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Following on from a bit of discussion in another thread, here are the details for a proposed minimeet in Byron Bay.

Thinking of an early Saturday or Sunday start for a Coastal Rainforest walk, Lighthouse and Australia's most easterly mainland beach - Little Wategoes, finishing with a BBQ lunch on the foreshore at either Clarke’s or Wategos beach.

In the afternoon either explore Byron and surrounds by yourself or join me - I'll be chasing Osprey and White Shouldered Kites and perhaps a few surfing shots at either Tallows or Broken Head followed by either a sunset at main beach or my place on the ridge.

I live on 2 acres on the ridge above and just south of Byron Bay and don't charge for camping, otherwise I can recommend few good B&B's on the ridge if that’s more your style or there is always Byron Bay for accommodation.

I have two dates to choose from, the weekend before or after easter 31 March/1 April or April 14 & 15

Edit - Date decided - April 14 & 15

I'm envious!
Bel and I are planning a potential week away to Byron in April.
This meet sounds fantastic!

Geoff wrote:I'm envious!
Bel and I are planning a potential week away to Byron in April.
This meet sounds fantastic!

Geoff - If it ends up being an April meet we would love for you to join us. If not I'd be happy to spend a half day or full day with you when you're here.

mark wrote:

Geoff wrote:I'm envious!
Bel and I are planning a potential week away to Byron in April.
This meet sounds fantastic!

Geoff - If it ends up being an April meet we would love for you to join us. If not I'd be happy to spend a half day or full day with you when you're here.

You're on Thanks Mark!

Late Feb or some time in April or both might suit me. March option is no good this time around.

Geoff,

If you are up this way you know there is a room here if you want it.

Thanks for kicking this off Mark. Been crazy busy of late and it would be good to force myself to make it to a relaxing meet close to home.

Great - thanks Craig

Mark, your proposed minimeet sounds great and your generous offer regards to camping is really nice too. May take you up on that - it's a long way from my place in southern Sydney but Donna and I are really interested - we love it up that way. We have a campervan and may try to make an extra long w/end for the trip.
As soon as you sort out a date we will see if we can make it.
Cheers, Mick

Craig - Thanks. Your preference is noted, I'd love for you guys to be able to make it.

Oscar - We will try to firm the date ASAP allowing you as much time as possible to arrange things. Would April perhaps suit you and Donna better?

Geoff - It might well become an April meet yet.

Mark, April is fine for us and the dates may then be OK with Craig and Geoff. Then with four of us (and partners) we already have a minimeet base - sounds great. And I get to meet a couple more forum members too!
Cheers, Mick

Two and a bit hours down the road.....sounds good!

All right. April it is.
More time to get organised.

We might however want to avoid easter due to Blues Fest in Byron on the easter weekend, unless of course that's your thing. Town is crazy at that time, I don't even venture down there unless I have to, prefering to stay hidden in the hills.

Easter is 6th, 7th, 8th & 9th of April and NSW school holidays are 5 April - 24 April.

So perhaps either the weekend before or after easter 31 March/1 April or April 14 & 15

Oscar wrote:Mark, April is fine for us and the dates may then be OK with Craig and Geoff. Then with four of us (and partners) we already have a minimeet base - sounds great. And I get to meet a couple more forum members too!
Cheers, Mick

Date changed, hope this helps Mick. Thanks for the suggestion.

Mark,

Byron Bay in April, sounds great to me. It would be worth the drive from Newcastle

Feb and March weren't great for me but those two weekends you mention would be fine.

Thanks,

André

Wow what an awesome response, obviously I expected people to travel, but from Sydney and Newcastle. but

At this rate I might have to convince a neighbour to move some cows so we can extend the camping grounds onto thier property.

I know of a few other members that may also be interested, so once they have indicated an interest we will put the dates to a vote, hopefully by next weekend, so that those of you who have a long way to travel have plenty of time to organise things.

Andre - I'm glad it worked out to suit you.

Manta wrote:Two and a bit hours down the road.....sounds good!

Missed this one, sorry Simon... Hope you can come along too.

mark wrote:Easter is 6th, 7th, 8th & 9th of April and NSW school holidays are 5 April - 24 April.

So perhaps either the weekend before or after easter 31 March/1 April or April 14 & 15

14th & 15th would suit us best - would love to be in

sheepie wrote:

mark wrote:Easter is 6th, 7th, 8th & 9th of April and NSW school holidays are 5 April - 24 April.

So perhaps either the weekend before or after easter 31 March/1 April or April 14 & 15

14th & 15th would suit us best - would love to be in

Yup what they said....

14th & 15th here as well - 31 march doesn't work for me unless everyone wants to come on a wedding shoot with me

JordanP wrote:14th & 15th here as well - 31 march doesn't work for me unless everyone wants to come on a wedding shoot with me

More Photographers than Bridal Party, now that would be a sight.

Date decided.

With so many indications of preference for the 14 & 15 April, I have decided to set that as the date.

At this stage I have as attending - Last updated - 16 Jan, 10.20am

JordanP (Craig) - Driving from Lismore
Oscar (Mick & Donna) - Camping
Manta (Simon & Stephanie) - Staying at Riverview Guesthouse in Bangalow.
Mark (Mark, Peta, Sam & Ryan) - Park Rangers
Ozimax - Driving from Coffs
Nnnnsic - (Leigh) - Camping
stubbsy - (Peter) - Camping
Sheepie (Leon & his son Lucas) - Camping
Slider (Mark & Kathleen) - Camping
Bindii - Staying in Byron
Stetner - (Doug) - Camping

Plus possibly

Geoff
Narelle (Blacknstormy)
Andre (Radar)


Please PM me to indicate if you would like to camp at my place or need any information about accommodation nearby.

This is shaping up as a great meet. I'm really looking forward to it, seeing some familiar faces and meeting new ones.

Edit - Changed attendees - again

Edit - Somehow I double posted the same post.

Definitely interested in this one Mark, I'm due in Sydney on the following Monday but will try and swing it so I can get to Byron for the Saturday, it's only a couple of hours from Coffs.

Ozi.

ozimax wrote:Definitely interested in this one Mark, I'm due in Sydney on the following Monday but will try and swing it so I can get to Byron for the Saturday, it's only a couple of hours from Coffs.

Ozi.

Love to have you along Ozi.
Couple of hours, what car are you doing that in? Seems a bit faster than the last time I did the trip.
Ahhh, that's right, I just remembered I was towing a caravan and had two kids in the back constantly asking "are we there yet?"

Depending on what's happening around this time, I might hitch a camp with someone... put me down for a maybe...

I haven't been camping in AGGGEEESSSSSSSSS... (do they have wireless at campsites? )

Nnnnsic wrote:Depending on what's happening around this time, I might hitch a camp with someone... put me down for a maybe...

I haven't been camping in AGGGEEESSSSSSSSS... (do they have wireless at campsites? )

Wireless, hell I only just got ADSL and only 256k at that. This was after harrassing that telco for 12 months.
Just bring a really long USB lead and you can share my lightning fast ADSL.

Nnnnsic wrote:(do they have wireless at campsites? )

Wireless dunnies!

mark wrote:Couple of hours, what car are you doing that in? Seems a bit faster than the last time I did the trip. Ahhh, that's right, I just remembered I was towing a caravan and had two kids in the back constantly asking "are we there yet?"

A Holden Mark, a Holden. Yessirree, I've done all that stuff, 3 kids in the back of a Honda Civic 2 door, leaving Bathurst for Queensland, getting to Kelso (2.5 kms away) and asking, "Are we there yet?" etc etc.

Actually Mark, it's 2 hrs to Woodburn (comfortably), another 1 hr to Byron, at the speed limit, should be pretty clear early on a Sat morning.

BT, if there's any northern travellers wanting to stop early morning for a cup of Lavazza espresso at Coffs, my place is only 500m off the Pac Hwy! All welcome!

Ozi.

ozimax wrote:Wireless dunnies!

Sounds like Telstra to me!

Mark

Sounds great I think I'll be coming up from Newcastle too if that's OK and camping with Leon and Leigh.

It would be great to catch up with some of you northerners.

Nnnnsic wrote:

ozimax wrote:Wireless dunnies!

Sounds like Telstra to me!

Do you mean wireless dummies?

Sounds great. Pencil me in at this stage

Plus Mrs Slider (Kathleen)

Nnnnsic wrote:

ozimax wrote:Wireless dunnies!

Sounds like Telstra to me!

Yep! Who else could it be.

stubbsy wrote:Mark

Sounds great I think I'll be coming up from Newcastle too if that's OK and camping with Leon and Leigh.

It would be great to catch up with some of you northerners.

That's great news Peter, we are looking forward to meeting you guys too, and at the rate this is going, we might just meet everyone on the forum.

ozimax wrote:

Nnnnsic wrote:

ozimax wrote:Wireless dunnies!

Sounds like Telstra to me!

Do you mean wireless dummies?

I've been in the country too long I think, this is going right over my head. Unless of course you are having a sledge at Tel$tra.

Seriously though, If someone wants to bring a 15mtr or longer networking lead and a small networking hub, we could easy setup and internet cafe. (BYO laptops of course) Takes me back to the days of 3D shooters and LAN partys.

Slider wrote:Sounds great. Pencil me in at this stage

Plus Mrs Slider (Kathleen)

Great Mark, it will be good to catch up again.
Did you need to reserve a spot at the campsite or would you like me to PM you a list of local Accom?

Yup pencil me in too please...I have a portrait booking for the 14th of April *doh* ...but I am going to see if they are willing to adjust it...

I will probably look for a B&B/motel close by....as I have the worlds largest tent and don't fancy trying to put it up on my own...so if you could please give me an indication as to what area's I should be looking in for accomadation I would appreciate it...

Thanks!

mark wrote:

Slider wrote:Sounds great. Pencil me in at this stage

Plus Mrs Slider (Kathleen)

Great Mark, it will be good to catch up again.
Did you need to reserve a spot at the campsite or would you like me to PM you a list of local Accom?

A campsite spot would be great thanks Mark

Bindii wrote:Yup pencil me in too please...I have a portrait booking for the 14th of April *doh* ...but I am going to see if they are willing to adjust it...

I will probably look for a B&B/motel close by....as I have the worlds largest tent and don't fancy trying to put it up on my own...so if you could please give me an indication as to what area's I should be looking in for accomadation I would appreciate it...

Thanks!

Hi Bindii,
Done, you were already penciled in.
I have sent you a PM with some info on accommodation hope it's of some help to you.

For anyone else interested here is some info on accommodation.

Bangalow is closer to me than Byron, 6ks vs 10ks.

http://www.bangalow.com/bangalow/accommodation.htm

Or this place is gorgeous and right on the river in Bangalow and 5 mins from my place. http://www.riverviewguesthouse.com.au/ I notice a 3 day min stay in High Season. But it might be worth sending them an email just to enquire. Nice gardens for photos.

There are also these cottages just 300mts up the road from us. http://www.byron-bay.com/annseaviewcottage/ and definate sea view 180 degree pano.

Otherwise just google Bangalow B&B or Byron Bay Accommodation.

Also one of my other neighbours about 600mts away has 2 cabins on his farm - see picture.


I just need to enquire with him as to the details. Once I have I'll post the details

Slider wrote:

mark wrote:

Slider wrote:Sounds great. Pencil me in at this stage

Plus Mrs Slider (Kathleen)

Great Mark, it will be good to catch up again.
Did you need to reserve a spot at the campsite or would you like me to PM you a list of local Accom?

A campsite spot would be great thanks Mark

Too easy Mark, done.

Hi Mark,

I would like to come down and put some faces to names as I am pretty new here... I have a small dome tent that I would use if you have a few square feet I can use....

Doug

Bindii wrote:....as I have the worlds largest tent and don't fancy trying to put it up on my own...

You would never be left to put your tent up alone - I'm sure we'll all be there chearing you on! Always good watching, people trying to put tents up!

That said, ours is sometimes a bit of a challenge if we put the wrong pole in the wrong place - so there'll be some entertainment for people there too

mark wrote:
Hi Bindii,
Done, you were already penciled in.
I have sent you a PM with some info on accommodation hope it's of some help to you.

Thanks Mark! I'll check it out as soon as I as can confirm a different date for my booking....it looks gorgeous there by the way..

And Doug I am new here also....but looking forward to putting faces to name and stuff too...

sheepie wrote:You would never be left to put your tent up alone - I'm sure we'll all be there chearing you on! Always good watching, people trying to put tents up!

That said, ours is sometimes a bit of a challenge if we put the wrong pole in the wrong place - so there'll be some entertainment for people there too

Yeah but I much prefer to be the one doing the laughing and stuff...

You campers will just have to sort yourselves out. I much prefer my breakfast to be cooked by someone else so will be residing at the River View Guesthouse for the evening.

Send a driver for me when I'm needed on set please.

Doug - No worries - I have a spot reserved for you.

Bindii & Simon - I have the perfect spot on the back verandah that I intend to set up my tripod and camera to take pics of the fun and games of everyone setting up. Perhaps you want to join me once you drop the luggage off

Manta wrote: Send a driver for me when I'm needed on set please.

Simon - I could organise an open top tractor to come and get you if you like.

mark wrote:Doug - No worries - I have a spot reserved for you.

Bindii & Simon - I have the perfect spot on the back verandah that I intend to set up my tripod and camera to take pics of the fun and games of everyone setting up. Perhaps you want to join me once you drop the luggage off

Sounds like a plan!

mark wrote:Simon - I could organise an open top tractor to come and get you if you like.

What? Chopper in for service or something?

Manta wrote:Send a driver for me when I'm needed on set please.

I have a screwdriver. Will that do?

This sounds like it will be an awesome weekend. When is Easter again? The Byron Bay Blues and Roots Festival will be on over Easter ...

Should I put on my radio announcer hat and see if I can get media accrediation and just stick around for a few more daze?

gstark wrote:When is Easter again?

The weekend before.

This is the second weekend of the NSW school holidays, so works out quite nicely

gstark wrote:

Manta wrote:Send a driver for me when I'm needed on set please.

I have a screwdriver. Will that do?

gstark wrote:This sounds like it will be an awesome weekend. When is Easter again? The Byron Bay Blues and Roots Festival will be on over Easter ...

Should I put on my radio announcer hat and see if I can get media accrediation and just stick around for a few more daze?

I would!

Correct Gary, Blues Fest is the Easter weekend Thursday 5th April - Monday 9 April.
Here is a link to the Playing Schedule and Blues Fest Website. http://www.bluesfest.com.au/playschedule.html

If you need someone to carry your bag, you're in luck I'm free that weekend and work for peanuts.

gstark wrote:Should I put on my radio announcer hat and see if I can get media accrediation and just stick around for a few more daze?

I did, and I have!

I will be an accreditied 'tog at the Byron Bay Blues Festival.

mark wrote:

gstark wrote:This sounds like it will be an awesome weekend. When is Easter again? The Byron Bay Blues and Roots Festival will be on over Easter ...

Should I put on my radio announcer hat and see if I can get media accrediation and just stick around for a few more daze?

I would!

Correct Gary, Blues Fest is the Easter weekend Thursday 5th April - Monday 9 April.
Here is a link to the Playing Schedule and Blues Fest Website. http://www.bluesfest.com.au/playschedule.html

If you need someone to carry your bag, you're in luck I'm free that weekend and work for peanuts.

Leigh is now majorly pissed off that I have media accreditation for the Byron Bay Blues Festival. I just received an updated list of artists, and I am, for once, impressed.

Eric Burdon, Larry Carlton with Robben Ford (one of my favourite blues guitarists), Bo Didley, Taj Mahal, Bonnie Rait and Ash Grunwald give this event some real blues cred, while others like Dave Matthews, Ben Harper, Tony Joe White, Paul Kelly and The Black Sorrows just add great fuel to the mix.

I need to sort out some logistics.

*** BUMP ***


Just a reminder this is coming up in about a month's time (for those who may have missed it).

Thanks for the Bump Sheepie.

Just to update attendees, here is the list as I see it.

Camping -
Oscar (Mick & Donna)
Nnnnsic - (Leigh)
Stubbsy - (Peter)
Sheepie (Leon & his son Lucas)
Slider (Mark & Kathleen)
Stetner - (Doug)

The others -
Mark (Mark, Peta, Sam & Ryan) - Park Rangers
JordanP (Craig & Dianna) - Driving from Lismore
Manta (Simon & Stephanie) - Staying at Riverview Guesthouse in Bangalow.
Ozimax - Driving from Coffs
Bindii - Staying in Byron
gstark - (Gary) - Camping
Timo - Nikon DSLR convert and my neighbour.

Plus possibly
Geoff
Narelle (Blacknstormy)
Andre (Radar)