O'Reilly's rainforest minimeet

[Bob G]

Bob & Marilyn G are definately in

Do not have a 4WD

Bob G

[JordanP]

I can confirm that Craig and Diana will be there. Arriving Friday afternoon and pitching the tent. We do not have a 4wd.

Looking forward to it

[Big Red]

just wondering why we need a 4WD ?
i was thinking of coming up with the work van if i haven't had any phone calls by then but will have to stay within 1/4 hour of the van in case i have to drive back to the gold coast in a hurry.

[i really hate being on call ... stuffs your whole weekend ]

[Finch]

just wondering why we need a 4WD ?
i was thinking of coming up with the work van if i haven't had any phone calls by then but will have to stay within 1/4 hour of the van in case i have to drive back to the gold coast in a hurry.

[i really hate being on call ... stuffs your whole weekend :evil: ]

Shane: I have managed to get permission to go off road around O'Reilly's and other sites and a 4WD is necessary for these spots. There will also be a heap of stuff we photograph that is on foot, so you'll be right.

Cheers

Michael

[Slider]

Quick List Update

Finch - Definate - Friday PM Arrival - Camping
Big Pix - Definate Sat AM Arrival (please bring the jeep )
Thaddeus - Pending landing approval?
Zeeke - ?
Boonie - ?
Jonas - ?
JordanP (Craig and Diana) - Definate - Friday PM Arrival - Camping
Neroli - ?
GeoffM - ?
Big Red - Definate / Maybe (just turn the phone off )
Nicole - ?
Mark - ?
BobG and Mrs BobG - Definate - Arrival ? Slumming at the lodge
Slider and son Peter - Definate Friday PM Arrival - Camping

Finch will be travelling with me and camped nearby so for those new particpants coming along look for this vehicle to locate us

[Nicole]

It looks like I'll be in Brissie on the 2nd June now and staying that weekend. Still not confirmed but it defintely won't be this weekend. Was really looking forward to it as well.

[Finch]

Well, the countdown to the O'Reilly's minimeet is on! Only 3 more sleeps until we are there.

If anyone else is a definite, please let myself or Mark (Slider) know. A number of us will be there late Fri arvo and will meet up but for anyone coming up early on Saturday, we are meeting at the bird feeding area above carpark at 8am.

Feel free to PM me with any questions

Looking forward to this one, that's for sure.

Michael

[Dug]

I would love to be there I just don't think I can possibly make it.

Next time?

cheers have a great day

Doug

[Oneputt]

I am really teed off about missing this one, but a prior engagement cannot be broken.

[Geoff M]

I will be there at 8.00 on Saturday morning and yes I have a 4WD (7 seat Jakaroo).

Looking forward to meeting those that can make it.

Geoff

[Slider]

Latest Attendance Update. Thanks to Geoff any seating problems would appear solved

Finch - Definate - Friday PM Arrival - Camping
Big Pix - Definate Sat AM Arrival (please bring the jeep )
Thaddeus - Pending landing approval?
Zeeke - ?
Boonie - ?
Jonas - ?
JordanP (Craig and Diana) - Definate - Friday PM Arrival - Camping
Neroli - ?
GeoffM - Definate - Saturday AM Arrival with 4B (well done)
Big Red - Definate / Maybe (just turn the phone off )
Mark - ?
BobG and Mrs BobG - Definate - Arrival ? Slumming at the lodge
Slider and son Peter - Definate Friday PM Arrival - Camping

[Bob G]

We will be arriving Friday afternoon - possibly with Zeeke onboard

Bob G

[blacknstormy]

Have fun guys - looking forward to the photos.
Hugs
A VERY jealous Rel

[mark]

See you all Sat at 8am. Really looking forward to it.
I won't be camping as it is my birthday on Sunday

[Slider]

Latest Attendance Update. Looking to be a great turnout

Finch - Definate - Friday PM Arrival - Camping
Big Pix - Definate Sat AM Arrival (please bring the jeep )
Thaddeus - Pending landing approval?
Zeeke - ?
Boonie - ?
Jonas - ?
JordanP (Craig and Diana) - Definate - Friday PM Arrival - Camping
Neroli - ?
GeoffM - Definate - Saturday AM Arrival with 4B (well done)
Big Red - Definate / Maybe (just turn the phone off )
Mark - Definate Saturday AM Arrival
BobG and Mrs BobG - Definate - Arrival ? Slumming at the lodge
Slider - Definate Friday PM Arrival - Camping

I can almost smell the marshmellows toasting over the open fire

[mark]

Change of plan.
Have booked into lodge (Friday night) with wife my Peta and my two boys Sam and Ryan also coming will arrive mid friday arvo.

[Zeeke]

You can all breath easily... I unfortunately wont be able to make it.. sorry folks..

Mark, you'll have to try out the 2x TC another time.. sorry mate

Tim

[Jonas]

Hi guys

Count me in, if it's not too late. I wanted to clear the decks and make sure I was a definite before confirming.

Will there be much walking involved? Just wondering whether to take my backpack or dedicated camera shoulder bag.

Never been to O'Rielly's but I assume the bird feeding area is easy to find?

Jonas

[Finch]

Hi guys

Count me in, if it's not too late. I wanted to clear the decks and make sure I was a definite before confirming.

Will there be much walking involved? Just wondering whether to take my backpack or dedicated camera shoulder bag.

Never been to O'Rielly's but I assume the bird feeding area is easy to find?

Jonas

G'day Jonas,

Glad you can make it along to O'Reilly's. If members are in agreeance, there will be a bit of walking to get to certain spots. I personally always take my Lowepro Phototrekker (which is quite large) whenever I go out taking pics. In the end, its your call.

Birdfeeding area is just up the hill from carpark and just below the Guesthouse entrance. Just look for the motley crew with cameras, flashes, tripods etc.

Cheers

Michael

[elffinarts]

I'm covering a nightclub opening, would love to have joined in. Hope to see a lot of great shots from this

[Finch]

Well, we are upto 14 definites so far, with 11 staying for whole weekend. For those not in south-east Qld, the weather forecast is absolutely perfect. "Beautiful one day, perfect the next", as the saying goes. Can't wait.

Finch - Definite - Friday PM arrival - Camping
Slider (plus son Peter) - Definite Friday PM arrival - Camping
Big Pix - Definite Sat 8AM arrival
Thaddeus - ?
Boonie - ?
Jonas - Definite - Saturday 8am arrival
JordanP (Craig and Diana) - Definite - Friday PM Arrival - Camping
Neroli - ?
GeoffM - Definite - Saturday AM arrival with 4WD (well done)
Big Red - Maybe?
Mark(+Peta and 2 boys) - Definite - Fri PM arrival - staying at Guesthouse
BobG and Mrs BobG - Definite - Fri PM arrival - staying at Guesthouse

Cheers

Michael

[birddog114]

Well, we are upto 14 definites so far, with 11 staying for whole weekend. For those not in south-east Qld, the weather forecast is absolutely perfect. "Beautiful one day, perfect the next", as the saying goes. Can't wait.

Finch - Definite - Friday PM arrival - Camping
Slider (plus son Peter) - Definite Friday PM arrival - Camping
Big Pix - Definite Sat 8AM arrival (please bring the jeep )
Thaddeus - Pending landing approval?
Boonie - ?
Jonas - Definite - Saturday 8am arrival
JordanP (Craig and Diana) - Definite - Friday PM Arrival - Camping
Neroli - ?
GeoffM - Definite - Saturday AM arrival with 4WD (well done)
Big Red - Maybe? (just turn the phone off ! )
Mark(+Peta and 2 boys) - Definite - Fri PM arrival - staying at Guesthouse
BobG and Mrs BobG - Definite - Fri PM arrival - staying at Guesthouse

Cheers

Michael

Looking good for the meet and outing.

[big pix]

I am looking foward to this meet......... I will have my personal chef with me as well, he takes a fine pix.........

[Finch]

Well, we are upto 14 definites so far, with 11 staying for whole weekend. For those not in south-east Qld, the weather forecast is absolutely perfect. "Beautiful one day, perfect the next", as the saying goes. Can't wait.

Finch - Definite - Friday PM arrival - Camping
Slider (plus son Peter) - Definite Friday PM arrival - Camping
Big Pix - Definite Sat 8AM arrival (please bring the jeep )
Thaddeus - Pending landing approval?
Boonie - ?
Jonas - Definite - Saturday 8am arrival
JordanP (Craig and Diana) - Definite - Friday PM Arrival - Camping
Neroli - ?
GeoffM - Definite - Saturday AM arrival with 4WD (well done)
Big Red - Maybe? (just turn the phone off ! )
Mark(+Peta and 2 boys) - Definite - Fri PM arrival - staying at Guesthouse
BobG and Mrs BobG - Definite - Fri PM arrival - staying at Guesthouse

Cheers

Michael

Looking good for the meet and outing.

Wish you could be here with us, Birdy :-)

[birddog114]

Yes, Michael! I'm dreaming and wishing too!

[Manta]

I was chatting with Finch today at work and again expressed my regret at not being able to make it. One thing we did talk about though was the weather.

It will definitely be brass monkey stuff, folks - lots of below-zero temperatures around Brissy yesterday and today and it will be colder on the mountain. No fires in the national park so, for those camping, bring your brandy and your thermals. Or be prepared to cuddle up tight. That being said, the clear air and mountain views will be SPECTACULAR and Finch is the best guide you're gonna find.

[Big Red]

Cuddle up to that mottley crew

no thanks, if i can make it up there it will be for a day trip only

[Big Red]

 BTW, what focal length do we need ?

[Finch]

BTW, what focal length do we need ?

Shane,

It depends what you would like to take most photos of. For the birds and pademelons (rainforest wallabies), 300-400mm should be fine, or even less for the King Parrots and Crimsom Rosellas. For landscapes, which we plan to do a bit of, bring your widest lens.

Not sure of this cuddling up bit either, Manta!

See ya Saturday

Cheers

Michael

[big pix]

Cuddle up to that mottley crew

...... glad I am doing a day trip.......

[mark]

I didn't know them well enough, that's why we booked into the lodge!

[Finch]

To all those going to the O'Reilly's minimeet (and those going to Sydney minimeet), Birdy has kindly offered some great specials on gear. Transactions must be completed by 4pm Sat 27th.

See Birdy's thread for more details

Cheers

Michael

[Spooky]

Guys, my cricket match has now been called off this Saturday, I am in and probably the wife as well. We will just come down Saturday morning at 8am. We are happy to do a bit of walking.

See everyone there.

Brett and Corinne

[CraigVTR]

Have a great weekend guys. Will be thinking of you as I jet my way over to the UK on Sunday. Will look forward to catching up with your posts when I return home.
Craig

[Finch]

Well, the numbers are slowly creeping up. Here's the latest :

Finch - Definite - Friday PM arrival - Camping
Slider - Definite Friday PM arrival - Camping
Big Pix - Definite Sat 8AM arrival
Thaddeus - ?
Boonie - ?
Jonas - Definite - Saturday 8am arrival
JordanP (Craig and Diana) - Definite - Friday PM Arrival - Camping
Neroli - ?
GeoffM - Definite - Saturday 8AM arrival with 4WD (well done)
Big Red - Definite - Saturday 8AM arrival
Mark(+Peta and 2 boys) - Definite - Fri PM arrival - staying at Guesthouse
BobG and Mrs BobG - Definite - Fri PM arrival - staying at Guesthouse
Spooky and Mrs Spooky - Definite - Saturday 8AM arrival

Cheers

Michael

[birddog114]

I hope all of you will enjoy both in companies & camaraderies same as having fun upthere at the meet.

If there's any other support required from me, pls. yell loudly!

[Finch]

I hope all of you will enjoy both in companies & camaraderies same as having fun upthere at the meet.

If there's any other support required from me, pls. yell loudly!

Birdy,

Thanks for the wishing us well and the offer of support. This is much appreciated.

Cheers

Michael

[Slider]

Al systems go. We're outa here

[big pix]

I hope all of you will enjoy both in companies & camaraderies same as having fun upthere at the meet.

If there's any other support required from me, pls. yell loudly!

...... to be waiting at the campsite with a lot of cold beers on our return would be good, and a D2x or 2 to play with would be good also.......

[birddog114]

I hope all of you will enjoy both in companies & camaraderies same as having fun upthere at the meet.

If there's any other support required from me, pls. yell loudly!

...... to be waiting at the campsite with a lot of cold beers on our return would be good, and a D2x or 2 to play with would be good also.......

big pix,
Surely, I would if I could!

[gecko]

Best wishes for all...
Sadly the gecko clan can't make it.
Looking forward to many rainforest pics!

Cheers
Gerard

[Big Red]

woohoo, i'm heading off now

[Big Red]

Boohoo i'm back ... unfortunatly the work phone didn't work up there [optus] [although telstra gsm and cdma did] so i had to head back ... only 10kms away on the other side of the range it worked fine

All was not lost as i did get to meet some more forum members

[birddog114]

Shane,
Great to see all faces there! hope they have lot of fun and taking lot of photos.

[blacknstormy]

Bummer Shane - maybe you should change networks???? LOL
Looks bloody cold though !!!!
Hugs
Rel

[the foto fanatic]

Logging in from Sheraton Bangkok...
where it's 34 degrees and 90%.
Looks cold where you are! But I wish I was there.

[Manta]

Logging in from Sheraton Bangkok...
where it's 34 degrees and 90%.
Looks cold where you are! But I wish I was there.

I somehow doubt it's 34deg and 90% humidity in that air-conditioned room Trev - enjoy!!

[Finch]

Well, Slider and I are finally back from O'Reilly's Rainforest (Lamington National Park). The timing of the weather was amazing, as we had brilliant weather for the weekend and it only started to rain when the tents were virtually down. As we headed back to Brisbane, we were rained on, hail/sleet started, lightening strikes in the distance and we were followed by the blackest of clouds all the way to Brisbane.

The minimeet was just fantastic. Great bunch of people, (some I had met, some new), brilliant weather as mentioned, loads of fun and some brilliant photographic opportunities.

I must thank the O'Reilly family for allowing me to access many behind-the-scenes areas and I'm glad I could share these with forum members.

Here's a group pic that Slider kindly took using a timer



Cheers

Michael

[Manta]

I know a lot of them but how about some names to caption the pic, Mike?

Might I also suggest that people post their pics to this thread only - so they don't get spread all over the place? There's already three threads with pics on them.

[Slider]

A fantastic weekend.

Great to meet a heap of new people which you be able to see more clearly IF I HAD FOCUSED THE LENS

And of course a big, big thanks to Michael for, firstly suggesting the meet and then showing us some of the best country in the world. Well done Mate.