FMUKCON 28th March 2015 - Edinburgh

[Yinster]

How is everyone going with looking at bargains etc!

Just wondering how many people are actually coming to Edinburgh just so I can think about a location for us to have the official meet. Of course there are other unofficial things/events we can do especially the star gazing from MrG

[Diane65]

How is everyone going with looking at bargains etc!

Just wondering how many people are actually coming to Edinburgh just so I can think about a location for us to have the official meet. Of course there are other unofficial things/events we can do especially the star gazing from MrG

I've not booked anything as yet but I'm definitely coming There are just 14 who have voted and these are the people who have confirmed - these are the order of confirmed not meaning to put myself on the top there Quite a few others are still thinking - I'm very much an instant decision type of person but I do understand that a lot of people have much busier lives, more commitments etc. so can't just decide like that.

1)Diane65
2)Steve
3)Yogi
4)Yogi's OH
5)Suel3288
6)Suel3288's OH
7)TheyCallMeMrGlass
8)Baty
9)Baty's OH
10)Prettyxcool
11)Prettyxcool's OH
12)Andrews
13)The Fox
14)Jeanelle
15)Jeanelle's OH
16)WeLiveandBreathWords
17)Chelle1973
18)Chelle1973's Mum
19)Yinster
20)Biggins
21)McG

[alythonian]

I am in Edinburgh but can't commit to a date so far in advance, I'm afraid.

Of course, if I'm here I will be around and join in!

[TheyCallMeMrGlass]

Well guys, I've pretty much planned out my trip, booked my accomodation and derived an itinerary for those of you who would like to join me on the Friday for an evening (and if you can get time off work, a day or half day) of touring the scenic coastal town of North Berwick and a tour of the universe through my telescope :)

Initially I was going to stay at North Queensferry but I realise there is too much light pollution there (sorry Chelle )

So I chose North Berwick for four reasons. One, it has relatively much darker skies. Two, its just a half hour train journey from Edinburgh. Three, a return ticket costs £6.80 which I think is cheap but you folks probably will find a way to get even cheaper. And four, its a beautiful looking location and nice contrast to the following day's Edinburgh city excursion.

The place I will be staying is on the coastline, a perfect spot for us to stargaze. We'll be just outside my b&b. Its just 20mins walk directly from the station (1 mile). The last train from North Berwick is 10:26pm. Second to last is 9:26pm. There are also buses back to edinburgh (no, 124) , last one leaves 10:02pm. There is a bench right outside which I will set up the telescope right next to so people can sit down if tired.

Because everyone voted for 28th March, the day before the clock goes forward, the sun will set an hour earlier at 6:45pm which is great! Well done :) This gives us a couple of hours time to tour the cosmos and some time to eat/drink before you guys take the train back.

The only question that remains is when will those of you who will join me, arrive? Regardless of what time you arrive, we'll be walking along the high street then along the scenic coast from which we can see Bass Rock island, featured in many fictional novels including Robert Louis Stevenson's. If any of you like to join me a couple of hours earlier then we can also cover the North Berwick Law a 20 mins climb hill with spectacular views of the sea, Bass Rock, town and even Edinburgh with an ancient ruins fort on top. We can also cover Lodge Grounds, a public gardens centre of town, Scottish Seabird centre, and dine in a local inn etc. Earlier in the day, I will be visiting Tantallon castle, which is a 10-15 bus journey away. If you have a day off, join me for that too :)

Stargazing wise, I already have a tour planned out. It will be a half moon crescent on that night, which is a lovely time to observe its craters. I will also show you galaxies (including Andromeda), nebulas, Jupiter, Mars, Venus, double stars and beautiful star clusters.

Of course, the weather has to be moderately kind to us which it wasnt in Glossop at last years Manchester FMUK convention for us to see the cosmic wonders but always have the coastal town to chill out together in if the clouds are stubborn.


So the only thing I havent booked is my train which I cant do until the dates become available which it seems I have to wait until Decmeber to book. I cant take the plane because my telescope gear is too large (I'm bringing two!)

Bloody hell....7 months to go, lol

[prettyxcool]

Wow! I love it Mr Glass. Your little side trip is a holiday in itself! I am definitely up for it. I am going to take a few days off before and after the FMUKCON to make the most of being in Scotland!

I am also going to take the train, as I have decided it is probably more economical and just as quick to take the train from King's Cross all the way, instead of getting a train to the airport and having to allow for check in time etc, since the station is almost on my doorstep! So now I too have to wait until December for when the tickets become available. Hope there will be more redspottedhanky codes to collect

[Beate]

Are you sure? The train takes 5 hours and last time we did that we had booked in the quiet coach but the more we got towards London the fuller it got and the louder it got! You couldn't even get to the toilet anymore. It was torture. Never again. If I took the train to Scotland now I would try to go First Class at least.

[prettyxcool]

Yes, I worked out that it takes me at least an hour and a half to get to the airport door to door, then allowing half an hour to an hour for check in time, going through security and flight time around one hour and 20 minutes, then taxing on run way, going through security etc at other end, total approx 4-4.5 hours. Train time is 4.5-5 hours, plus 15 minutes walk to the station from home, no security, and no extra cost of fares to airport and back, so I think for me it is a no brainer!

However, I agree the quiet coach is not that quiet!

[TheyCallMeMrGlass]

Wow! I love it Mr Glass. Your little side trip is a holiday in itself! I am definitely up for it. I am going to take a few days off before and after the FMUKCON to make the most of being in Scotland!

I am also going to take the train, as I have decided it is probably more economical and just as quick to take the train from King's Cross all the way, instead of getting a train to the airport and having to allow for check in time etc, since the station is almost on my doorstep! So now I too have to wait until December for when the tickets become available. Hope there will be more redspottedhanky codes to collect

Yay! And exactly my thoughts, give Scotland a little more quality time with its rich character and beautiful landscape so close by. And depending on which way the vote swings, we could be in another country :) I forgot to also mention, there are boat trips to the Bass Rock island we can do, and a feature of North Berwick is the gannet birds colony. I booked 4 nights myself (Thursday to Monday). Just as I did with Manchester FMUK Con, Edinburgh FMUK Con will be my day trip on the Saturday...and of course the main part of our stay with our lovely hosts. I plan to go a couple of other locations and develop my skills in photography/astrophotography. One of them is to visit the other side of Edinburgh, South Queensferry and take the Maid of Forth ferry to Inchcolm island. Perhaps do that on Sunday.

Yeah, plane is always a hassle for me. You missed out time to wait for your luggage on the conveyor belt too! Train much more convenient plus I got an eye on my luggage. Beate makes very valid points and to many, plane is preferable but we all have our different levels of tolerances and preferences.

[steve]

All sounds very good MrG, but is your landlady putting on a spread?

[TheyCallMeMrGlass]

All sounds very good MrG, but is your landlady putting on a spread?

Ha...that's the million chilli con carne question. I did tip her off on my plan to bring guests outside the b&b for the stargazing while I was booking the room, making way for an opportunity for her to perhaps "suggest" such an idea but either she didnt pick up on that opportunity or maybe just not something she could do. She sounds nice though but in all honesty what the Gossop landlady did for us was quite a rarity!