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G'day all,

I'm proposing a minimeet or get-together at O'Reilly's Rainforest Guesthouse in Lamington National Park. After talking to a number of forum members it was suggested to choose a day earlier rather than later, since it gets quite cold up in those mountains.

The best day I could come up with is Sat 27th May and an early start to make use of the best light and before the crowds get there (i.e. 8am, 8.30am or 9am).

I'll be coming up for the day but if anyone wants to camp or stay at the Guesthouse, they can make a weekend of it.

For anyone who doesn't know my background, I used to live at O'Reilly's for 5 years and spent my time between taking guests on guided walks, photography and helping nature documentary makers. I still work on a casual basis at Binna Burra Lodge (on the other side of the park) where I do guiding, birdwatching trips and now run 'nature photography week' each three months. In other words, I know the place fairly well.

For those interested in coming along for the day, there is a BBQ there but will be pounced on by the 'weekend warriors' so maybe bring a packed lunch.

Lifts can be organised from Brisbane and possibly Sunshine Coast if needed.

Anyone interested? Feel free to ask any questions.

Cheers

Michael

Edit : I'm now going to be camping so if anyone can't make it on Saturday, there will be a few of us there on Sunday as well. Feel free to come up for the day and join us.

you don't have to ask me twice........ , but as I live in Benowa I will pass on the freezing cold nights camping.........

I've read some books on the Stinson and would love to see the site, especially with someone well-versed in the area. So I am thinking of joining in. Is there room to land a helicopter at the guesthouse? If so, who would I need to ask for permission? I'm happy to stay there overnight, etc. Thanks

thaddeus wrote:I've read some books on the Stinson and would love to see the site, especially with someone well-versed in the area. So I am thinking of joining in. Is there room to land a helicopter at the guesthouse? If so, who would I need to ask for permission? I'm happy to stay there overnight, etc. Thanks

The local air sea rescue is not far from me if they will let you land there, I can pick you up.......

thaddeus wrote:I've read some books on the Stinson and would love to see the site, especially with someone well-versed in the area. So I am thinking of joining in. Is there room to land a helicopter at the guesthouse? If so, who would I need to ask for permission? I'm happy to stay there overnight, etc. Thanks

Yes, there's a helipad on O'Reilly's land for those with a access to a helicopter...... (yes, you would need permission from O'Reilly's Guesthouse).

Cheers

Michael

*sigh* Don't suppose you'd do the same thing somewhere in Melbourne would you?

I'm there..... sign me up!!

Sounds like too good an opportunity to pass on.

And that's from a person who doesn't rate nature photography at the top of the list


Cheers

Tony

I am certainly in depending on dates and I would camp overnigh.t

Oneputt wrote:I am certainly in depending on dates and I would camp overnigh.t

John ....... my backyard is free and a lot more comfortable.......

I'm in for sure Should be a great day Michael. I'll probably end up bringing a few of the SSC contingent and camping o'night. Nice bottle of red around a nice warm fire is starting to sound pretty good

I'm in if i can get a lift... ill supply some If you know what I mean... I know Mark wont refuse a drop

Tim

Slider wrote:I'm in for sure Should be a great day Michael. I'll probably end up bringing a few of the SSC contingent and camping o'night. Nice bottle of red around a nice warm fire is starting to sound pretty good

my backyard could end up crowed..........

I'd love to do it, but that date is out for me - I'm attending a Greek wedding (in Greece!) and not back until 29 May.

If the date changes, let me know. If not, I'm sure you'll have a wonderful time.

I have just realised that that particular weekend is out for me as I have an important reunion lined up. So it will have to be next time.

Hi DSLR Users,

I'm new to your group as you can tell buy my joined date over there.

I'm also rather new to the DSLR world, have been doing the P&S thing for a bit. have been checking out this forum and you guys seem AOK!!

I 'm thinking abouth this minimeet, Finch, how would you rate the 'Excursion' on a bush hike level type of thing, is it a beginners type of hike, or more a Dakota style of trek, with fuzzy wuzzy angels lugging camera gear to the crash site, or just tea and scons at the top? unless it been raining what would the wild life activity be like that time of morning.

I have been there a couple of times, the drive up duck cr rd is great to stop and make pics of the valley.

Well so many questions, just excited about hopefully joining you guys.

Sounds like a few interested souls already - I might even end up camping overnight myself.

Boonie - Welcome to the forum. No, we aren't going to the Stinson crash site as that is a 40+km trek from the guesthouse in some very rugged terrain. We will start at the guesthouse itself to take some pics of King Parrots, Crimson Rosellas, Satin Bowerbirds etc and then its upto the group as to where they would like to go (rainforest walk/waterfall shots/macro etc, etc).

Re. Duck Ck Rd, as long as there are a few 4WDs then we can pile in and I can show some magic, out of the way spots for scenery/landscape shots.

It'll be like old times for me, seeing my old home and workplace and a few workmates as well.

Cheers

Michael

I'm very interested. I've been waiting for a M&G close to the Goldie so I can intro myself and ask the hundreds of beginner questions I have bottled up.

Not so keen on the bird watching - mainly due to the limitations of my 70-300 Sigma, but I'm happy to explore the trails and waterfalls.

Jonas wrote:I'm very interested. I've been waiting for a M&G close to the Goldie so I can intro myself and ask the hundreds of beginner questions I have bottled up.

Not so keen on the bird watching - mainly due to the limitations of my 70-300 Sigma, but I'm happy to explore the trails and waterfalls.

I think that you will find the 70-300 OK for birds at this meet as they are quite close......... look foward to meeting you

Hi Michael,

Unfortunately, the 27th of May is the date of the Taekwondo Championships I have to attend on the coast....... Can't get out of it too many students are entered.

I'm gutted!


Tony

TonyH wrote:Hi Michael,

Unfortunately, the 27th of May is the date of the Taekwondo Championships I have to attend on the coast....... Can't get out of it too many students are entered.

I'm gutted!

Tony : Sorry you can't make it to the O'Reilly's minimeet. I have toyed with changing dates to accommodate people like yourself and John (Oneputt) but then others can't make those dates.

Best if we leave date as is and I'm sure there will be another O'Reilly's meet down the track.

Cheers

Michael

If people are staying up there camping, I may be able to come up for breakfast on the Sunday.

Changing dates is not the way to go as nothing will ever happen.


Cheers

Tony

Extremely keen here! Date sounds good, venue great, and excellent company. I'm also likely to be one of the campers. Thanks so much for setting this up Finch

JordanP wrote:Extremely keen here! Date sounds good, venue great, and excellent company. I'm also likely to be one of the campers. Thanks so much for setting this up Finch :)

Craig : You are more than welcome. I absolutely adore Lamington National Park and am more than happy to share any knowledge of this place with anyone who is interested

Cheers

Michael

Hey Finch - great venue Not sure if Damian & I can make it though - as you know, your days off are our days on....... so will be checking out the possibility of hols for that week. Swapping shifts for 2 gets a bit messy

Will let you know how we go

Rel & Damo

Narelle,

I sure as heck hope you and Damian can make it as it will be a great weekend. Would love to see you there.


Fingers crossed!

Cheers

Michael

Michael - sounds like a fantastic weekend, thanks for organising this. Barring major obstacles I'm definitely keen.

Rel - you and Damo have to organise some leave... wouldn't be the same without you guys

Judy

big pix wrote:

Slider wrote:I'm in for sure Should be a great day Michael. I'll probably end up bringing a few of the SSC contingent and camping o'night. Nice bottle of red around a nice warm fire is starting to sound pretty good

my backyard could end up crowed..........

Thanks for the offer Bernie, but I'll be camping up the top to make the most of the late afternoon and early morning light, not to mention the big log fire. And if memory serves me correctly the birds go nuts first up in the morning up there.

Slider wrote:, but I'll be camping up the top to make the most of the late afternoon and early morning light, not to mention the big log fire. And if memory serves me correctly the birds go nuts first up in the morning up there.

..... I might have to clean out the 4WD so I can sleep in the back and join all of you, along with warm underwear.......

ARRRGGGGGGGGGGGG
Just got a mental image of Bernie in longjohns !!!!!!!!

...... you can be sooooooo........

But you should really make sure that that back flap is done up Bernie The draft can be really quite nasty (as in the natural draft coming INTO the longjohns !!!! )

Hi Guys

Never been to O'Reillys or a minimeet. Have been hoping to make a trip out there sometime soon so I would love to come along and meet you all. I would just come up for Saturday and can offer a lift to anyone coming from SE Brisbane. I also have a 4WD which we can make use of if required.

Looking forward to meeting you all on the 27th.

Geoff

Hi Geoff,

Lamington National Park (O'Reilly's Rainforest Guesthouse) is a magical place with lots of photography subjects. You are more than welcome to come along for the Saturday and look forward to seeing you up there.

Keep an eye on this thread and we will organise a meeting place and time closer to the day.

Thanks for offering anyone a lift from Brisbane

Cheers

Michael

i'm keen but don't know if i have anything else organised ... too many things happening at once

blacknstormy wrote::lol:

But you should really make sure that that back flap is done up Bernie The draft can be really quite nasty (as in the natural draft coming INTO the longjohns !!!! )

...... just no respect...... over the knee with you little girl, I will have my wooden kitchen spoon with me........

big pix wrote:[...... just no respect...... over the knee with you little girl, I will have my wooden kitchen spoon with me........ :lol: :lol: :lol:

Now, now Bernie, enough of that.........

Damian will be after you!!!!!

Look forward to seeing you at O'Reilly's

Cheers

Michael

Been away and missed this thread, though Mike had emailed me prior with his thoughts of organising something.

Unfortunately, I'm crewing in a sailing race all that weekend (overnighter) so pending breakages, weather problems or cancellations, I'll have to give O'Reilly's a miss this time.

Can't complain, it wasn't that long ago that Finch and I were up that way and got some great shots.

looks like i have to work on this weekend now ... do phones work up there ?
[if phones work then the pager should also]
if no calls come in i might be able to come up for a bit but may have to take off again at short notice.

Just found out today that I'll be in Brisbane for work around this time. It will definitely be a Friday. At this stage it looks like it will be Fri 26th so I might be able to make this.

Nicole wrote:Just found out today that I'll be in Brisbane for work around this time. It will definitely be a Friday. At this stage it looks like it will be Fri 26th so I might be able to make this. 8)

Nicole - hope you can make it. Would be good to meet you.

Cheers

Michael

Hi Michael,

I would love to come along.
My first meet and so close to home, how lucky am I?

Hey Michael
Checked the roster, and there is no way in hell we can get the weekend off Oh well, can't wait to see the photos !!!!
Have fun everyone
Hugs
Rel & Damian

mark wrote:Hi Michael,

I would love to come along.
My first meet and so close to home, how lucky am I?

Look forward to meeting you, Mark

Keep an eye on this thread and I'll keep everyone updated

Cheers

Michael

blacknstormy wrote:Hey Michael :)
Checked the roster, and there is no way in hell we can get the weekend off :( Oh well, can't wait to see the photos !!!!
Have fun everyone
Hugs
Rel & Damian

Thanks Narelle - sorry you guys can't make it. Maybe next time, eh?

Cheers

Michael

To anyone who is coming along to the O'Reilly's minimeet and wants to camp, you will need to make a booking soon (or campsite places may fill).

Bookings can be made by contacting the Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service. The campsite is called the Green Mountains section of Lamington National Park.

Cheers

Michael

To anyone planning to come along to the O'Reilly's minimeet, we are meeting on Saturday morning (27th May) at 8am at the bird feeding area. For those that haven't been there before, it is just up from the main car park on the right hand side (back from the Guesthouse itself).

Cheers

Michael

Finch

If I came up with my wife to stay maybe Friday and Saturday nights at O'Rielly's Guest House - would that be very far from the others who might be camping out

Bob G

Hi Bob,

O'Reilly's Guesthouse is just a few hundred metres from where we are camping. As I mentioned in my last post, the meeting point is just below the Guesthouse front entrance.

Look forward to seeing you there.

Cheers

Michael

Sorry guys, cricket for me on Saturdays at the moment. Have fun.

While Michael is busy organising out itinery I've offered to look at participants as we need to work out seating arrangements for some of the 4x4 access activities.

So..

So far the following people have indicated interest and as far as I know have not pulled out. Would you be kind enough to update your status and advise if you have a 4x4 and would be happy to take a passenger or 2.

Finch - Definate
Big Pix - Definate (please bring the jeep )
Thaddeus - Pending landing approval?
Zeeke - ?
Boonie - ?
Jonas - ?
JordanP - ?
Neroli - ?
GeoffM - ?
Big Red - Definate / Maybe (just turn the phone off )
Nicole - ?
Mark - ?
BobG and Mrs BobG - Definate ?
Slider - Definate

And if your still undecided this may help http://www.oreillys.com.au