What do you do at Night

Submitted: Tuesday, Jun 18, 2013 at 18:30
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We just got back from a nice couple of days camping on our own. And normally when it is just the wife and myself, we play a game after dinner, but if we are in a group we socialise.

When we had the kids with us we would always play a game with them like uno, scrabble etc.

Since it has just been us we have for the last few years played Rumikub,

What do others do when they are on their own?

Alan
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Reply By: Gone Bush (WA) - Tuesday, Jun 18, 2013 at 18:52

Tuesday, Jun 18, 2013 at 18:52
We sit outside, weather permitting, and count the satellites.

I'm glad I ain't too scared to be lazy
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Follow Up By: Alan S (WA) - Tuesday, Jun 18, 2013 at 19:20

Tuesday, Jun 18, 2013 at 19:20
Haven't tried that, I may suggest that next time
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Follow Up By: Member - MUZBRY(Vic) - Tuesday, Jun 18, 2013 at 19:28

Tuesday, Jun 18, 2013 at 19:28
Gday
We do the same as Gone Bush , but we also do a fare bit of "exagerating" as I am usually with my sons .



Muzbry
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Follow Up By: Member - Arsenal Phill - Tuesday, Jun 18, 2013 at 19:29

Tuesday, Jun 18, 2013 at 19:29
GB, I thought we were the only ones that did that!!! LOL. We play a point for satelittes and two points for shooting stars.
Other than that we are keen card players and inevitably end up playing a game called frustration. Its an excellent card game and can be played by any number of players. As everyone else we endulge in a few bevvy's whilst we play....... is there anything better????
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Follow Up By: Gone Bush (WA) - Tuesday, Jun 18, 2013 at 19:49

Tuesday, Jun 18, 2013 at 19:49
I have an iPhone app called "Satellites". I haven't used it yet, but it will tell you all about the satellites and where they are in the night sky.

I'm still waiting to see one turn 90 degrees.

I'm glad I ain't too scared to be lazy
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Follow Up By: Member - Murray R (VIC) - Tuesday, Jun 18, 2013 at 21:30

Tuesday, Jun 18, 2013 at 21:30
GB
Awhile back when the space shuttles were flying, I was with a mate who was into satellites and we saw the shuttle dock with the space station. He knew exactly the time and where to look, first was the space station moving across the sky then he said look behind it and you could see the shuttle catch up and dock with the station.Won't see that again.

Murray
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Follow Up By: Gone Bush (WA) - Tuesday, Jun 18, 2013 at 21:54

Tuesday, Jun 18, 2013 at 21:54
Murray, that would have been the coolest thing.

Jealous....

I'm glad I ain't too scared to be lazy
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Follow Up By: Member - John (Vic) - Tuesday, Jun 18, 2013 at 22:09

Tuesday, Jun 18, 2013 at 22:09
Turn right 90 deg :) LOL
Bet you would crap yourself if that happened.

We also love spotting satellites.

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Follow Up By: Member - OnYaBike - Tuesday, Jun 18, 2013 at 23:14

Tuesday, Jun 18, 2013 at 23:14
Gone Bush has reminded me to look for the app my brother showed me last week when he was up here, it might be the same one. Point your phone anywhere and it showed the stars and constellations you were looking at. I laid the phone on the table and there was the sun, as if you could "see" right through the earth.
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Follow Up By: Hoyks - Wednesday, Jun 19, 2013 at 10:12

Wednesday, Jun 19, 2013 at 10:12
That app is Pocket Universe. It is really good for the few $$, and is updated regularly so you can see the transit of the ISS and it also gives alerts for meteor showers, eclipse and other events.

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Follow Up By: Member - PJR (NSW) - Wednesday, Jun 19, 2013 at 11:15

Wednesday, Jun 19, 2013 at 11:15
As I have not invested in anything remotely like an iPhone or tablet or laptop, does anyone know of something similar on a home PC that we could use to make a spotting plan for when we are away.

Phil
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Follow Up By: landseka - Wednesday, Jun 19, 2013 at 18:02

Wednesday, Jun 19, 2013 at 18:02
Go to www.heavens-above.com free registration and you can see what to expect in your night sky or at any location you input.

Keep an eye out for Comet Ison expected to come into naked eye view in November this year. Comets are unpredictable in their intensity but this could be the most spectacular thing you will ever see in the sky.

Cheers Neil
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Follow Up By: Member - OnYaBike - Wednesday, Jun 19, 2013 at 21:31

Wednesday, Jun 19, 2013 at 21:31
The one I downloaded free today was Google Sky Map. I'm not sure that it gives alerts though but haven't played with it much. Going to Bamaga with three grandkids next week (I know, I'm a glutton for punishment) so will give us something to do at night.
Also installed My Tracks, should be entertaining on walks. I used it walking the dog this afternoon, it recorded the route on a map and told me I did 4.14km in an hour and 38 seconds at an average speed of 4.1 km/hr. The fastest speed was 10 km/hr. Must have been when we had to dash across the road in a break in the traffic. It will be interesting to see how it handles remote locations as far as mapping goes.
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Follow Up By: landseka - Wednesday, Jun 19, 2013 at 21:51

Wednesday, Jun 19, 2013 at 21:51
Gogle Sky Map is excellent to show you the names of what you can see (and can't see) in the sky. It won't tell you when to see 'non static' things in the sky. Satellites, irridium flares, space station passes etc. This is where Heavens-above is great.
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Reply By: SDG - Tuesday, Jun 18, 2013 at 18:55

Tuesday, Jun 18, 2013 at 18:55
Just me and the kids use to sit outside looking at stars, sitting around fire, etc, till about nine, then I sent them to bed, while I read for a while.
Made the mistake last trip, by having a tv and something to power it.
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Follow Up By: Alan S (WA) - Tuesday, Jun 18, 2013 at 19:25

Tuesday, Jun 18, 2013 at 19:25
Yep, the TV destroys the whole feel of camping. Although for a long trip I would consider taking one.

Alan
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Follow Up By: SDG - Tuesday, Jun 18, 2013 at 22:00

Tuesday, Jun 18, 2013 at 22:00
We were gone two months, which is the only reason I considered it.
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Follow Up By: Candace S. - Wednesday, Jun 19, 2013 at 15:10

Wednesday, Jun 19, 2013 at 15:10
I haven't owned a TV for years, so I definitely wouldn't think of taking one camping! ;)
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Reply By: Gronk - Tuesday, Jun 18, 2013 at 19:15

Tuesday, Jun 18, 2013 at 19:15
Drink beer....stare at the fire....stare at the sky.......this is called relaxing !!

Other times we play a game called the 1st thing that pops up...lol....this is called strenuous exercise !!
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Follow Up By: Alan S (WA) - Tuesday, Jun 18, 2013 at 19:19

Tuesday, Jun 18, 2013 at 19:19
Hi Gronk,

we have played that game as well, but not around the fire ;)
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Reply By: Nutta - Tuesday, Jun 18, 2013 at 19:36

Tuesday, Jun 18, 2013 at 19:36
A game thats got the word rum in it, sounds okay to me!
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Follow Up By: Alan S (WA) - Tuesday, Jun 18, 2013 at 20:53

Tuesday, Jun 18, 2013 at 20:53
Unfortunately it usually has lots or wine,port and occasionally tequila
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Reply By: CSeaJay - Tuesday, Jun 18, 2013 at 20:44

Tuesday, Jun 18, 2013 at 20:44
We chat and have card and boardgames with the kids.
Then we put them to bed in a separate tent and we make love. Seriously we have much more and much better sex on camp and in our TVan than at home. One benefit of the TVan is that it is very soundproof, and quite stable (does not wobble).
Well thats the true answer to the original poster's question
Cheers
CJ
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Follow Up By: Alan S (WA) - Tuesday, Jun 18, 2013 at 20:51

Tuesday, Jun 18, 2013 at 20:51
Hi cseajay
As a fellow TVan owner, I know what you mean. But there is a limitation on some athleticism, and I don't know if I could manage a full week long trip like that. I would try though!

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Follow Up By: Dennis Ellery - Tuesday, Jun 18, 2013 at 22:06

Tuesday, Jun 18, 2013 at 22:06
I think that's sickening - you lucky bastard!
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Follow Up By: Member - MUZBRY(Vic) - Tuesday, Jun 18, 2013 at 22:24

Tuesday, Jun 18, 2013 at 22:24
Gday CSeaJay
Does your wife know about that ?


Muzbry
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Follow Up By: Gone Bush (WA) - Wednesday, Jun 19, 2013 at 09:45

Wednesday, Jun 19, 2013 at 09:45
Well done CJ,

I think I'm suffering from HNS.

(HNS: Harvey Norman Syndrome. No interest for 24 months)

I'm glad I ain't too scared to be lazy
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Follow Up By: landseka - Wednesday, Jun 19, 2013 at 18:04

Wednesday, Jun 19, 2013 at 18:04
Be careful CJ, your wife will want to come camping with you if you talk it up like that.
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Follow Up By: Member - Des Lexic - Wednesday, Jun 19, 2013 at 19:27

Wednesday, Jun 19, 2013 at 19:27
You do WHAT in a Tvan. I didn't read about that in the manual/////
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Reply By: mike g2 - Wednesday, Jun 19, 2013 at 00:15

Wednesday, Jun 19, 2013 at 00:15
Hi alan, ..agree with suggestions of sitting about campfire and relaxing, the average person takes quite some time to be able to 'wind down' ... there's a need to do something for quite a while and having bored kids doesn't help. 2 suggestions: get away from or turn off lights, allow 10 mins to night sight adapt and go looking for nocturnal animals ( quietly as possible) . if you can afford it, get night vision device (helps with above). the various games mentioned are obviously ok as is looking for the many satellites and stars above or just kanoodling!. I used to take a 200 channel scanner on trips, its amazing what you can pick up on the airwaves as well.
mg.
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Reply By: Member - PJR (NSW) - Wednesday, Jun 19, 2013 at 08:54

Wednesday, Jun 19, 2013 at 08:54
Talk and just each others company and enjoy the peace and quiet of the bush.

No TV, no computer, no phones, no noisy neighbours or cars doing circles and watch the fire and, as others have already said above, count the stars.

Phil

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Reply By: Mick O - Wednesday, Jun 19, 2013 at 09:40

Wednesday, Jun 19, 2013 at 09:40
Generally, if I’m not repairing a tyre or mending something that’s broken during the day, It’ll be cooking and camp set-up in time to catch the sunset. Then if by myself, it’s time to enjoy the solitude and the night sky. We keep a track of the ISS (Space Station) transits so we know when to look for it cruising stately overhead. Then there may be a bit of route planning and assessment before typing the journal and getting a few bits and bobs ready for the next days adventure.

I'm on a countdown. Only10 days to go and I'm back out west again. Boy this week and a half is dragging!

Cheers Mick
''We knew from the experience of well-known travelers that the
trip would doubtless be attended with much hardship.''
Richard Maurice - 1903

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Reply By: Member - Leanne W (NSW) - Wednesday, Jun 19, 2013 at 10:42

Wednesday, Jun 19, 2013 at 10:42
Hi Alan,
We sit and talk, and usually have a good laugh. We also play 500.
Leanne
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Follow Up By: Alan S (WA) - Wednesday, Jun 19, 2013 at 19:16

Wednesday, Jun 19, 2013 at 19:16
Hi Leanne

I have never been able to follow cards, my wife however is into bridge and other similar games.

Alan
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Reply By: Member - John and Val - Wednesday, Jun 19, 2013 at 11:59

Wednesday, Jun 19, 2013 at 11:59
If we are on our own and we can have a campfire we sit around it after we have had our meal and washed up. We chat, have a cuppa or maybe some port, watch the stars and satellites, go over what we have seen and done that day, maybe plan the next day. If its too cold we go to bed early and read - e-readers are great as you can carry plenty of books without worrying about how much space they take up.

For years we have carried a pack of cards and a small chess set but they have hardly ever been used.

I try to write the diary before dark, but have done it a few times by the light of my head torch. Uploading photos onto the laptop and burning back-up CDs also happens at night.

If we are in a group there is more talk around the fire. Have had some memorable nights when we have got together with others camped nearby (not travelling companions) and swapped travel experiences.



Cheers,

Val.
J and V
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Follow Up By: Allan B (Member, SunCoast) - Wednesday, Jun 19, 2013 at 17:38

Wednesday, Jun 19, 2013 at 17:38
We do pretty much as you Val.
If with companions, chat around the campfire.
If on our own, go to bed early and read. Roz uses the iPad but I prefer paper books. Reading makes me drowsy so it's usually an early night and early to rise. Damn, those early desert mornings can be cold!
Cheers
Allan

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Follow Up By: Alan S (WA) - Wednesday, Jun 19, 2013 at 21:24

Wednesday, Jun 19, 2013 at 21:24
Hi Val
We tend to leave the electronics at home, although I do take the laptop on longer trips but we rarely use it.

Tablets were never on my list until recently I discovered you can actually borrow ebooks from the library so I now are experimenting with ebooks.
A old fashioned board game is a nice way to switch off.
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Reply By: RedCherokee - Wednesday, Jun 19, 2013 at 20:19

Wednesday, Jun 19, 2013 at 20:19
I am surprised no one has mentioned that old favourite. Squabbling about how best to manage the fire! You've all been there I am sure. The endless disagreements about adding wood, or moving logs, or when and where to add more wood.

You need a bit of distraction from watching the satellites and wondering what the heck made that funny noise - are you sure it isn't a dingo?

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Follow Up By: Alan S (WA) - Wednesday, Jun 19, 2013 at 21:17

Wednesday, Jun 19, 2013 at 21:17
No squabbling on my part,if she wants to maintain the fire, she can. I will just offer constructive advice.
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Follow Up By: Member - OnYaBike - Wednesday, Jun 19, 2013 at 21:52

Wednesday, Jun 19, 2013 at 21:52
That fire talk reminded me of my son-in-law's favourite campfire trick - propping a hollow log in the fire and entertaining the younger fry with flame and sparks shooting out the top. Only where it's safe to do so of course.
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Reply By: Robyn R4 - Wednesday, Jun 19, 2013 at 21:09

Wednesday, Jun 19, 2013 at 21:09
Wow.
Those t-vans sound alright!!!

We now have a tv. We got caught by a storm in Innamincka last year. Had no idea it was coming. An 8 hour blast that very nearly totally separated wall from floor on 2 sides. We just had to ride it out in the dark-it was like sleeping in front of a spinnaker! After that, we swore we would keep a track of the weather (ok, so we don't own cutesy iphones, either).
After the weather forecast and day's news, yes, we argue over the campfire's maintenance, too.
If we're in town we eat tea at the local pub-there's always something to learn from a local!
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Reply By: equinox - Wednesday, Jun 19, 2013 at 21:43

Wednesday, Jun 19, 2013 at 21:43
On my own I'll relax for a while, watch the stars, cook some tucker, and maybe drink a few warmies, and plan the day ahead.

More often than not I'll be camped by some beautiful feature so I'll go for a walk with the dog trying to remember which way I came from - the campfire is a good guide back to camp. Write up some diary notes if I have any energy left. Love the sound of a dingo howl at night.

If I'm with others pretty much the same things except more time is spent yapping around the fire and paying out on whomever had the best life experience of the day :)



Cheers
Alan

Looking for adventure.
In whatever comes our way.



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Reply By: GREENDOG ! - Sunday, Jun 23, 2013 at 20:36

Sunday, Jun 23, 2013 at 20:36
Spot the Sats ,and just sit around that camp fire and soak it all in .cheers GREENDOG
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