If it wasn't for work and family etc I would. Although, I'd probably go further North and move to the NW coast of Scotland. They get some stunning skies up there....

Been thinking about a trip to one of the astronomy centres for a while now. There's a new one just opened in Austria as well (a few thousand feet up a mountain - so pretty good views are to be had)...

http://www.alpsat.at/index_engl.htm

A SN trip would be cool, as long as we could all arrange the same dates of course

 

I think there's one in Norfolk as well - can't remember the name of it though.

 

As for the neighbour - I've even asked if he'll turn them off until, say 11pm, but apparently 'ooh no, can't do that as all 4 are wired together, and without light the burglars will be queueing up to break into my house'. WTF?!?!?! I think I live next door to Captain Paranoid.

 

Do you mean this place Tony?

http://www.fieldview.net/

Still got the British weather though

 

Yep, think that's the place. You're right about the weather though. Also think Norfolk is a bit bleak during winter.
Group buy on a trip to the COAA anyone?

 

Tony - hasn't your neighbour heard of motion sensors? Save him a fortune in fuel bills too.

You can also tell him that most pikeys know how to use an air rifle.

 

Hey Brendan, do you live anywhere near the COAA in Portimao? Could you go check it out for us please? I had a look online and an apartment that sleeps 4 for 3 nights midweek in May would cost £280 but it didn't state whether that was each or for the apartment, I kind of figured that it was for the apartment.

 

I don't Sal, it's 3 hrs drive from here - and I don't go to Algarve much as it's bloody expensive (2 tanks of fuel + 40 euros tolls for return trip). But someone in my village appears to have an observatory (splitting hemisphere) built onto the side of their house! Never seen it open, I'm not sure if it works, but it's rather arresting to notice.

You're talking about 450 euros for three nights, makes 150 euros per night. Most hotels only charge 50-60, so I'd be stunned if that's per person.

 

Yep, just checked their ad in SPA magazine and it says from £24 per person per night for B&B. I'm seriously tempted...

Brendan, you might like to befriend this observatory owning person yes? Then you could invite some of your scoobynet chums over for a couple of days...

 

Just looked at their booking form and it says B&B from 27.50 per person per night. If you book as a family etc, then you get discounts off that price...

Must say I'm tempted. I wonder how much it would cost to drive the scooby down there.....

 

Iain, I can't remember if I calculated 1000 euros or pounds return trip with fuel, tolls, ferry bill etc. It's why I haven't driven to UK yet - simply not worth it, unless you want a 2-week driving holiday. Easyjet will fly you to Faro for peanuts.

 

Yeah is a pain in the backside,

Still got a few clear patches last night so took some more pics with my camera phone, I must say I am really impressed with with's zoom funtions






I was rather suprised how this one came out too

 

Just typed it into multimap and it worked the trip out as 1355 miles door to door. Definitely too far to go for just a few days (and expensive). Trouble is, my scope and associated equipment is too big, heavy, and delicate to put on a aeroplane

 

Only 900 miles to the Austrian astro center. Could do that in a couple of days (each way). Still be pricey though...

 

EvilKyote - where'd you get the phone? If it's that good, I've *got* to have one

 

Lovely shots Iain and a cracking telescope

 

i would be interested in an observing trip. anyone thought of Birr in Eire. not that far and plenty of b+bs about. trouble is the crappy irish weather.

cheers

big sinky