Jenolan Caves, March 20, 2005

[gleff]

As far as shooting location.. I guess we should make sure that whichever we choose eg. three sisters, or Gollems Leap (or whatever it's called), it's facing west so we actually have a sunset.. I suppose it also depends on the weather.. The forcast isn't looking too promising so far..

As for dinner.. i'm easy.. as long as they cater for normal things eg. a steak, or something.. i'm happy.. I don't like seafood

Geoff

[birddog114]

gleff,
Weather forecast is storm and rain for the week-end, but i have to wait until Friday so I can judge it, I don't trust all the weathermen 100%, I judge it by myself with my eyes.
If weather turns bad then I won't go anywhere. That was my rules in my aviation carreer. I'm better grounded myself

[Hlop]

Please let me know if there are any errors in these details...

Leek,

As circumstances have changed and I found myself free on Saturday we are coming on 19/03/05, booked a room in Blackheath Motor Inn. We are coming for sunset workshop but not sure about dinner yet

[birddog114]

Please let me know if there are any errors in these details...

Leek,

As circumstances have changed and I found myself free on Saturday we are coming on 19/03/05, booked a room in Blackheath Motor Inn. We are coming for sunset workshop but not sure about dinner yet

Hilop,
Bring along the Vodka against the Aussie red

[leek]

As far as shooting location.. I guess we should make sure that whichever we choose eg. three sisters, or Gollems Leap (or whatever it's called), it's facing west so we actually have a sunset.. I suppose it also depends on the weather.. The forcast isn't looking too promising so far..

Oh... this raises another question then... Rather than taking pics of the sun, I had anticipated looking East to get the light from the sunset on the cliffs... Govatt's Leap and Evans' Lookout (in Blackheath) look North and East over the gorge with pretty spectacular views of the cliffs (and maybe a waterfall) ...

I'm not sure which way the lookout at Three Sisters faces, but I hadn't envisaged driving all the way too and from Katoomba anyway...

What do people want to do for the photo shoot??? We really need to decide this first before booking anywhere for dinner... If we're going to shoot the sunset at the Three Sisters, we're not likely to get back to Blackheath in time for dinner...

[birddog114]

me, Blackheath!

[Hlop]

Hilop,
Bring along the Vodka against the Aussie red

I won't do that or we will have to cancel Jenolan Caves trip next day because of total group hangover Especially, if you mix vodka with aussie red. Unrepeatable results are guaranteed

[Hlop]

me, Blackheath!

Me too. We were in Katoomba 2 times in last 3 month

[leek]

Just in case you want to see the sort of views that are available from Blackheath, have a look here: http://www.bluemountainsphotos.com/bmp/main_page.htm

Of course we would all take better photos than that, but they're good enough to give you an idea...

[birddog114]

Leek,
My suggestion is based at Blackheath and I know everyone will be heading there, if someone wants to go for 3 sisters then they can go.
We will be at Blackheath.

[gleff]

What do people want to do for the photo shoot??? We really need to decide this first before booking anywhere for dinner... If we're going to shoot the sunset at the Three Sisters, we're not likely to get back to Blackheath in time for dinner...

My vote is for Govatt's leap.. not as many blow flies.. and I don't particularly want to drive back to katoomba either. I want a quick escape after dinner

Geoff

[hedge]

howdy all,

Been following this whole thread (through all its twisting turning 15 pages) and thought i'd pipe in now. My girlfriend and i are planning on heading to blackheath for the weekend (parents holiday house) and thought we may join in for the dinner on sat night if that's cool (assuming our plans don't fall through)? Would be up for the blackheath shoot also.

Spoke to my folks and they suggested a good location for the shoot would be Mt Blackheath. Faces west and is only 5-10 min drive from the middle of Blackheath. You can drive the whole way there with only a touch of good dirt at the end. There are also a few places you can walk to if you're keen...

I've had it pointed out to me that chances of getting a table at Vulcans is slim to bugger all. Apparently needs to be booked months in advance.. Other suggestions were the Piedmont Inn (italian) who should be able to take a group (they have an upstairs room for bulk crowds). There's also The Ivanhoe or the Gardners that both do pretty decent pub meals (ivanhoe is the more pubby of the two) and Ho's Palace chinese...

anyways, just a few thoughts for you all,

cheers,

adam

[birddog114]

hedge & leek,
I think we might ask hedge to help us to source the restaurant can cater the number of our people. Italian should be fine.

[gleff]

anyways, just a few thoughts for you all,

cheers,

adam

Mmmmm.. Italian sounds good to me.. as long as it's traditional stuff.. like pizza, lasagna, spaghetti etc..

Geoff

[stubbsy]

hedge & leek,
I think we might ask hedge to help us to source the restaurant can cater the number of our people. Italian should be fine.

Italian is fine by me also.

So far as where to shoot - blackheath for me.

[hedge]

Just rang the Piedmont and they have groups at 6:30 and 7:30 but may be able to take a good sized group (i counted roughly 17 on the chart on page 13 if that's up to date?) after that.

I guessed if there were sunset shots going on we wouldn't be ready till after dark - about 8-8:30 maybe?

From memory they do pretty good gourmet style pizzas. That's all i've had from them. If that is where people want to go it would prob be a good idea to book it by wed/thursday. If all else fails I reckon the Ivanhoe could take a big group without bookings and we'd have drinks while we waited

cheers,

adam

Details - Piedmont Inn Pizza & Italian Restaurant
248 Great Western Hwy Blackheath NSW 2785
(02) 4787 7769

[birddog114]

hedge,
I think you can helps us that ends, it's great.
Thanks

[Matt. K]

Hmmm Italian dim sims! Fine by me.

[leek]

Just rang the Piedmont and they have groups at 6:30 and 7:30 but may be able to take a good sized group (i counted roughly 17 on the chart on page 13 if that's up to date?) after that.

I guessed if there were sunset shots going on we wouldn't be ready till after dark - about 8-8:30 maybe?

From memory they do pretty good gourmet style pizzas. That's all i've had from them. If that is where people want to go it would prob be a good idea to book it by wed/thursday. If all else fails I reckon the Ivanhoe could take a big group without bookings and we'd have drinks while we waited

cheers,

adam

Details - Piedmont Inn Pizza & Italian Restaurant
248 Great Western Hwy Blackheath NSW 2785
(02) 4787 7769

hedge
Sounds good...

I've now updated the totals on page 13 and we have 17 for dinner ( + yourselves and possibly plus MHD & partner)... On the other hand we might have a few cancellations if the weather is bad...

Can you please book the Piedmont for 8 for 8:30 for 20 people... we can always revise it down later...
Thanks for your help...

Not sure if its possible, but did you want to join us for the caves visit? I'll have to check with Nigels first though...

[hedge]

Leek, will make the booking today for 20 and tell them it may go up or down a few. I'll try and book 8pm but if we have to slip to 8:30 i guess we can always have a time filling ale at the pub...

Not sure about the caves visit? Would quite like to but the whole day thing is pretty full on. If there are options for a half day or so that would be pretty cool. What's the go with girlfriends etc on this little jaunt? If there are too many of the group is getting too large i'm not fussed to miss out. Been there before and had planned on going mountain biking on sunday anyways.

cheers,

adam

[gstark]

Adam,

While the day sounds like it'll be a very long one, Nigel has stated that there will be relatively easy access to exit points throughout the tour/day, so perhaps an early escape is not going to be out of the question.

Certainly, I'm not in exactly the greatest physical condition, and I'll be looking at less, rather than more, in terms of steps and time.

And your girlfriend is more than welcome.

[sirhc55]

I’m with you on that Gary - never know if the legs will keep going or not so I am going to take it easy on the day

[hedge]

hey all, the piedmont inn can't take a booking for that many on sat night due to a few other bookings. The guy said we could pop in on sat night and if there weren't too many walk he may be able to fit us...

I rang Ho's Palace and they can take us if necessary. BYO but they charge about $4 or $5 corkage per head. Their food is better than country chinese i'm told. Need to confirm them by friday.

Haven't had any luck getting through to either of the pubs yet although i expect the Ivanhoe would take us. It is pub meals but pretty reasonably priced. Gardners is a bit more pricey, less variety and slightly higher class. Eg, barramundi and chips rather than fish and chips

I don't know of anywhere else that could take 20 people. Although Blackheath has a great fish and chip shop

Any suggestions or preferences?

adam

[nigels]

Hi Guys and Gals,

The parking and camping vouchers are now available at the following site
http://www.jenolancaves.org.au/d70users.htm

Please note "htm"

There is also some small additional information there.

Please excuse the quality of the page as it was certainly conpleted in a hurry

Kindest regards
Nige

[sheepie]

The parking and camping vouchers are now available at the following site
http://www.jenolancaves.org.au/d70users.htm

Thanks Nige - I see the camping is for Sat and Sunday nights - can you let us know what the rate is for Friday please (not concerned if we need to pay for Friday, just need to know how much - won't be taking much cash with us!).

Thanks heaps, and look forward to meeting you on Sunday

[birddog114]

The parking and camping vouchers are now available at the following site
http://www.jenolancaves.org.au/d70users.htm

Thanks Nige - I see the camping is for Sat and Sunday nights - can you let us know what the rate is for Friday please (not concerned if we need to pay for Friday, just need to know how much - won't be taking much cash with us!).

Thanks heaps, and look forward to meeting you on Sunday

sheepie,
Friday night is 6 stars and reserved for VIP only!

[sheepie]

sheepie,
Friday night is 6 stars and reserved for VIP only!

That's why we'll be there! Us and MHD are 6-star campers! lol

[birddog114]

sheepie,
Friday night is 6 stars and reserved for VIP only!

That's why we'll be there! Us and MHD are 6-star campers! lol

Only your family and MHD's family, I thought few campers from the beginning, prepare yourself a good waterproof shelters, it's going to be wet until Sunday..

[Hlop]

OK. I probably missed something again and will be asking dumb questions

1. Blackheath
a) at what time we're meeting for workshop?
b) where we're going to meet for workshop?

2. Jenolan Caves
a) 9am?
b) parking or should we go to the office?
c) lunch? Is it possible to buy something there or should we bring lunch with us?

[hedge]

righto, made a few more calls and we're down to two choices on sat night for dinner. Ho's palace chinese or the ivanhoe pub. The only other thing would be if we broke into smaller groups and went to a few different places. Maybe meet up for pre and/or post dinner drinks at one of the pubs.

Either way i'll need to confirm thu or fri at the latest. Votes?

adam

[gleff]

OK. I probably missed something again and will be asking dumb questions

1. Blackheath
a) at what time we're meeting for workshop?
b) where we're going to meet for workshop?

2. Jenolan Caves
a) 9am?
b) parking or should we go to the office?
c) lunch? Is it possible to buy something there or should we bring lunch with us?

I believe we're meeting at the bus let off point just after the archway at 9am. I think it will easy to spot.. it'll be the place with loads of camera gear and tripods

As far as lunch.. they do have food to buy, but from memory the last time I was there, it kinda sucked big time, so if you want good food, you're probably better off bringing your own. Having said that.. I'm a single bachelor and will probably buy it because i'm too lazy to make it beforehand

Geoff

[gleff]

righto, made a few more calls and we're down to two choices on sat night for dinner. Ho's palace chinese or the ivanhoe pub. The only other thing would be if we broke into smaller groups and went to a few different places. Maybe meet up for pre and/or post dinner drinks at one of the pubs.

Either way i'll need to confirm thu or fri at the latest. Votes?

adam

I prefer a real meal rather than pub food.. Is Ho's palace chinese, normal chinese food like beef and blackbean, sweet & sour pork, chicken dishes etc. PS. glad the restaurant isn't located in the USA.. interesting name

On another note: This could be pretty cool.. My expodisc is in transit as we speak.. Hopefully i'll have it by the weekend.

[MHD]

Hi Guys and Gals,

The parking and camping vouchers are now available at the following site
http://www.jenolancaves.org.au/d70users.htm

Please note "htm"

There is also some small additional information there.

Please excuse the quality of the page as it was certainly conpleted in a hurry

Kindest regards
Nige

Awesome stuff mate!

Cant wait...

I see sheepie has his tent up in anticipation!

[MHD]

sorry, one more thing... where is the camping ground?

[sheepie]

sorry, one more thing... where is the camping ground?

hrmmm - ahhhh - yeah - we'll need this info too!

[birddog114]

sorry, one more thing... where is the camping ground?

hrmmm - ahhhh - yeah - we'll need this info too!

early of this thread, 150m from the gate and it's next to the car park, I mentioned it and abouth the walking track from the car park to the Caves's main office with many opportutinity photo shooting spots.

[birddog114]

What are we going to do or do we have any alternative plans at Blackheath on Saturday if we have a wet week-end?
It seems to me the weather is not in our favour this time of the year.
Your thoughts

[sheepie]

What are we going to do or do we have any alternative plans at Blackheath on Saturday if we have a wet week-end?
It seems to me the weather is not in our favour this time of the year.
Your thoughts

Wear a raincoat?

[gleff]

What are we going to do or do we have any alternative plans at Blackheath on Saturday if we have a wet week-end?
It seems to me the weather is not in our favour this time of the year.
Your thoughts

I agree.. I think we should cancel the sat. night photo session if it's wet.

But we need to come up with a plan on where to meet at least, and when on saturday night, before tomorrow night.

I know 3 people are staying at the blackheath motor inn.. that's one possibility on where to meet. Any other suggestions?

Geoff

[birddog114]

What are we going to do or do we have any alternative plans at Blackheath on Saturday if we have a wet week-end?
It seems to me the weather is not in our favour this time of the year.
Your thoughts

Wear a raincoat?

Of course, those raincoats will be reserved and dedicated for the campers
For the Blackheath team, they have warm bed with fireplace and stay in comfy all night long after enjoying a nice good meal at one of the restaurant in the area

[Rick]

If it continues to rain Saturday would be a good time to check out the mountain waterfalls.

Cheers Rick

[birddog114]

What are we going to do or do we have any alternative plans at Blackheath on Saturday if we have a wet week-end?
It seems to me the weather is not in our favour this time of the year.
Your thoughts

I agree.. I think we should cancel the sat. night photo session if it's wet.

But we need to come up with a plan on where to meet at least, and when on saturday night, before tomorrow night.

I know 3 people are staying at the blackheath motor inn.. that's one possibility on where to meet. Any other suggestions?

Geoff

I'm just a dash in and dash out if weather permitted! so not important for me! I always play safe and well look ahead, cos I have more gears and I don't want to get busted if something turns sour.

If the weather changes, then a 2 hrs drive will take me to Blackheath with the team for the Sunset shoot and dinner otherwise, I stay back and do the learning on my D2x at my base camp.

[birddog114]

If it continues to rain Saturday would be a good time to check out the mountain waterfalls.

Cheers Rick

Rick,
Great ideas! but will we get wet while we stay out under the rain and hunting photos or photo opportunities? I'm not interested!

[MHD]

Last time I checked the forecast it was not that awfull...
"shower or two"...

actually this kind of weather system often produces great sunsets... at the moment it is post frontal cloud, which is usually broken... with lots of nice gaps for the sun to get through....

I dont know the topography of the mountains well but depending on wind direction jenolan/blackheath may also get rainshadowed a bit....

[Hlop]

I always play safe and well look ahead, cos I have more gears and I don't want to get busted if something turns sour.

So, here you're telling us that you cant just bring a body and couple of lens for workshop? You always need to pack all things that you've got in the storage and carry them?

[Hlop]

Last time I checked the forecast it was not that awfull...
"shower or two"...

actually this kind of weather system often produces great sunsets... at the moment it is post frontal cloud, which is usually broken... with lots of nice gaps for the sun to get through....

Saturday : A few showers. SE winds.
Sydney: 17 22
Liverpool: 14 23
Penrith: 15 24
Richmond: 14 24

It might be not too bad as you're saying. At least, almost everyone has a partner to hold an umbrella over the camera and let photographer work For people with no partner we can give a hand to help

[birddog114]

I always play safe and well look ahead, cos I have more gears and I don't want to get busted if something turns sour.

So, here you're telling us that you cant just bring a body and couple of lens for workshop? You always need to pack all things that you've got in the storage and carry them?

Hilop, for me? I always have a full truck load of my gears when I'm travelling, especially heading to Blackheath with 200-400VR to shoot birds, wildlife.
My gears consisting of D70/ D100/ D2h/ D2x (ETA Friday 18/03) and number of at least 10 other lenses + 3 set of tripods in tow.
If I'm going I'll be in the area around 2:00PM.

[birddog114]

Saturday : A few showers. SE winds.
Sydney: 17 22
Liverpool: 14 23
Penrith: 15 24
Richmond: 14 24

It might be not too bad as you're saying. At least, almost everyone has a partner to hold an umbrella over the camera and let photographer work For people with no partner we can give a hand to help

Hilop,
I won't take these above into account, and I'm waiting to have my final decision on Saturday morning
I don't want to play under the rain or under the umbrella, thanks.

[Hlop]

Hilop, for me? I always have a full truck load of my gears when I'm travelling, especially heading to Blackheath with 200-400VR to shoot birds, wildlife.
My gears consisting of D70/ D100/ D2h/ D2x (ETA Friday 18/03) and number of at least 10 other lenses + 3 set of tripods in tow.
If I'm going I'll be in the area around 2:00PM.

Does Lowepro make photo trolleys?

Our estimated time is between 4pm and 5pm or so

[birddog114]

Hilop, for me? I always have a full truck load of my gears when I'm travelling, especially heading to Blackheath with 200-400VR to shoot birds, wildlife.
My gears consisting of D70/ D100/ D2h/ D2x (ETA Friday 18/03) and number of at least 10 other lenses + 3 set of tripods in tow.
If I'm going I'll be in the area around 2:00PM.

Does Lowepro make photo trolleys?

Our estimated time is between 4pm and 5pm or so

Hilop,
I have a team of 4 assistants btw, they do great jobs so far, and they're well trained as military life in boot camp, only say : YES, never talk back, do first and complaint after, that's my policies to govern:shock: so no trolley needed