Orpington Astronomical Society

Society => Announcements, Meetings, Events => Topic started by: MarkS on Jul 23, 2012, 08:19:20

Title: Re: Deep Sky Camp - July 27th to 30th
Post by: MarkS on Jul 23, 2012, 08:19:20
Serious question - is it all confirmed for this weekend 27/28 July?

Who else intends to go?

Mark
Title: Re: Deep Sky Camp - July 27th to 30th
Post by: julian on Jul 23, 2012, 09:36:02
I'm up for Saturday can't do Friday weather permitting .
Julian
Title: Re: Deep Sky Camp - July 27th to 30th
Post by: Mike on Jul 23, 2012, 09:54:52
The forecast for the weekend looks pretty dire. Hopefully it will get better as the week goes on. Looks like the Olympic Opening Ceremony will be a complete washout.

Title: Re: Re: Deep Sky Camp - July 27th to 30th
Post by: The Thing on Jul 23, 2012, 18:20:24
I'm going if the forecast improves. Thunderstorms aren't attractive on a campsite.
Title: Re: Deep Sky Camp - July 27th to 30th
Post by: Fay on Jul 23, 2012, 19:10:03
the weather has to be ok
Title: Re: Deep Sky Camp - July 27th to 30th
Post by: Mike on Jul 23, 2012, 22:13:41
I really want to go this weekend as it's been way too long but the forecast would need to improve a lot before it would be worth it.
Title: Re: Deep Sky Camp - July 27th to 30th
Post by: Rocket Pooch on Jul 24, 2012, 07:40:29
I'll be setting up in my garden, I have room for two tents if anyone wants to come over Saturday.

If so PM me, not as dark as the other place though.
Title: Re: Re: Deep Sky Camp - July 27th to 30th
Post by: MarkS on Jul 24, 2012, 08:19:04
Quote from: The Thing
Thunderstorms aren't attractive on a campsite.

I enjoy thunderstorms while camping - the deafening sound of heavy raindrops pounding on the canvas whilst I'm tucked up safe and snug in a sleeping bag.  It brings one close to nature.

The weather forecasters will only say that the hot spell will come to an end on Friday but refuse to be drawn on whether it will go out with a bang or a whimper.  I suppose they don't be to be caught out with a wrong forecast for the Opening Ceremony.
Title: Re: Deep Sky Camp - July 27th to 30th
Post by: Mike on Jul 24, 2012, 08:33:45
Well the forecast for the weekend looks a lot better today than it did yesterday. Hopefully it will continue to improve. Even if it's only good enough to do a bit of visual i'll go.
Title: Re: Deep Sky Camp - July 27th to 30th
Post by: Fay on Jul 24, 2012, 10:11:26
i will not be coming now. I have done something to my right buttock (I can hear you laughing already!) It is like i have a knife in my side. sitting down is like falling on my sword!! ok when i get walking around but one false move is a BIG problem. going to doctor tomorrow.
Title: Re: Deep Sky Camp - July 27th to 30th
Post by: Carole on Jul 24, 2012, 11:05:54
Really sorry to hear that Fay.  Sounds really painful. 

Carole
Title: Re: Deep Sky Camp - July 27th to 30th
Post by: Tony G on Jul 24, 2012, 11:06:35
Fay,

I think you give us to much information sometimes.  :roll:

I hope the pain in your but-tock (Forrest Gump) is better soon.

Tony G
Title: Re: Deep Sky Camp - July 27th to 30th
Post by: Fay on Jul 24, 2012, 11:11:24
thanks Carole, Tony. I did not know how to word it!!!!!!!
Title: Re: Deep Sky Camp - July 27th to 30th
Post by: Carole on Jul 24, 2012, 11:14:55
I had a pain in my right buttock when I was heavily pregnant - it stemmed from the lower pelvis where the ligaments had collapsed (which I blame on the heavy lifting from my nursing days) and everything was pressing on the nerve.  I was in so much pain at times that people kept thinking I was in labour.  Still get a bit of Jip from it from time to time, but nothing like it was at that time. 
Title: Re: Deep Sky Camp - July 27th to 30th
Post by: Fay on Jul 24, 2012, 11:21:03
I'd better be careful when out shopping then! Don't want to rushed off to the labour ward!!
Title: Re: Deep Sky Camp - July 27th to 30th
Post by: Carole on Jul 24, 2012, 12:13:20
 :cheesy: :cheesy:
Title: Re: Deep Sky Camp - July 27th to 30th
Post by: mickw on Jul 24, 2012, 12:16:27
Sounds like a right pain in the arse  :o


Well somebody had to say it
  :roll:
Title: Re: Deep Sky Camp - July 27th to 30th
Post by: RobertM on Jul 24, 2012, 13:26:02
Oh dear, I'm very sorry to hear that Fay.  It's probably it's just a trapped nerve which should clear in a few days.

Hope it gets better quickly.

robert

Title: Re: Deep Sky Camp - July 27th to 30th
Post by: Tony G on Jul 24, 2012, 14:59:09
Quote from: Carole on Jul 24, 2012, 11:14:55
I had a pain in my right buttock when I was heavily pregnant

Fay,

YOUR NOT PREGNANT ARE YOU  :o

You do hear about these people who have children that didn't even know they were pregnant.
You'll be on the Jeremy Kyle show next week.

Tony G
Title: Re: Deep Sky Camp - July 27th to 30th
Post by: Fay on Jul 24, 2012, 15:01:45
 :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol:

thanks Robert
Title: Re: Deep Sky Camp - July 27th to 30th
Post by: Tony G on Jul 24, 2012, 15:02:08
Fay,

I have just forwarded your email and mobile onto inquiries@jeremyk.co.uk so they should be getting in contact shortly.
Don't forget to where an OAS t-shirt.
By what I have seen already, you always wanted to be a TV star. ;)

Tony G
Title: Re: Deep Sky Camp - July 27th to 30th
Post by: Rocket Pooch on Jul 24, 2012, 15:43:48
Sounds painfull Fay.
Title: Re: Deep Sky Camp - July 27th to 30th
Post by: MarkS on Jul 24, 2012, 19:11:34
Sorry to hear that Fay.  Hope you recover soon.

I'm definitely going as long as there are others.  I can taste the weird French stuff already but I guess we'll have to do without Dita Von Teese.

Mark
Title: Re: Deep Sky Camp - July 27th to 30th
Post by: Fay on Jul 24, 2012, 20:15:22
hopefully we will all have a good August!!!! the rain has knocked us all sideways somewhat
Title: Re: Deep Sky Camp - July 27th to 30th
Post by: The Thing on Jul 24, 2012, 20:18:39
If Mike's going and Mark sounds like he's going (he can't do without a spot of wierd french stuff in someone else's field even if it's a bit warm) then I'm definitely going. The weather forecast looks a lot better - get the french sh1t in the freezer Mark!


PS get well Fay :unwell:
Title: Re: Deep Sky Camp - July 27th to 30th
Post by: Fay on Jul 24, 2012, 20:54:51
thanks Duncan
Title: Re: Deep Sky Camp - July 27th to 30th
Post by: Fay on Jul 24, 2012, 21:10:56
I can walk ok but not sit or lie down or bend. If u go to rother I will visit on saturday if I can sit in car ok.
Title: Re: Deep Sky Camp - July 27th to 30th
Post by: MarkS on Jul 25, 2012, 00:08:35

I've made an online booking request.

Mark
Title: Re: Deep Sky Camp - July 27th to 30th
Post by: Carole on Jul 25, 2012, 00:48:08
Is this at Rother Valley?

Carole
Title: Re: Deep Sky Camp - July 27th to 30th
Post by: MarkS on Jul 25, 2012, 06:06:53
Quote from: Carole
Is this at Rother Valley?

I hope so because that's where I sent my booking!
Title: Re: Deep Sky Camp - July 27th to 30th
Post by: The Thing on Jul 25, 2012, 20:56:48
I've just sent my booking request for two nightsl. See you there Mark.
Title: Re: Deep Sky Camp - July 27th to 30th
Post by: MarkS on Jul 26, 2012, 00:46:20
Not sure what time I'll arrive Fri night - they're starting up the St Pancras High Speed shuttle to Stratford for the Olympics and cutting down the number of High Speed commuter trains.  No idea how bad the effect will be for my travel home.
Title: Re: Deep Sky Camp - July 27th to 30th
Post by: Mike on Jul 26, 2012, 07:58:57
I'm hoping to get down as early as i can to avoid the rain. Saturday night looks like it will be clear.
Title: Re: Deep Sky Camp - July 27th to 30th
Post by: Carole on Jul 26, 2012, 08:47:43
If the forecast for Saturday remains clear I may come down for one night.

Carole
Title: Re: Deep Sky Camp - July 27th to 30th
Post by: MarkS on Jul 26, 2012, 08:53:29
Quote from: Mike
Saturday night looks like it will be clear.

Yes - Saturday is looking hopeful :-)
Title: Re: Deep Sky Camp - July 27th to 30th
Post by: julian on Jul 26, 2012, 12:50:07
Just booked for Saturday night.
Julian
Title: Re: Deep Sky Camp - July 27th to 30th
Post by: MarkS on Jul 26, 2012, 21:35:54
Quote from: Mike
I'm hoping to get down as early as i can to avoid the rain. Saturday night looks like it will be clear.

Latest forecast is that the highest risk of thunderstorms is during Friday afternoon.  They should have passed over by early evening.

Quote from: MarkS
Not sure what time I'll arrive Fri night - they're starting up the St Pancras High Speed shuttle to Stratford for the Olympics and cutting down the number of High Speed commuter trains.  No idea how bad the effect will be for my travel home.

I was wrong - Olympic timetable starts on Saturday :-)

I'm soooo looking forward to this weekend - it's ages since I've been along to a DSC.

My Sat Box is already set to record the opening ceremony and the men's cycling road race :-)

Mark
Title: Re: Deep Sky Camp - July 27th to 30th
Post by: MarkS on Jul 27, 2012, 07:51:34
Quote from: MarkS
Quote from: MarkS
Not sure what time I'll arrive Fri night - they're starting up the St Pancras High Speed shuttle to Stratford for the Olympics and cutting down the number of High Speed commuter trains.  No idea how bad the effect will be for my travel home.

I was wrong - Olympic timetable starts on Saturday :-)


No, the Olympic timetable and the Olympic High Speed Shuttle has already started.  The special timetables they've been handing out for the last few weeks are wrong :-(

So.....   not sure what time I'll arrive Fri night

Title: Re: Deep Sky Camp - July 27th to 30th
Post by: Mike on Jul 27, 2012, 15:25:43
Just arrived at the field. Nobody else is here yet. It's nice and sunny :)
Title: Re: Deep Sky Camp - July 27th to 30th
Post by: doug on Jul 27, 2012, 16:15:07
Rose and I hope to get down tomorrow afternoon, with a bit of luck.  So, a cuppa won`t go amiss  :D

Doug.
Title: Re: Deep Sky Camp - July 27th to 30th
Post by: Mike on Jul 28, 2012, 09:52:22
Four of us turned up yesterday. Last night it was cloudy so no chance of any astronomy. We just sat around and chatted, drinking beer, cider and wine.

This morning is cloudy again. The fore cast is saying cloudy up until just after midday then it will clear a bit. I think tonight probably won't be good enough for imaging but should be good enough for visual.

Title: Re: Deep Sky Camp - July 27th to 30th
Post by: Carole on Jul 28, 2012, 09:55:42
That's a bummer Mike, was just thinking of coming down tonight, but my trusty YR.NO site says it will be clear all night.

http://www.yr.no/place/United_Kingdom/England/Northiam~2641331/hour_by_hour.html

What's the condition of the ground there? 

Carole
Title: Re: Deep Sky Camp - July 27th to 30th
Post by: MarkS on Jul 28, 2012, 13:03:18
Ground is very hard and cracking.  Bring a mallet for the tent pegs.
Title: Re: Deep Sky Camp - July 27th to 30th
Post by: Mike on Jul 28, 2012, 13:06:12
Well hopefully your forecast is the correct one and it will be clear.

As Mark say's the ground is bone dry and hard. You definitely need a mallet to get the pegs in. I don't know why you keep thinking it's boggy all the time here. It's been baking hot sun for the last week remember.

Its nice and warm now and we are all outside enjoying the weather.

Title: Re: Deep Sky Camp - July 27th to 30th
Post by: MarkS on Jul 29, 2012, 01:13:01
Official SQM reading 20.9

Milky way very obvious.

Thanks Julian for the 1am hotdogs!!!
Title: Re: Deep Sky Camp - July 27th to 30th
Post by: Fay on Jul 29, 2012, 08:36:11
Hope you had a good night. it was clear here except for the moon. decide not to go outside as I have had 4 very late nights in a row. 
Title: Re: Deep Sky Camp - July 27th to 30th
Post by: mickw on Jul 29, 2012, 08:44:43
How's your bum ?
Title: Re: Deep Sky Camp - July 27th to 30th
Post by: Fay on Jul 29, 2012, 09:54:35
still not too good. i did take painkillers last night to get some sleep, and I think it is a bit better today. although I said that before & I went into remission    :(
Title: Re: Deep Sky Camp - July 27th to 30th
Post by: Mike on Jul 29, 2012, 10:35:37
We did have a good night Fay. It was clear all nght and got better the later it was. Some of us were doing imaging and others visual. We had some great views through Duncan's and Mark's scopes of the Witches Broom and M27. Later on we looked at Jupiter and its 4 moons rising over the eastern horizon. Then Julian cooked some hot dogs which we were eating at about 3am. Everyone packed up and retired to bed shortly after that.

Title: Re: Deep Sky Camp - July 27th to 30th
Post by: Fay on Jul 29, 2012, 10:38:44
Glad you had a good night. i knew you would, as I was the sacrificial lamb!!!!!! :lol:
Title: Re: Deep Sky Camp - July 27th to 30th
Post by: Carole on Jul 29, 2012, 15:59:05
Quotewe were eating at about 3am. Everyone packed up and retired to bed shortly after that.
But I had set the alarm and got up again, (bummer I missed the hotdogs), and finally got to bed at 4.15 - getting off to sleep was more problematic and I had to put my earplugs in due to stereo snoring.   :cheesy:

Looks like we packed up and left in the nick of time with the rain today.  So looks like my YR.NO website was pretty much accurate.  

QuoteI don't know why you keep thinking it's boggy all the time here
I suppose it's recollections of Mick getting stuck in the mud in the past that makes me think that.  There has been a lot more rain than sunshine in recent weeks.

Had a great time though, nice to see Mark and Julian who I've not seen for a while and every-one else of course and I finally got to try out the yummy weird French stuff, my obsy still smelt of it this morning.

A great DSC.

Carole