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Jenolan Caves, March 20, 2005Moderators: Greg B, Nnnnsic, Geoff, Glen, gstark, Moderators
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No wonder you take your family, or should I say Sherpas everywhere with you  You need them to lug your gear around 
W00DY Andrew
Nikon D3 and lot's of Nikon stuff!!
Of course! that the way my family is! " No ones left behind" is our slogan! From US to Europe or Asia or many countries/ islands in the South Pacific. Even now with my eldest son (18YO), when I say: GO, everyone in my family has to pack up and go! Happy or not is another matter, will de-brief later. Don't you know: " the boss is alway right"  Birddog114
VNAF, My Beloved Country and Airspace
That's a good slogan to have... However I bet your 18yo son sometimes whishes it was "no one, except me left behind"
Hopefully see you this weekend. W00DY Andrew
Nikon D3 and lot's of Nikon stuff!!
Perhaps after he's at 21 YO, but not now Woody! they've been trained since they were born and they've been treated well from myself and my wife in the past so no reason for them to pick what they want personally atm and decline the benefits.
I won't see you cos, I'm not going to the Jenolan Caves. Birddog114
VNAF, My Beloved Country and Airspace
Gleff, Ho's is just a normal chinese as far as i know. Like i said, a cut above country chinese but maybe not sydney CBD good.
Advantage of Ho's would be we could BYO wine and maybe simplify things with a banquet or something? Thoughts from other attendees - leek, stubbsy matt k, gary, Hlop, Birddog? cheers, adam ps - yeah, I get a giggle out of the name everytime i think of it He who knows how to laugh at himself will never cease to be amused...
Thanks hedge! We can fit in anything you can find. Birddog114
VNAF, My Beloved Country and Airspace
I"m happy to eat pretty much anywhere (despite my comments earlier on Chinese which I find a bit Ho hum if you'll excuse the dreadful pun).
For me the company is more important than the food. Ho's will be fine. And thanks for doing all the legwork Hedge - I know how complicated this sort of organising is. Peter
Disclaimer: I know nothing about anything. *** smugmug galleries: http://www.stubbsy.smugmug.com ***
Hedge,
We (3 of us) are fine with Ho's. But you should recalculate number of attending persons because we weren't in the dinner list Mikhail
Hasselblad 501CM, XPAN, Wista DX 4x5, Pentax 67, Nikon D70, FED-2
Whatever the weather, I'll be going to Blackheath for the weekend and will be there all day Saturday (hoping to catch a sunrise as well as a sunset!)...
Last edited by leek on Thu Mar 17, 2005 11:56 am, edited 2 times in total.
Cheers, John
Leek@Flickr | Leek@RedBubble | Leek@DeviantArt D700; D200; Tokina 12-24; Nikkor 50mm f1.4,18-70mm,85mm f1.8, 105mm,80-400VR, SB-800s; G1227LVL; RRS BH-55; Feisol 1401
Actually, one Robert Ho - who used to run a restaurant down by the Spit - is one of Sydney's finest Asian chefs. I think he's on the Sydney CBD Chamber of Commerce, and part-owns the BBQ King these days, but that doesn't show this gentleman's culinary talents. He's done some Cordon Bleu courses, and mixes the Franch and Asian cuisines with rare grace and creativity. If I could find him in a restaurant today, I'd be a very happy diner. All of which is to say that I'm easy for either Ho's or the pub, perhaps with a slight preference towqards the latter, knowing what the typical regional Oz Chinese meal is likely to be like. g.
Gary Stark Nikon, Canon, Bronica .... stuff The people who want English to be the official language of the United States are uncomfortable with their leaders being fluent in it - US Pres. Bartlet
OK I have all the vouchers printed out now all that is left is to wake up on Sunday morning after going to the Rugby on Saturday night!!!!
At least I can slepp all the way up in the car thanks to my driver  Andrew
Nikon D3 and lot's of Nikon stuff!!
Woody - will also need to remember drugs for the hangover (or better still water + Vitamin B the night before) Peter
Disclaimer: I know nothing about anything. *** smugmug galleries: http://www.stubbsy.smugmug.com ***
Possibly, but it should be a tame night  Andrew
Nikon D3 and lot's of Nikon stuff!!
Last minute arrangements for Jenolan...
Rokkstar has had to pull out of the Caves trip and sends his apologies...
My wife & daughter will come down to the caves, but will go on a short public tour instead of coming with the photographers... The (hopefully) final headcount is therefore as follows: <table border=1><tr><td></td><td>Blackheath</td><td>Blackheath </td><td>Jenolan</td><td>CAVES</td><td></td></tr> <tr><td>Name</td><td>Shoot</td><td>Dinner</td><td>Camping</td><td>Shoot</td><td>Note</td></tr><tr><td>Gary + 1</td><td>2</td><td>2</td><td></td><td>2</td><td></td></tr> <tr><td>Birddog</td><td>5</td><td>5</td><td></td><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Stubbsy</td><td>1</td><td>1</td><td></td><td>1</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>gleff</td><td>1</td><td>1</td><td></td><td>1</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Matt K + 1</td><td>2</td><td>2</td><td></td><td>2</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Leek + 2</td><td>1</td><td>3</td><td></td><td>1</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Hlop +2</td><td>3</td><td>3</td><td></td><td>3</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Sheepie</td><td></td><td></td><td>3</td><td>1</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Killakoala</td><td></td><td></td><td>1</td><td>1</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>MHD + 2</td><td></td><td></td><td>3</td><td>3</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Woody + Eric</td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td>2</td><td>travelling Sunday</td></tr><tr><td>Geoff + 1</td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td>2</td><td>travelling Sunday</td></tr><tr><td>JordanP + 1</td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td>2</td><td>travelling Sunday</td></tr><tr><td>sirhc55</td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td>1</td><td>travelling Sunday</td></tr><tr><td>Skippy</td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td>1</td><td>Still to confirm</td></tr> <tr><td>TOTAL</td><td>15</td><td>17</td><td>7</td><td>23</td></tr></table> Final Arrangements: For the Blackheath sunset photo shoot, we will all meet outside the Blackheath Motor Inn at 5:30pm and we can then make our way to the lookout of our choice... hedge, Can you book Ho's for 19 people (including you) at 8 for 8:30... Obviously if it's raining, this number may go down by a few... Thanks for your help... If anyone arrives late or has a change of plan, please call or SMS me on my mobile which is O4II I96 946... On Sunday we will all meet at the Bus Park at Jenolan before 9:00am... I will check people off the list to make sure that we don't leave without anyone... I'm not sure if mobile phones work down at the caves, so you may not be able to get in touch with me there... Try to ring before 8 if it looks like you're going to be late... If all else fails, I guess you could leave a message for Nigel S with Jenolan Caves... Don't forget to bring warm clothing and some lunch for the caves... See you there... Cheers, John
Leek@Flickr | Leek@RedBubble | Leek@DeviantArt D700; D200; Tokina 12-24; Nikkor 50mm f1.4,18-70mm,85mm f1.8, 105mm,80-400VR, SB-800s; G1227LVL; RRS BH-55; Feisol 1401
Righto, Ho's is booked under "D70" at 8-8:30. They have my name and number (0417 481 105) down with the booking also. I told them we had roughly 20 people but I doubt they'd have trouble with a few more.
Seemed like more votes for Ho's than the pub (sorry to those who would have prefered pub grub)! cheers, adam He who knows how to laugh at himself will never cease to be amused...
That's Helstra
Nigel, Btw, you've got mail! Birddog114
VNAF, My Beloved Country and Airspace
Well, luckily my mobile is a Telstra one, so I should be contactable right up until the last minutes... Please use my mobile O4II I96946 for any coordination needs in Blackheath or Jenolan... If you haven't turned up by 9:00am and we haven't heard from you, we'll assume that you aren't coming... Cheers, John
Leek@Flickr | Leek@RedBubble | Leek@DeviantArt D700; D200; Tokina 12-24; Nikkor 50mm f1.4,18-70mm,85mm f1.8, 105mm,80-400VR, SB-800s; G1227LVL; RRS BH-55; Feisol 1401
Hi Guys and Gals,
I will bring the forms with me on Sunday. Friday night camping will be fine. If anyone turns up just show them the free camping form and all will be ok. Mention my name and they will more than likely charge you double. Hope the weekend clears up for camping and some outside shots I will be at the Bus parking area at abot 8.30am probably in a white company commodore with the Trust badge on the door Cheers Nige
Hi Guys
Jenolan Camping Ground. You will arrive at the top of the Jenolan valley which you will recognise as it starts to go down hill from here (Dughhh) Also on the right hand side is the entrance to the Jenolan Caves Cottages. It is 5 miles or 8 klms to the caves from here. Would you believe this is known as the "5 mile hill" After travelling about 6 klms you will see a dirt road on your right, from memory it is the only road on the right. This road is the entrance to one of our offices and again from memory has a sign that says something like Jenolan Caves Reserve Trust Office or similar. Do not take this road but slow down as the camping ground road is a further 75 to 100 metres and is a very sharp dogleg to the left. You wont see any sign until you actually turn. Some people in fact make this a 3 point turn. If you find traffic behind you, I wouln't try to make this turn unless you can do it in one sweep. Instead, keep going down the valley a further 1.5 klms and you will find a wide area where you can turn around, travel up the hill a bit and go straight down the road to the camping ground. If this wide area is blocked with RTA trucks, keep going further down, through the Grand Archway and turn around in the bus zone and head the short distance up the hill to the camping ground road. The camp ground road is very twisty, is gravel but not too long. Perfectly safe to take a car but no way to take a van or even a camper trailer. I have had my own car down there on several occasions. When you come to the camp ground itself, there are grassed areas to left and right and the toilet/shower block inc. hot water is on your left. Highly recommend using the taps for water and there BBQs provided. Regards Nige
This has the makings of being an awesome weekend.
Thanx Nigel for all of your work in getting the ball rolling, Adam for the legwork in booking the restaurant for us. For those who can't make it ...  g.
Gary Stark Nikon, Canon, Bronica .... stuff The people who want English to be the official language of the United States are uncomfortable with their leaders being fluent in it - US Pres. Bartlet
That made me heading to Blackheath perhaps with my D2x  It's in Sydney this afternoon and scheduled for delivery tomorrow.  Birddog114
VNAF, My Beloved Country and Airspace
Yet another reason to come! Through customs yet? Briddog will be like an expectant father tomorrow .. pacing backwards and forwards until the new baby is safely delivered into his waiting arms! g.
Gary Stark Nikon, Canon, Bronica .... stuff The people who want English to be the official language of the United States are uncomfortable with their leaders being fluent in it - US Pres. Bartlet
Oh Yeah! It's Birddog114
VNAF, My Beloved Country and Airspace
Can we call Blackheath D2x mini meet instead of!
And members who will be in the area can shoot with it on your own CF card and my 200-400VR. Last edited by birddog114 on Thu Mar 17, 2005 6:54 pm, edited 1 time in total.
Birddog114
VNAF, My Beloved Country and Airspace
Nigel, adam
Thanks for the brilliant contribution to the forum. Unfortunately I will not be able to attend the caves as I have to be back in Sydney by Sunday morning. My wife and I will make it to Blackheath on Saturday and hope to be able to attend for dinner, proving it is not to late in the evening. Bugger sudden but unavoidable commitments!  Regards
Matt. K
I agree with everyone's sentiment..
Kudos to everyone that helped organise this meet this weekend, especially Nigel. I'm looking forward to it immensely. Geoff http://www.gleff.com
_________________ D70, 18-70 kit , 80-400VR, 24-120VR, Sigma 10-20, SB800, Benro A328, KB-2 Ballhead
Have fun up there folks! Watch out for those banjo fiddlin' hillbillies in them thar hills
I hope those hardy souls who are tenting don't get washed away in the night. Enjoy!! Wollongong Wolves, Manchester City, Newcastle Utd. D70 Freak!
I wish everyone a safe journey and an enjoyable weekend. This trip was something I definitely regret missing out on... so I hope to live through it via the documentary images from about 20 different perspectives.
It has the markings of a great weekend. I hope Birddog's D2X get delivered on time. It would be an excellent opportunity for it to flex its muscles on such a photogenic weekend in the mountains.
This could be a great week-end for all the attendees at the Caves! and it marks another step of growing further of the forum after 7 months.
Great thanks to Nigel and other organizers in two spots to organize this special event for the forum. Hard to forget with all the activities and fun for the next two days. One thing I'm praying for the weather turning into good, sunshine so everyone can fully enjoying the trip, take heap of photos and leraning much from other fellows. Birddog114
VNAF, My Beloved Country and Airspace
I'm more and more tempted to try to make it to blackheath for the sunset shoot! Might have to write leek's number down...
New page
http://www.potofgrass.com Portfolio... http://images.potofgrass.com Comments and money always welcome
Don't do it! Don't go to the dark side! *** When getting there is half the fun! ***
Hey sheepie, You'll be left behind in the dark at the bottom of the valley Birddog114
VNAF, My Beloved Country and Airspace
... and be dreaming C@non D20 nightmare  Mikhail
Hasselblad 501CM, XPAN, Wista DX 4x5, Pentax 67, Nikon D70, FED-2
hehe...
Just finished packing now... Time for a nice leasurely drive via cowra (to do some wine tasting and purchase a few bottles for the weekend) Bathurst etc... New page
http://www.potofgrass.com Portfolio... http://images.potofgrass.com Comments and money always welcome
See you late this afternoon - we'll be leaving when my wife gets home from work - about 1:30
Watch out for the Subaru Blue packed to the rim! *** When getting there is half the fun! ***
I'm packing tonight and I'm excited although the weather forecast for Blackheath isn't perfect ("A few showers. SE winds").
I have 2 questions:
And finally, thanks immensely to Nigel for organising what should be a great event, John for forcing us to stop dallying and get organised, Adam for being enough of a gentleman to accept the imposition of organising the food at Blackheath and to all the others who've done their bit to help make this event happen. Peter
Disclaimer: I know nothing about anything. *** smugmug galleries: http://www.stubbsy.smugmug.com ***
Hi Guys,
Temp inside about 15 degrees, warm enough when strolling around, but gets cold when standing for periods. Recommend long trousers, jeans etc long sleeve shirt, but not heavyweight, and a jumper or mirofibre jacket or pullover. You can always tie these around your waist if you get too warm, but nice to have if standing for periods of time. Don't know about taking the trousers off though, the ladies may object. We do have people faint, particularly in winter, as they go into the caves very heavily dressed, and the temp in the cave plus the exertion is too much. When I was guiding I always wore a short sleeved shirt, but I wouldn't recommend this as the norm, particularly as we wil be stopping ans taking photos. The other item of interest, the business manager has just mentioned that when professional photogs have completed particular assignments in the caves they have nearly always used tripods. But definitely leave it up to you and heed Birddogs warnings, travel as lightly as possible. By the way I have seen some of these pics, and quite frankly some of them I wouldn't use for loo paper. If it is pouring with rain on Sunday morning, you will still see me standing somewhere near the bus zone. The very first building next to the bus zone is the guides office which in fact is where I will be. Just park on the road next to the guides office, give your gear to me and duck up to the parking area. I will store your gear in the managers office, who I believe is on hols, so his office will be free all day and is also lockable. Cheers for now Nige You will have no trouble with backpacks, and the caves I hope to get in to are the Lucas, Chifley, Imperial/Diamond, Orient, Temple of Baal and parts of the River Cave
Thanks a lot Nigel. Really appreciate this!
Now I'm echoing Peter's question - what about backpacks? Are they OK for caves? Technically, I can take it off any time to pass through some hole or narrow pass but how many of such places we will go through? Mikhail
Hasselblad 501CM, XPAN, Wista DX 4x5, Pentax 67, Nikon D70, FED-2
Have a look at the post from Nigel 7mins before yours. backpacks should be fine. REALLY looking forward to Sunday, I'm off to Vanbar tomorrow to see if I can get some new legs to use (no not mine, tripod legs ).
Thanks to everyone for pulling together on this meet, it is probably the biggest (logistical) meet organised (correct me if I'm wrong). Seeya on Sunday. W00DY PS: Rick and I still have spots in the car available if anyone in Sydney wants a lift. Just PM me and we can organise it, might save taking a few cars up to the mountains. Andrew
Nikon D3 and lot's of Nikon stuff!!
I need a new tripod myself, but ergh..what to buy, what to buy? I know..there are a LOT of threads throughout the forum on tripods..what a decision!
Geoff.
Geoff, Buy whatever you can afford and whatever will bring hapiness to you in the long run Birddog114
VNAF, My Beloved Country and Airspace
Like .... a D2X. g.
Gary Stark Nikon, Canon, Bronica .... stuff The people who want English to be the official language of the United States are uncomfortable with their leaders being fluent in it - US Pres. Bartlet
He can't sleep well since the day he left the D2x back in Maxwell office Birddog114
VNAF, My Beloved Country and Airspace
Don't even bring this up
I have decided that I am going to buy the best legs I can afford and then get a cheap head for the time being... Then when I can afford it I will get a better head. So I have about $450 to spend on legs this weekend, I guess I will be looking at the Manfrotto ones. W00DY Andrew
Nikon D3 and lot's of Nikon stuff!!
Weather update
http://www.bom.gov.au/products/IDN10062.shtml
Mikhail
Hasselblad 501CM, XPAN, Wista DX 4x5, Pentax 67, Nikon D70, FED-2
Hope it's true! Birddog114
VNAF, My Beloved Country and Airspace
I think it applies to deeper west inlands and we should expect something average between coast and west inlands. Cloudy but mostly dry. IMHO Mikhail
Hasselblad 501CM, XPAN, Wista DX 4x5, Pentax 67, Nikon D70, FED-2
Hilop, You've got the weatherman job 
I'm waiting until tomorrow morning I don't much have the trust from them  Birddog114
VNAF, My Beloved Country and Airspace
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