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Itinerary 18 Sep

0515 Sunrise shoot - NC baths
0800 Breakfast at Escabar
0930 Gallery X for a bit of inspiration
1000 Leave for Airshow
1200 Air show shaninghans
1530 Hopfully leave from Airshow (Maybe be much delayed)
1745 Sunset near the lake (depends on traffic etc)
1900 Post processing mania [Depends on energy levels.]




Initial post.......

I was keen to see an expression of interest for a safari in Newcastle.

What I had in mind was sunrise-sunset-sunrise and whatever we can fit inbetween. There are some great locations for seascapes in Newcastle (and Port stephens area if you are interested). Although I haven't asked yet, I am sure we can collaborate with the Sundancers in NC to join them in one of their weekly events. (usually is a sunrise somewhere)

At this time, the sunrise and sunset are both around 6am and 6pm. This would mean fairly early starts to the day.

Is anyone keen on this?

* Includes a trip to the air show etc...

I'm curious tell me more about these sun dancers

If your planning this in October I would be keen
By the way how are getting around using someones car

How about on the weekend of the airshow at Williamtown. that would work for me.

The Airshow is on the weekend after - 18-19 September, I am pretty sure I will be heading up for that, I am sure that would fill the better half of the day between sunrise and sunset.

More details on the airshow here:
http://www.dslrusers.com/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=39669&p=416779

Thanks for you responses.

I was trying to gauge the amount of interest first.

Wendell, we will car pool depending on the numbers (which at this stage look small )

I have sent messages to Peter and Andre (Who are NC veterans for their input). Watch this space as the date will most likely change.

Oh yes, depending on numbers, I could provide accommodation.

Count me in. Perhaps because I'm all nostalgic, but I seem to recall having spent some time over the past summer there are some wonderful beaches in the greater Newcastle area.

Onyx, thanks for your interest.

There has been some suggestion regarding organising a model shoot during the day.... I don't know what your thoughts are on this...

I'm interested. The air show weekend would be good. There are going to be buses to the RAAF leaving from various places.
http://pscoaches.com.au/airshow.php
Judging by their departure times, trying to do a sunrise prior to the bus would be difficult.

coming back to town for a sunset, or along the lake.

But I'm also open to any suggestions. I'll have a think of a few locations and report back.

André

I am definitely keen for the Airshow weekend and teh promise of free/cheap accommodation makes a better prospect than camping.

radar wrote:I'm interested. The air show weekend would be good. There are going to be buses to the RAAF leaving from various places.
http://pscoaches.com.au/airshow.php
Judging by their departure times, trying to do a sunrise prior to the bus would be difficult.

I do not plan to be there for all the trade/careers BS (I have seen enough of that) but would like to see the flying displays which are apparently between 12 and 4pm. I would also be driving and battling the chaos called the carpark so carpooling would be an option.

Regarding carpooling up to newie, I plan to go up the night before and probably come back the next night, depending on my day release bank account, hence sydney peeps are welcome to jump on board - all care and no responsibility tho

wendellt wrote:By the way how are getting around using someones car

do I need the trailer Wendell?

wendellt wrote:I'm curious tell me more about these sun dancers

This is just a Newcastle flickr group that likes going out for sunrise/sunset, hence their name of sun dancers

I don't think many dance.

cheers,

André

wendellt wrote:I'm curious tell me more about these sun dancers

Oops sorry. forgot to answer your question. Here you go.
http://www.flickr.com/groups/sundancers/

Thanks Andre. I am also waiting for Peter to comment.

I am not crazy about the airshow and if we take the buses, we will have to stay there from 8:00am till 4:15 pm. I guess the parking will be impossible?

surenj wrote:Onyx, thanks for your interest.

There has been some suggestion regarding organising a model shoot during the day.... I don't know what your thoughts are on this...

Do you have contacts to easily gain access to TFP/TFCD models? Or even at some dollar cost. I've been involved in model shoots in the past (not organised on here but have involved forum members), from the more amateur end of the spectrum (model mayhem, ozmodels and the like) and have found them to be more problematic than they're worth. Prone to issues - logistical ones (eg. need changing tents), and the whole not turning up with plethora of excuses (partied too hard the night before, etc). But if you have reliable participant(s), I do know of some spectacular semi-isolated beach locations.

The airshow - it's the perfect excuse, for me anyway, to head up there. I'm not too keen on the military career aspect either, just the plane flying overhead displays. The last one I went to in Windsor a few years back, I remember making do quite well with just a f/5.6 @ 300mm lens being the longest focal length I have.

I want to go the airshow...and will try to get a 300mm f/4 for the occaision. But if you are trying to get a sunrise and a model shoot in as well I think I will have to pass...too much on for a single day!!

surenj wrote:I am not crazy about the airshow and if we take the buses, we will have to stay there from 8:00am till 4:15 pm. I guess the parking will be impossible?

The airshow is 20 bucks so I am not fussed if I am there for only half a day, I would be willing to battle the traffic/parking to make this happen.

aim54x wrote:But if you are trying to get a sunrise and a model shoot in as well I think I will have to pass...too much on for a single day!!

pfft...aim high...

surenj wrote:I have sent messages to Peter and Andre (Who are NC veterans for their input). Watch this space as the date will most likely change.

Surenj

Didn't get a message from your for some reason. I'm keen if we can get a date sorted before my November even if I have to get up early. Redhead is good fro sunrise and at Nelson Bay the view from Shoal Bay towards the heads should be interesting for sunrise too depending on where the sun rises .

Thanks Andre and Peter for your input. From the sound of things we will not have enough time to do everything but we can wing it a little.

Most seem to be keen to attend the airshow so I have set the date for that weekend.

Now I need to borrow a long lens from someone....

Bummer, I have to work on the 18th.
Have fun for me though

Book me in for 18th (or 19th)

Please PM me if you are confirmed to attend. Thanks!

I'm looking good for the 18th!

I would love to attend, but am working on the 18th

We'll be in Canberra that weekend sadly otherwise I'd be keen.

Craig and Geoff, there is always next time...

I will be there, for sunrise and airshow and whatever in between! brunch maybe?

biggerry wrote:brunch maybe?

Unless you are some sort of camel, there will be several meals inbetween.... We can just make up the details as we go along.

Anyone need accommodation? PM me.

Details on the airshow are HERE

Here's a brief rundown, bu there is more at the link above.

Tickets are $20 if pre-purchased online and $25 at the gate. You should allow an additional hour over normal travel times to get there (they are already running ads on local TV warning traffic will be VERY congested)

The car park opens at 7 am and the airshow gates open at 8 am - it's normally a 45 minute trip from Newcastle soo I'd allow 1 1/2 to 2 hours.

Static displays start when the gates open, but aerial displays are from 12:30pm to 4pm. You'll need cash, sunscreen and water. There is NO shade.

stubbsy wrote:The car park opens at 7 am and the airshow gates open at 8 am - it's normally a 45 minute trip from Newcastle soo I'd allow 1 1/2 to 2 hours.

and they want people to catch da bus?

Static displays start when the gates open, but aerial displays are from 12:30pm to 4pm. You'll need cash, sunscreen and water. There is NO shade.

good info Peter

Thanks for all this info Peter.

stubbsy wrote:traffic will be VERY congested)

Hmm.. I guess we shouldn't forget that these guys are coming from Sydney... In anycase, why don't we leave at 11am for the airshow?
We can even have a nap (If requested by Gerry) after the sunrise I guess!

We can all fit in one car. I am more than happy to volunteer mine.

Gerry, make sure you bring your fishing rod + hat....

Do you guys want to stay for ALL the air displays? [Maybe we can leave a little early around 3pm or so to beat the traffic back?]

surenj wrote:We can even have a nap (If requested by Gerry) after the sunrise I guess!

Is Gerry that old !!

Do you guys want to stay for ALL the air displays? [Maybe we can leave a little early around 3pm or so to beat the traffic back?]

Note that to get back to the car park before 4pm, you will have to take a shuttle. After 4pm, they re-open the walkway across the runway.

If we are doing a sunrise in Redhead and there is only a few of us, we can have breakfast at my place, as long as people don't mind dogs

If there would be a large number turning up, eg all the Sundancers which tends to be a large group these days, we would have to look at having breakfast somewhere else. In that case, I could approach the shop at the surf club if they would be willing to open up earlier for us. They supposedly make a good breakfast.

cheers,

André

Gallery RAW also opens at 10am on a Saturday so if there is interest, we can stop in prior to going to the Air Show. This months show is called ECLECTIC

This month's show features new talent and established work from previous exhibitors.

Presenting for the first time at Gallery RAW, Sarah Norton. Her ethereal images evoke different emotions in each and every viewer.

Also featured this month are new works from previously featured artists at Gallery RAW including Daniel Danuser, Naomi Frost, Renee Moore, Mark St. Clair and Sue Walker as well as an encore show of selected André Joanisse's recent and extremely popular "Leave only footprints" exhibition.
Yes it is a truly eclectic show in September at Gallery RAW,
Newcastle House of Photography.

So something more then just my landscape/wildlife photos There is a very good selection of work, well worth seeing.

Free parking on King street as well on weekends.

I'm thinking it may make more sense to do sunrise closer to Williamtown (Anna Bay or Lemon Tree Passage maybe) and have breakfast nearby somewhere then eventually head down to the airshow, but with a shorter distance on the main drag we'll hopefully be in the gridlock for less time.

Gallery raw sounds good... I am sure there will be some iconic seascapes of NC that will make the visitors want even more!

Also it's tossup between Merewether or Redhead at this stage. It's high tide so Cavebeach, Catho etc are out. [I got some info from POM)

stubbsy wrote:gridlock for less time

Are you sure that this traffic is that bad Peter? I was keen to show off the baths etc... Anyways it's open to discussion. I am unfamiliar with Lemontree passage.
I guess the downside would be that we'd need to be up at least one hour earlier (ie 3:30) to get those locations which might make some people drowsy...

So something more then just my landscape/wildlife photos There is a very good selection of work, well worth seeing.

great idea Radar

surenj wrote:Hmm.. I guess we shouldn't forget that these guys are coming from Sydney... In anycase, why don't we leave at 11am for the airshow?
We can even have a nap (If requested by Gerry) after the sunrise I guess!

We can all fit in one car. I am more than happy to volunteer mine.

Gerry, make sure you bring your fishing rod + hat....

Do you guys want to stay for ALL the air displays? [Maybe we can leave a little early around 3pm or so to beat the traffic back?]

fishing rod lives in the boot. no problems from my end to leave airshow early, really I do not want to spend heaps of time there..i spend every freaking day with planes so my attention span will be low.

Is Gerry that old !!

well I have been accused of having a bladder problem and needing a nana nap, so I am really feeling old now...

Suren, I reckon we need to post up a itinerary to try and lock in events, but its looking awesome at this point

I am liking all the ideas being thrown around atm!!!

Itinerary is pretty full but certainly possible. We will need several bars of chocolate, coffee and perhaps red bull. Next time we need to do this without the airshow...

Perhaps towards December.

OK I think we may need to do a sunset near the stockton bridge or something. We will probably not make it for the sunset near the lake! We might not feel like photos at the end of the show anyway....

Suren

Sunrise at Merewether then breakfast at Redhead is a bit of a back track. Why not either sunrise and breakfast at Redhead or sunrise and breakfast at Merewether? Regardless I'll be dragging myself out of bed for that. if anyone is staying at my place they'll be doing the same

stubbsy wrote:Sunrise at Merewether then breakfast at Redhead is a bit of a back track.

Probably have breakfast in town if we are meeting at Merewether Baths. Happy to have have it at my place but as Peter says, bit of back track, takes about 20 mins to my place.

Suren, just want to confirm that you want to meet at Merewether Baths and NOT Newcastle Baths, just double checking

Tides and sunrise for Saturday

2010-09-18 5:06 AM EST 1.06 meters High Tide
2010-09-18 5:48 AM EST Sunrise

I'll be there by 5am.

I'll check on a few places for breakfast as to how early they open.

Cheers,

André
(edit: so I'm the one there by 5, others at 5:30 )

Peter and Andre,

I am easy on the sunrise location. I haven't been to the NC baths. I assume it would be suitable for a sunrise. So we now have three options.

1. NC baths
2. Merewether baths
3. Redhead beach

Where would you prefer?

I'd better make the meeting at 5am then...

If we do Newcastle baths we'll probably be able to get sunrise glow hitting Nobbys as well. We could then head around to Newcastle Beach for breakfast at Estabar (not a stellar range of food, but good quality - great coffee for you caffeine junkies) or perhaps head down to Darby St.

I've just been having another read of the site. Flying starts at 11:45 (a large list of what's flying is on the site) and there are these points:

# 12-midday – Slades Road and the Airport access road entry to car-parks close
# entrance to the event until 12.20pm will be via a walkway across the main runway. After 12.20pm shuttle buses will be provided to the display entrance on the northern side of airfield.
# 2pm – No further vehicle entry to car parks; traffic flow reversed to facilitate departures

To me that implies parking will become more challenging by midday and impossible from 2pm. If we leave for the show at 11 with a view to arriving at 1pm we fall fair in the middle of that period. I think leaving at 10 makes more sense. I might add there are mobile signs now in place near my place (45 minutes drive away!) warning of major traffic congestion at the weekend. I'm inclined to agree given there are only two major roads into Williamtown.

And over 9,000 tickets have already been presold - that's a hell of a lot of people!

Thanks for the info Peter.

How about we do NC baths then? Maybe we can do Merewether on sunday morning...

10am sounds good. No time for napping then. By the time we finish breakfast and have a look at the exhibition, then it will be time to leave for the airfield.

Comments anyone?

stubbsy wrote:And over 9,000 tickets have already been presold - that's a hell of a lot of people!

bloody plane spotters...

surenj wrote:0515 Sunrise shoot - NC baths

ouch..thats gonna hurt...

surenj wrote:Comments anyone?

game on.

Local news just said up to 60,000 people are expected over the 2 days. That's a lot of portaloos needed

Sounds good to me Suren - never been to Newcastle baths for sunrise - very early for me, but I'll be there this time around (high tide will be good too). Here is a Flickr phtotostream to give an idea.

Just looked at online ticketing ($20 + 3.50 booking fee) vs $25 at the event. I still think that's the go so we avoid queues to pay.

stubbsy wrote:That's a lot of portaloos needed

Oh dear, I'd rather die of dehydration than use those...

stubbsy wrote:very early for me

I think it's early for anyone! NC baths will offer plenty of compositional angles for everyone.

stubbsy wrote:Just looked at online ticketing ($20 + 3.50 booking fee) vs $25 at the event.

Just about to order now. I don't fancy lining up although I reckon there wouldn't be a line when we get there.

I am starting to look a bit uncertain for this weekend........

surenj wrote:

stubbsy wrote:That's a lot of portaloos needed

Oh dear, I'd rather die of dehydration than use those...

I would imagine that you would die from busted bladder rather than dehydration though!

aim54x wrote:I am starting to look a bit uncertain for this weekend........

Bummer

aim54x wrote:I am starting to look a bit uncertain for this weekend........

You are like the weather Cameron... rather unpredictable. No worries; there is always next time for everything.