Jenolan Caves Meet

[nigels]

Hi all,

A short intro before the proposition.

I work for Jenolan Caves Trust who administers Jenolan Caves, Abercrombie Caves, Borenore Caves and Wombeyan Caves.

I was the chief guide (visitor services manager) at Jenolan Caves for many years. In 1996 I developed lung cancer and very quickly had my right lung removed. I can assure you that slowed me down somewhat. Anyway, the Trust and I reached an agreement, whereby I would transfer to the main admin office in the capacity of Systems Administrator and also do some finance work.

Enough of that. I still have very strong and close ties with the caves, and I have been able to arrange a photographic trip to Jenolan, details as follows:

There will be no fees for entry
The Trust will supply and pay for a guide for the caves I cannot get into (too Steep and strenuous)
It will be a private trip (no general public) covering as many caves as possible but we would have to fit in with the general public tours. I would think we would be able to do 3 of the caves during the day, possibly, Orient, Chifley and Lucas
Tripods (essential) and monpods will be OK (not allowed on general public tours)
There also some excellent outside shots that would be well worth looking at also.
Starting time I would recommend about 10.00am as it is about a 2½ to 3 our drive from central Sydney.
Finishing time-no later than 7.00pm
We would have to limit the numbers to about 25 to 30 due to platform walkway constraints.
No catch really, other than the Trust would request a copy of the images 300dpi on cd's.
These may be used on our website, brochures and other advertising, including possible TV.
Where possible, the Trust will acknowledge the photographer if required. This is difficult in some circumstances, especially with very high quality brochures and TV.

I now throw this idea to the forum and to the elder statesman of the forum, including Gary and BirdDog who may wish to make the arrangements on the forums behalf and of course to fit it in to the meeting calendar.
As far as a date goes, a Sunday, not school or public holidays or if we have a special event on.

regards
Nige

[birddog114]

Nigel!
It's an excellent idea and opportunity for photography same as a great ideal for a meet.

On behalf of our fellow members I would like to have my sincere thanking to your organisation and especially to yourself for your hard work of finding and offering an excursion trip for our community.

So, when and do you want to participate in this excursion trip?
Your contribution please!

[W00DY]

Wow I will jump at this chance...

Thanks for organising and communicating this.

Hope this is a first in best dressed threa so I am number 2

I am more than happy to let the Trust use my images as I am sure there will be better ones than mine

Once again excellent idea and great opportunity.

I will keep a close eye on this thread

W00DY

[gstark]

Nige,

Excellent idea; thanx for doing the legwork on this.

About the only thing to work out is the timing for this.

Although there's no direct clash, I'm thinking that we should perhaps replace one of the later February PP workshops with this, or else do this in mid March, with the latter of these being my preference.

Sunday March 13 or 20 look like being the likely suspects. How do those dates fit in with you and the Trust, Nige?

Others, how do those dates work for y'all ?

[Onyx]

Nige, this sounds wonderful. Thank you for using your connections with the Caves for the mutual benefit of members here and the Caves. We do appreciate it!

Well, I for one can confirm I'm in. Whenever it is, I'm make myself available so it'll certainly be worth it! Just to clarify, are there restrictions regarding flash use inside the caves?

IIRC, the final section of road from Oberon(?) to Jenolan Caves entrance is unsealed gravel - so 4WD might be preferred (and I can only think of one, Birddog, among Sydney members having an off road capable vehicle).

[gstark]

IIRC, the final section of road from Oberon(?) to Jenolan Caves entrance is unsealed gravel - so 4WD might be preferred (and I can only think of one, Birddog, among Sydney members having an off road capable vehicle).

You're going the wrong way!

I've not been there for a few years, but if you come in from the north - through Hampton, IIRC (or is it Hartley or Little Hartley?)- the road is fully sealed all the way to Caves House.

[sheepie]

IIRC, the final section of road from Oberon(?) to Jenolan Caves entrance is unsealed gravel - so 4WD might be preferred (and I can only think of one, Birddog, among Sydney members having an off road capable vehicle).

I'm in - and more than happy to let the trust have full use of pics (as long as I also get to use them!). Would be great experience, and looking forward to learning heaps from some of the other, more knowledgable, people in here

I'd be able to take others with me, and yes - have 4WD, even if it is only a Forrester

Prefer mid March.

...and well done on the organisation - absolutely fantastic!

[leek]

I'd love to join this... I'm quite keen on low light situations, so would love to try my hand at this and learn from the others there... Flexible on dates - any Sunday should be OK...

[birddog114]

What my thoughts are:
- We might hire a coach (bus) and ferry members to Jenloan caves for the day trip, instead of driving by your own car, or car pool.
- The second is we might booking accomodation for a night (say Saturday night) for members who wish to stay overnight at few nice motels and Jenolan caves Resort and catch up with our members arriving by bus or car the next Sunday, and Saturday night we may have a function for members as the blues (ask Gary?) or other activities and nice dinner with booze, red wine etc... we call it an wonderful evening for the D70Users.com.
I & my family have been at the Jenolan Caves 3 years ago, and wish to come back for an overnight, very beautiful scenery and its surrounding.
Your thoughts!

[Onyx]

Gary, you might be right. I could have been thinking of Wombeyan Caves that had unsealed roads leading in.... or maybe it was going the 'other' way ie. heading east from Bathurst.

Well in any case, that's good news. Fantastic stretches of road too - the tight windy stuff (or have I suffered a memory mismatch again).

[birddog114]

I'd love to join this... I'm quite keen on low light situations, so would love to try my hand at this and learn from the others there... Flexible on dates - any Sunday should be OK...

There're many opportunities for testing the xxx/1.4 lenses.

[Killakoala]

Wombeyan caves acces is dirt, but OK with a non-off road vehicle. (It was last time i went there in 1988-something

Besides, how many city-clickers would be willing to take their 'off-road' vehicles, off-road, on their way to Jenolan caves There's no dirt between Mosman and Jenolan.

Sounds like a great idea and i would like to put my name forward as one who will come along, subject to work commitments of course.

[brembo]

Sounds like a great idea, but I only have my lowly A80 and no tripod Still saving the requires pennies for a dslr etc.

Maybe if there's a second opportunity to get out to the caves.

[birddog114]

Please join in with the date which suits yourself so we can make one suitable for everyone.

My say is somewhere end of Feb.05, cos we have couple meets with Photoshop Demonstration in early Feb.

[gstark]

Gary, you might be right. I could have been thinking of Wombeyan Caves that had unsealed roads leading in.... or maybe it was going the 'other' way ie. heading east from Bathurst.

Well in any case, that's good news. Fantastic stretches of road too - the tight windy stuff (or have I suffered a memory mismatch again).

Wombeyan is certainly dirt, but even coming in from Bathurst, taking the main route you'll still be turning south of the GWH onto the road that comes across the Cox's River and then to the caves.

There is a southern route in, and I suspect it's that one that you're thinking of; it will certainly be dirt.

Both routes do have a few twisty bits in them, though, but the primary route for most of us will be fully paved and fairly easy driving.

And a whole lot of fun in something like the GTV.

For those wanting the full weekend away ... I'd be suggesting overnighting either at the Caves Resort (not cheap, IIRC) or else in either Blackheath or Katoomba.

Further, if the day's exploration is not going to be finishing until 7-ish, perhaps a Sunday night overnighter might be in order as well.

[Coolhand]

I like the idea of a bus, this would be almost a minimeet given the time it takles to get there and back and depending on the numbers interested may evenb be a good idea for a group photo unless that violates peoples need for anonimity! How about bringing family esp little ones?

[birddog114]

It seems to me this D70Users always want to outing! Happy always I'm.
We're doing good planning for the next event after the pinic day 22/1.

I've just off the phone with Poon, he asked me when will the mini meet at HKG happens?

[sheepie]

PLEASE don't make it the last weekend in Feb, as we've already got a camping trip organised!

My vote is mid-March, would be a broken man if I miss this one!

May even have a 50mm 1.8 by then (definately won't have the 1.4).

[phillipb]

I seem to remember from one of our meetings at birddog that someone - I think it may have been Joet - knows someone who can supply vintage busses at a good price, may be worth considering.

[birddog114]

I like the idea of a bus, this would be almost a minimeet given the time it takles to get there and back and depending on the numbers interested may evenb be a good idea for a group photo unless that violates peoples need for anonimity! How about bringing family esp little ones?

A bus ideas is the one to save all the trouble of driving forth and back!
Family are all welcome! say another pinic day or workshop at Jenolan Caves.

[birddog114]

I seem to remember from one of our meetings at birddog that someone - I think it may have been Joet - knows someone who can supply vintage busses at a good price, may be worth considering.

I think we need a modern coach with A/C and other facilities on board so everyone will enjoy the trip. Vintage bus might not be able to climb up the pass at Jenolan Caves.

[Coolhand]

should try and make it an early one and I like the idea of not getting back after 7pm, young kids etc

[skippy]

Sounds great, I'm in! My vote is for mid-March.

Next question, do I take the car or the bike? Maybe I could prevail on someone's generosity to meet me somewhere between Hornsby and the twisty bits and take my gear in their car?

Last time I went to Jenolan caves I remember a godawful stink coming from the brakes as I pulled up at the arch going into Caves House. Felt very self-conscious going through the enclosed area with that stink wafting up from the front of the car...

[gstark]

Sounds like a great idea, but I only have my lowly A80 and no tripod Still saving the requires pennies for a dslr etc.

I wouldn't be worried about the lack of a DSLR. If you want to be a part of it and the date fits in, then do it.

My say is somewhere end of Feb.05, cos we have couple meets with Photoshop Demonstration in early Feb.

I'm thinking March because, as you say, we already have the PS workshops in February. We need to work around the Melbourne GP of course, but that's the first weekend, hence my earlier suggestion of either the 13th or 20th.

That date also allows us to include Sheepie.

As to the need/desirability of a bus ... I'm thinking let's get the date organised first, and deal with logistics afterwards.

[birddog114]

I'm in for mid of March.

[gstark]

I like the idea of a bus, this would be almost a minimeet given the time it takles to get there and back and depending on the numbers interested may evenb be a good idea for a group photo unless that violates peoples need for anonimity! How about bringing family esp little ones?

A bus ideas is the one to save all the trouble of driving forth and back!
Family are all welcome! say another pinic day or workshop at Jenolan Caves.

While yes, family are welcome, we must be mindful of the maximum numbers permitted, as stated within Nigel's initial posting.

[stubbsy]

I'm keen to go on this despite the logistics of getting there from Newcastle so put me down - I can make it any Sunday in March (excpet Easter SUnday which I figure is out anyway).

[Geoff]

Wow..what a fantastic idea, I'm in for mid march but not the 19th as I'll be helping a good friend with a wedding shoot...oh how I desperately want to get to this meet! I will watch the thread with enthusiasm!


Geoff.

[Geoff]

Sounds great, I'm in! My vote is for mid-March.

Next question, do I take the car or the bike? Maybe I could prevail on someone's generosity to meet me somewhere between Hornsby and the twisty bits and take my gear in their car?

Last time I went to Jenolan caves I remember a godawful stink coming from the brakes as I pulled up at the arch going into Caves House. Felt very self-conscious going through the enclosed area with that stink wafting up from the front of the car...

If I can go on the designated date, I am more than willing to help you out skippy!

Geoff.

[Mj]

At the min... mid-march sounds like a great idea for this one.
The weather should be just nice about then for the location.

Let's talk more at the up and coming meets and see how we might make this one happen !!!

cheers,

Michael.

[skippy]

Sounds great, I'm in! My vote is for mid-March.

Next question, do I take the car or the bike? Maybe I could prevail on someone's generosity to meet me somewhere between Hornsby and the twisty bits and take my gear in their car?

Last time I went to Jenolan caves I remember a godawful stink coming from the brakes as I pulled up at the arch going into Caves House. Felt very self-conscious going through the enclosed area with that stink wafting up from the front of the car...

If I can go on the designated date, I am more than willing to help you out skippy!

Geoff.

Ta! Two birds with one stone! No, not that one...
Bike and pics on one day would be a wonderful combination.

[birddog114]

Ok, So we will make it on the 13th March 05 for Jenolan Caves meet and workshop.

Optional to overnight on the Saturday 12th March, costing and available of accomodation to be advised and confirmed.

Optional of travelling by bus or your own car

Please tell me the number of person/ member, who's going to participate

We have to make a certain date and number of person, for Nigel to work it out with his management to organize the excursion, workshop.

[gstark]

Ok, So we will make it on the 13th March 05 for Jenolan Caves meet and workshop.

I'm comfortable with that date, but I think we should wait for Nigel to confirm that it's an acceptable date with the Trust.

[Hlop]

Optional of travelling by bus or your own car

Please tell me the number of person/ member, who's going to participate

We have to make a certain date and number of person, for Nigel to work it out with his management to organize the excursion, workshop.

13 of March sounds great. Can I participate? How many persons is possible to take with me?

[W00DY]

Ok, So we will make it on the 13th March 05 for Jenolan Caves meet and workshop.

I'm comfortable with that date, but I think we should wait for Nigel to confirm that it's an acceptable date with the Trust.

Very sensible idea

I am free any weekend in March and if we don't organise a bus can take 4 other people in my car. I live in the Hills area and I know Onyx and MJ are the same so we might have to get some car pool happenign if we don't get the bus.

Cheers,

W00DY

[birddog114]

Optional of travelling by bus or your own car

Please tell me the number of person/ member, who's going to participate

We have to make a certain date and number of person, for Nigel to work it out with his management to organize the excursion, workshop.

13 of March sounds great. Can I participate? How many persons is possible to take with me?

At this early stage, you can quote how many person you want to bring with you, I have to work out with Nigel to see how many people can we have at this trip.
So far, I have good respond on this but did not have the figure of the total number of people want to come, please clearly state your proposal of number of people.

[Matt. K]

Count me in. Sounds like a great idea!

[W00DY]

At this early stage, you can quote how many person you want to bring with you, I have to work out with Nigel to see how many people can we have at this trip.
So far, I have good respond on this but did not have the figure of the total number of people want to come, please clearly state your proposal of people.

Birdy,

I am in for 1 please.

My family went to the caves only a couple of months back and I really can't recommend it if you have small kids. We were told that the Orient cave was suitable for a 2 year old and I can confirm it is not!!! I had to carry him for the entire time.

Anyway, Yep I'm in, Just me

W00DY

[Hlop]

At this early stage, you can quote how many person you want to bring with you, I have to work out with Nigel to see how many people can we have at this trip.
So far, I have good respond on this but did not have the figure of the total number of people want to come, please clearly state your proposal of people.

Aw... Me + 2 more persons (my partner and her daughter) if possible. If it's too many, would be great to have younger one with me - she's photographer too and she's got Nikon Coolpix 4100 and a little tripod

We can go by our car or by bus (if we're going to get one)

[birddog114]

At this early stage, you can quote how many person you want to bring with you, I have to work out with Nigel to see how many people can we have at this trip.
So far, I have good respond on this but did not have the figure of the total number of people want to come, please clearly state your proposal of people.

Birdy,

I am in for 1 please.

My family went to the caves only a couple of months back and I really can't recommend it if you have small kids. We were told that the Orient cave was suitable for a 2 year old and I can confirm it is not!!! I had to carry him for the entire time.

Anyway, Yep I'm in, Just me

W00DY

Woody,
Haven't you seen few pics from MHD about his climbing trip in NZ, Louise with their baby, I know you can have two kids on your hand and the D70 as well, come on guy!

[W00DY]

Woody,
Haven't you seen few pics from MHD about his climbing trip in NZ, Louise with their baby, I know you can have two kids on your hand and the D70 as well, come on guy!

Yeah I saw the photos and was very impressed with Louise!!!!

Problem at the caves is you are in a very confined (and at times slippery) space and Sarah was carrying the little one in a carrier so I had to carry the boy normally, very difficult when you have a squirming 2 year old

W00DY

[sheepie]

I would imagine there is no issue with Family members coming, even if they have to join a 'public' tour of the caves seperate to our own.

Can we confirm this please Nigel?

What facilities are there for BBQ/Picnic?

[nigels]

Hi all.

Sorry to be so long in replying, I actually had a fairly early night.

I will check the date, March 13th and get back to you today, but looks good, it will only be a major event that could cause a problem.

As far as numbers go, it certainly doesn't matter how many goes down, it's the cave restriction that is the problem. My initial thoughts are, the employed guide could say go with one group of 15 and I could go with the other. Perhaps even we could do say 6 caves between the 2 groups, 3 each.

As far as the roads go, after 100 years, both routes to Jenolan are finally sealed.

I am sure we can find a spare tripod for someone who hasn't got one.

You can most certainly use your photographs for whatever purpose you wish, however you must get permission from the Trust if they are to be used for commercial purposes.

Regards
Nige

[gstark]

Nigel,

Thanx again for taking the initiative on this.

Could you please PM me when you have confirmation of the date? I'll then start a new (sticky) thread for people to register their {serious) interest in the outing, and we can thereby gather the numbers that w need to manage it.

[W00DY]

Nigel,

Thanx again for taking the initiative on this.

Could you please PM me when you have confirmation of the date? I'll then start a new (sticky) thread for people to register their {serious) interest in the outing, and we can thereby gather the numbers that w need to manage it.

Incase I miss the "serious" thread (as I am going away next week) still count me in for 1.

W00DY

[brembo]

If it's on during March you can count me in, anything in Feb/April is a write off for me.

Havent seen the caves since I was a little takka so I look forward to it.

[nigels]

G'day everyone,

Just to answer someones earlier query, flash is fine to use in the caves.

Also, small issue re the 13th March. It's the weekend of the Six Foot Track marathon. Although this is run on Saturday it will have some residual effect on the Sunday. The Trust is having a special promotion on the weekend and secondly Cave House may well be booked out on Saturday night as many competitors and supporters take the advantage of staying. Also of course Saturday night would be very busy at the House.

Please note however, that if this is the date that most people prefer, we can work around the other issues most satisfactorily.

Other suitable dates are 27th February or March 20th. Otherwise with Easter and school hols, it wouldn't be until early May that Jenolan would be relatively quiet.

Although, as I have previously mentioned we can work around the 13th March without a lot of problems.

Thanks guys
Nige

[birddog114]

Nigel,
Thanks for updated infos.

[Finno]

I would love to be involved in this! Thanks!

[birddog114]

I would love to be involved in this! Thanks!

Finno,
Where about you're? if you're in Sydney or NSW region, more welcome!
Interstate members need to arrange accomodation and flight.