!!!
What's Carole talking about then? I thought it was Iceland?
Or is it just a case of "what happens in Iceland, stays in Iceland, unless you're doing a members evening presentation"?
Ian I had an afterthought about our weather & the room can be quite hot in the summer.. Perhaps Caroles talk will keep the temperature down :lol:
Yes I was just thinking the same Fay, it was pretty cold in Iceland and the photos reflect that, perhaps as it's going to be so hot tomorow night it will have a psychological effect of making every-one feel a bit cooler.
Carole
Well one thing for sure its going to be hot this weekend !!!
Quote from: Rocket
Well one thing for sure its going to be hot this weekend !!!
Really?!?
Met Office says Saturday will be 22C with winds gusting to 35mph so it feels like 17C
Quote from: Rocket Pooch on May 24, 2012, 09:04:30
Well one thing for sure its going to be hot this weekend !!!
Have I got to slave over the barbie????? :!
Tony G
PS.............And Mark, what do the Met Office know, they predicted rain last weekend. :roll: ;)
I must remember to bring the kite! I'd rather have wind than rain as well :-) It will be fine, might bring the solar scope. I will be diging out the macro extension tubes as well.
Tony,
Yes you have to bring the BBQ, nom nom!!!!
Chris
Bugger! Work calls so it's going to be another no show from me. If I finish early then I might be able to pop down for the evening.
Robert
Looking at the wind forecast we should all bring kites!!
It's going to be gusty.
So what's the news from the DSC ?
It's all very quiet !
Were there no survivors :o
I have just got home but going back again late tonight (as previously stated).
It was a good night last night, myself, Chris, Rachel and Rachel's daughter, Fay, Duncan, Tony and Flis, and John turned up just for the evening just to socialise.
Fay, Duncan and myself were imaging.
It was windy in the afternoon but it calmed down by the evening.
We had a couple of ladies take interest in all our kit and they came back later and looked at Saturn, Mars and M13, they were ecstatic, I could hear lots of "oh my gods" coming from Tony's scope. Apparently they own pubs in Heathfield and we were told if ever we were there to pop in for a drink on the house.
Carole
Yep 'twas a pleasant evening.. good to see everyone again...
Those two women bought back memories of 'When Harry Met Sally.....' God knows what Chris & Tony were doing but I'm sure it involved more than looking at Saturn (perhaps Uranus ;-) as well) ... Anyway can't believe the whole camp site didn't come over to have a look the noise they were making...
Hope all the imagers' are getting some good pictures - looking forward to results.
John
Lovely weather, just trying to recover from heat exhaustion & sunstroke!!!!!!
A good turnout of good company. nice BBQ meals, thanks Fliss, Tony and Rachael, bit of imaging, bit of learning from other people, good interaction between everyone & also some of the public enjoyed finding out more about the stars.
A sad happening yesterday. Julian took his dog Jake, for the first time to camp. he is a lovely rescued collie, very shy. Julian took him for a walk & let him off the lead and he ran off & has not come back. He has has had him for a couple of years, and used to running free, but Julian has been searching the surrounding area to find him, but as yet he has not turned up.
http://forum.orpington-astronomy.org.uk/index.php?topic=8400.msg57214#msg57214 (http://forum.orpington-astronomy.org.uk/index.php?topic=8400.msg57214#msg57214)
:roll:
Really annoyed I missed a good one. Sounds like you all had a great time.
The weather was certainly very good.
Mark
UODSC rule!
It was a dead good UODSC despite being dogged. The Friday night sky was awesome. The Saturday night curry was terrific (thanks Tony, Flis and galley slave Rachel). And the tent was dry on Sunday morning!
Rose and I would like to thank Flis, Tony and Rachel for letting us partake of their scrumptious and delectable curry and salads and pitta bread and..... and..... :D
We had a great time, incredible weather and some marvellous views of the Moon, Sun and ....... stuff. We were delighted to hear that Jake was returned safely to his master after his training run .... sorry..... his homecoming. But how did he get onto the railway tracks...
Doug.
I am back after my extra night "solo".
Had a great weekend, pity I missed most of Saturday but c'est la vie, at least I managed to get to DSC.
Had great fun trying to fold the pop up tent up this morning, several campers came to help, but had to give up, but as it didn't fit the car I had one more "go" and managed to do it phew!!!!
It was another clear night last night.
Just wish to say many thanks to every-one for looking after my equipment while I was gone, and I was there to see the happy return of Jake.
What a fantastic DSC.
Now lots of processing to do.
Carole