After spending a nervous Saturday morning gazing up at overcast skies I was relieved to meet 11 AAQ members and guests arrive at the Woolshed Saturday afternoon in time for our guided tour of the historic property. Our tour guide Jerry provided an interesting and informative commentary about life in the wool industry when Australia really did "ride on the sheep's back". As a retired shearer he gave an expert demonstration on the art of removing a sheep's fleece, and judging by the number of camera flashes occuring, was greatly appreciated by our group!

Just before sunset, and under breaking cloud cover, we had a short time to setup our equipment before the dinner bell summoned us to a delicious country cooked evening meal. With a collective sigh of relief we emerged from the dining room to see the cloud retreating to reveal clear dark skies, and relatively mild temperatures. By 9.30 pm the sky was almost totally clear, and Roy Axelsen's Obsession telescope was giving spectacular views of the Virgo galaxies, with the structure of some of these clearly visible. Cheryl and Gina Capra were impressed with the clarity and number of deep sky objects they had previously been unable to see with Cheryl's Meade SCT from their home in Brisbane. Around 12.30 am the last hardy souls called it a night and retreated to the Shearer's Quarters accomodation.

Sunday morning 8.00 am. found us back at the dining room enjoying a hearty breakfast, at which time casual mention was made of a nearby chocolate factory. Despite some initial reluctance from Graham Crossley (Ha! Ha!), a change to the Sunday itinerary was quickly organised. It was a great pleasure to see a group of such restrained and disciplined people sampling the delights of White Mischief Boutique Confectionery!!

By now, running late for dinner at Rimfire Winery, we back-tracked via the Woolshed, and then on to Rimfire Winery to enjoy a generous Winemaker's Barbeque and sampling of their local wines. Prior to making our separate ways home, we agreed that the weekend had been both a great social and astronomical success, with a unanimous call to make it a regular event.

A selection of photographs taken during the excursion are available here.