Saturday, November 8, 2008
AstrOrdinary Camp @ Pulau Ubin
31st October to 2nd November 2008
by Ka Foo
PART 2
The rain did not stopped until 9am on the second day just when one of us decided to pull out. Due to the fact that we do not possess any form of transportation, we are forced to move on foot out to town to rent bikes for further use. After escorting Maziyah to the jetty, we had our lunch at one Ubin restaurant. During the trip back, we received the news that Mooey has been mobilized and has to leave the camp, thus, after we reach the campsite, we have to move out again.
The rest of the day has been uneventful save for the occasional fight between a cock and a wild boar and a few visitors to our campsite trying to ask if there is any path further. The state land sign has been useful in these regards as most of the visitors turn around and go back despite the supposed path drawn on the map.
Another thing to note is that a cat has been wandering around the campsite, which proves to be the best mate I had in this period of total isolation. The guard duty is actually fun with all the experiments that I can do with fire. The chunky meal I had later in the day was great and the night is actually comforting to sleep in.
Later that night, although I could not remember much, Harry arrived and bought us some meal. The rest is just a blur, but only remembering vaguely that Harry and myself slept in the same tent the next morning, with Jinpeng’s scope full of dew.
The third day is just packing up while going to the Changi jetty to meet Mooey again, in which we went all the way back to Admiralty Gardens Community Center and did all sort of off the record activity. Well, I think that’s all for the report, happy to write another one next time.
posted at 11:20 PM
Tuesday, November 4, 2008
AstrOrdinary Camp @ Pulau Ubin
31st October to 2nd November 2008
by Ka Foo
PART 1
In Singapore, we struggle to count stars; In Ubin, we counted meteor like nobodies’ else’s business. Such were the conditions in our beloved observation site in Pulau Ubin. In order to have undisturbed observation sessions, experienced astronomers would normally opt for a night stay in a discreet location in Pulau Ubin, far from any activity that is considered human.
In order to save valuable time, we waited until late in order to go into action as soon as we hit the beautiful little island located in the North-East of Singapore. The boat ride towards the Island has been uneventful, with a Earth-shined crescent moon hanging lazily over the horizon. With little clouds, we expected a night without worry despite the weather forecast, which hinted that we are in for a night.
Cramming our chartered van full of necessary and vital equipment, we began our long and dark journey towards our campsite. The two girls, Maziyah and Elaine were eager to reach their campsite as the scenery has proved to be unsettling. It was eerily dark out there, with ebony silhouette outlining the featureless vegetation. Their first time in Ubin is to experience the shadow of the night, which many will turn in the face of it. We felt a sudden chill as we pass by the cemetery on the slope towards our campsite, maybe perhaps it is due to the turbo-charged air-conditioned unit or maybe it is just us, alone in no man’s land.
Our campsite is surprisingly peaceful compared to the rough dirt path we are force to go through. Everything was the same when we last leave Ubin. The canal, the tree we hang our trash bag, and most importantly, the sign which the meaning that we choose not to comprehend and even to the point of oblivion when other stop at such atrocity. With the tent up in no time, we quickly settle our equipment where a Ka Foo started the campfire. Thanks to the dry wood and the relative abundance of kindling, the fire was up with a gentle glow of embers when it relaxed.
Andromeda galaxy is clear without obstruction that day and the sheer beauty of such wonder that exist marvelled us outside our milky ways. Pleiades and Hades appeared like a pair of giant clusters appearing to be clouds at first glance. The double cluster between Cassiopeia and Perseus is also a delight to see. We waited for the Great Orion to wake up to reveal his full might and glory, with his shield and his club. The Shepherd of Anu, The Great Destroyer, such names do not matter when we are in awe by such a sight. One could not loosen Orion’s belt but one can have a better view using a relatively small scope.
Meteors are frequent that night, with a record number of nine spotted by one of the girls. We lay on the ground mat that we brought with and enjoyed the night sky, counting meteors. We lost track of time and space but I think I retired early with one of the girls that night. I was in a complete oblivion until the storm comes.
The storm has been harsh and fast. The roar of the thunder is loud as it is deafening. We cower in our little tent with nearly everything waterproofed. I slept through, not knowing what is it to feel.
To be continued...
See Camp photos @ 2008 Gallery under Photo section.
posted at 12:25 AM
