Adrian Condon

Hi Derek, Sounds like you have started on the Moonshine already....... Trust things are ok. Adrian

HI Derek, Are you sure that's whiskey he is putting in the bottle ? Trust things are ok in the far North East.... Cheers Adrian

Hi Derek, It is better doing your eyesight test in a DoB than a 60 mile car trip!!! Cheers Adrian

Hi Folks, I spoke to Lesley at length on Sunday morning, she was out walking Bud in the woods. The campsite is in brilliant condition, no car marks at all! She cannot book anybody to stay on the campsite before 30 June 2020 as she cannot open the Facility Block.. She is hoping that the Scotland's Premier Star Party in October will go ahead. It would be good if people booked to reserve their place. A lot of parking areas on the A75 are closed at present. I am booked in for early October. Trust you are all surviving...... Cheers Adrian

Hi John B and Folk, If you are currently confined to home, Adobe are doing Web seminars free of charge, Monday to Friday, Lunchtime 12:00 to 13:00. Go to the Behance.com website and aim for the "Live" tab and then the Live Stream box on the left. It is doing a number of Adobe products by professional users. It started about 2 weeks ago. I have been watching it for the last week and it is very interesting, creativity is a key word and I have learned a thing or two. Given that I may be confined to home for three months, it definitely helps to learn new techniques and have your brain active. Hoping for really clear skies! Adrian

Hi Derek, Glad to hear that you survived the weather. The hills covered in snow look very good. The weather is meant to average out over a year, so the Autumn Star Party will be dry, sunshine for solar imaging and of course those brilliant dark skies are a dead cert! Given my trusted forecast, I cannot see how we will have time for a drinking session..... Anyway, thanks for your efforts. See you in the Autumn. Adrian

Hi Damian, Great shots of Merrick, I have been to the top on numerous occasions and on a clear day you can see quite a distance, Isle of Man, Lake District, Mountains of Mourne and your feet.I have been there when We could hardly see anything with the driving sleet in a very strong wind. The last time I tried I only got up to the top of Benyellary when I ran out of puff! Have a safe trip home. Adrian

Hi Damian, Great to see the enduring sight of those hills in daylight. The night images show what celestial glories are available from Kirkinner. Yes, I can see some of the objects in the frame from down south, but the skies here have light pollution from London. My back is currently killing me, so I need to stay inside in the heat. I am having a whiskey to resurrect the memories of the campsite games room. All the very best. Adrian

Hi Damian, Glad you can go to the star party in comfort..... Trust you have arranged for clear skies. Cheers Adrian

Hi Damian, There is always the Harbour Inn in Garlieston just 4 to 5 miles from the campsite. (They are on the internet.... https://the-harbour-inn.co.uk ) I have not stayed there, but a number of us campers have had good meals there over the past few years. Their drinks are reasonably priced. I am giving this star party a miss.... booking for October..... Trust you are in the very best of health. Adrian

Hi Ships and Stars, Sorry I don't know your name. I have the following comments..... I think you would get a wider response by starting a new thread. The NE of Scotland would be a two day drive for at least 3 to 5 of the members who attend the Galloway Star Party, from London, Bridgend in South Wales and the Isle of Man (500 to 550 miles). The majority of attendees come from the Newcastle and of course from the Greater Manchester areas. Plus a camp site with electrics would be necessary for the astro gear and computers and of course heating in the winter months. And toilet facilities need to be thought about. I don't believe the astronomers would be overly happy about setting up in car parks or lay-bys, given the value of the equipment. Incidentally, there is sometimes a star camp organised that takes place in Perth. Anyway, we do get members from the Perth area who come to Galloway Star Party in Kirkinner and who greatly enhance the event with their knowledge and drinking abilities. So I wish you the best trying to organise a star party. Cheers Adrian

Hi John, Given that the announcement has come from Julian, I would believe that it is true. i have informed Derek, so awaiting confirmation from Derek in the next 24 hours. I have sent a private message to Derek. It is sad that the weather has ruined a really first class star party. I was planning on going up this Sunday but given the forecast for wind and rain, I decided to delay putting the roof rack on the car. Wishing all those who were intending on attending the very best Adrian

Hi Folks, It is 13 days to the start of the Galloway Spring Star Party...... if you are still trying to make your mind up about coming..... save yourself the agony and just book with Lesley the camp site owner. It really is a great friendly party, I spoke to Lesley on Tuesday and the site is drying out beautifully after a very wet winter period. She hopes that this weekend's promised storms miss the site. Some of the regulars arrive before the start and even remain after the end dates, it is so enjoyable. Some people bring astro gear and more important Whiskey and Jaffa cakes. Hope to see you all there. Cheers Adrian

Hi Derek, I thought folk would like to know what it looks like early morning at a Spring Galloway Star Party...... Plus afternoons birdwatching at Wigton Bay and an Evening sky with no clouds. What could be better!!!!! Definitely worth the 800 mile round trip........ See you all there Adrian

Hi Carole, I am going both days, so I will see you on Saturday morning if you are not too busy. I also hope to meet some SGL attendees and members of the Wycombe Astronomical Society. Cheers Adrian