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The wait is over. Here is the convoy for tomorrow morning. My apologies to the W/L ... as you all have a drive in any case we could not extend for one and not all. We will use Carnity radio channel 6 (please make sure you program the radio tonight) Happy Muharram - let's make it a great one tomorrow.

Dear Desertnauts. A few important info about tomorrow's drive. FIRST - Please note the new meeting point is the following: https://maps.app.goo.gl/5nVsM5gJRN6EYMWP8 This is just a couple hundred meters further ahead than the old one, and on the left side of the tarmac (in the direction of Solar Park). The location has been changed due to the ongoing roadworks next to the original meeting point. Once you'll reach, line up according to the arrangement below: CONVOY ONE - with Ale Vallecchi will be made of: @Zixuan Huang - Charlie @Mahesh Khatry @Alexanderrr @Nibu Venu @Ferl Brown @Tom V @Pieter Potgieter @Ajit John @Ramandbx (please confirm) @Rsjiv Samuel, and @Islam Soliman with @MUHAMMAD Kashif RAZZAQ in support PLEASE LINE UP JUST NEXT TO THE TARMAC, ON THE LEFT SIDE OF THE ROAD (look out for oncoming vehicles while crossing). This convoy will be on Carnity Channel #1 (446.006) CONVOY TWO - With @Gaurav will be made of: @kiranshinde @Joji varghese @Savio Fernandes @Adam James @Damien Ranjit @Gilbert Khalil @Naim Aoun @munkybizness @Hilal Sharafudeen @Richard Franks @topgear, and @varunmehndiratta in support. PLEASE LINE UP TO THE LEFT OF CONVOY 1 (MORE AWAY FROM THE TARMAC) , ALSO ON THE LEFT SIDE OF THE ROAD (look out for oncoming vehicles while crossing). This convoy will be on Carnity Channel #2 (446.031) Once reached the meeting point, and verified you are with the right convoy, please start deflating. Each convoy will be briefed separately by myself and Gaurav, and we'll move a few minutes apart from each other. The drive will take us in search of water (or remnants of it), first in the southernmost parts of Qudra, south of the bike track, then slowly northward, toward the more technical areas of central Qudra, and eventually west, closer to the Bab al Shams road. We expect to exit at the manmade Qudra Lakes, just next to the Last Exit. We have prepared an itinerary of just under 60 Km, so we'll focus on more open terrain, to practice mostly side sloping, and straight crossing. Looking forward to seeing all of you tomorrow. Enjoy the end of the short week.

@Niki in case family permit is denied, here's the 3rd best option 👇🏻 all you need is an iPad from your bed 😁

darren thompson @darren thompson Tareck @Tareck Alain Canivet-Abikhalil @Alain Canivet-Abikhalil Watteau @Watteau Ishraque @Ishraque Larry Cadden @Larry Cadden Will Seivewright @Will Seivewright Javier Lucero @Javier Lucero If there's even the slightest chance you won't make it, please do keep in mind that there are 5 club members who will be happy to take your place and very disappointed if tomorrow morning you're a no show. Thanks in advance on their behalf.

This underpass has opened again. I've used it a few times already when we went to @Gaurav his Pink Rock Drive 2 weeks back.

Here is the convoy numbering for the SECOND Convoy. We will use Radio Channel 2 In case of any emergency you can reach me at 050 5258706 @kiranshinde, @Joji varghese @Savio Fernandes @Adam James @Damien Ranjit @Gilbert Khalil @Naim Aoun @munkybizness @Hilal Sharafudeen @Richard Franks @topgear @varunmehndiratta Gaurav Silver Pajero munkybizness White Y61 Patrol Joji varghese Black Fortuner 2.7 kiranshinde White Y62 Patrol Savio Fernandes Grey Y62 Patrol Hilal Sharafudeen Silver Y62 Patrol varunmehndiratta Grey Wrangler LWB Damien Ranjit Silver Pathfinder R51 Adam James FJ Cruiser Gilbert Khalil Black FJ Cruiser Naim Aoun Grey Wrangler LWB Richard Franks Red Wrangler LWB topgear White FJ

Dear @Russ, @Alain Canivet-Abikhalil, @Sunil Mathew and @Chinthaka Ruwan the drive is now open. You can add yourselves to the drive. Thanks.

@Ranjan Das @Anoop Nair @TT_Dubai @Sunil Mathew @Zixuan Huang - Charlie Just a quick update - all of you are on W/L and all of you are on 2nd drive. I'm afraid that to be fair to everyone it's an all or no-one decision as far as confirming the W/L. We have a 10 car convoy at the moment and for the terrain that's plenty, so I am afraid that unless we get another drop out during the day, we will not extend the convoy this time. I'll keep you updated on this through the day, and apologize in advance for the potential disappointment. At least all of you have another drive over the weekend.

Hi, i am confirming for tomorrow's drive. Looking forward.

Hi @Joseph Sebastian - no worries, I'm always happy to help Please see below for my answers: 1. The Milky Way is only visible in the Northern Hemisphere from about February/March to November, but the best time to see it in its glory is from late April to early August because the core - that bright amazing chunk in the middle - is visible for longer. Also, the time of year will dictate the angle at which we see it. You can see the photos I've attached here, courtesy of PhotoPills (an amazing if not slightly complicated app and super-comprehensive website that helps you plan lots of sky-related photography). 2. You can google and find some amazing videos that help you with post-production of Milky Way shots in both Photoshop and Lightroom. Just google "how to edit Milky Way photos" and you will get an endless list of articles and videos. The one you choose will depend on your comfort level of using the mentioned software. I would recommend that you watch a few and then decide . Just remember that the workflow will not always be the same for everyone; it will depend on what you're able to get straight out of the camera to work with as well as your personal tastes, so you can use what you find online as a guideline. 3. In one word: RAW! Even if you are a hobbyist looking for a nice shot, I would highly recommend shooting in raw. If you don't want to shoot in raw at any other time (though I think you always should ) it's an absolute must when it comes to astrophotography. Your camera will pick up many more details than you realize, which will need to be brought out in post-processing. Remember I said there isn't a single MW shot out there that isn't edited. If you shoot in jpeg, your camera will automatically make a lot of editing decisions that you won't be able to reverse in post, which means you'll limit your editing options. Again, this is always true, which is why it's a good idea always to shoot in raw, but it's especially true when you think more editing might be needed, and that's always the case with MW photos. I hope that helps! Please feel free to ask if you have any more questions. Here's hoping for clear skies, a great meteor show, excellent photos and lots of fun !

I would say that’s 7 mins extra in the sleep pit, thanks Fred.

Yes @varunmehndiratta (and all drivers) the meeting time is 5:30 AM. The sunrise is at 5:51 AM and light will break at 5:27 AM, so no need to meet too early.

So was reading right ...was bit late than usual so thought better to confirm. 👍👍

Hi. Confirming tomorrow's drive. Hi. Confirmed fir tomorrow. Thanks.

Hi @Islam Soliman I will attend this one as well as the afternoon one ...lets see how it goes

Hi @Islam Soliman Change of plan, I will not attend this drive finally. I opted for the afternoon drive instead.

@Niki horrible news! Was looking forward to a catch up after so many months! Still, you should grab a chair and drive out to Razeen ❤️ it's a one-hour-ish drive and it's going to be the most spectacular place to see the show anyway 🤩!

Hey bro @Niki all is not lost, i've heard people apply for movement permit for Thursday night/Friday midnight 12-5am and was approved. Try these if you still have the spirit: 1. Download Abu Dhabi Police app, click Favorite Service > Add, search for Movement Permit. Then fill in the details, important is correct phone + correct license plate. Sample screenshot below. 2. Go to Al Quaa Milky Way Spot here https://goo.gl/maps/QFTzWKW1h7QK3gpx6, it's gonna be 1.5hrs drive so plan ahead. Go a bit deeper further where the sedans won't park next to your car, but don't go deep into the desert, I can tell you Al Quaa is full of technical & bowls 😂 3. Decide afterwards whether you want to camp until 5am, or you want to use your permit and go home ☺️ AD Police app: Al Quaa Stars taken from Normal iPhone: (tells you the very small amount of light pollution there)

Convoy Numbering 1. Srikumar - Lead 2. Jacob - Second Lead 3. Amith 4. Ayaan Sharif 5. John 6. Hasan 7. Shereen 8. Erik 9. Ashique 10. AlexM 11. Mustafa 12. Naveen Raj 13. Karthikeyan 14. Josh T - Sweep We shall be using Carnity Channel 3 (446.056.25) tomorrow. For those who are joining us for the first time, I shall be carrying spare radios with me, if needed. The meeting point has been updated on the drive post as well as the calendar. My number incase of emergency is 055-9567471 and I shall be there at the meeting point by 6:15 AM. Due to movement restrictions in AD till 5 AM, we are having a late start of 6:30 AM. But if you can reach the meeting point earlier it would be great as we can then push off faster to drive more during the cooler time of the day. See you tomorrow morning.

@samamara apologies to you and rest of the gang for hijacking this thread for some more general photo tips. But a couple of quick ones hopefully should be useful info for the others also.... 1. Is there a preferred season in our UAE area for milky way shots as in clear sky or aesthetic view of MW itself (you mentioned october but does it extend into the winter?) 2. As you mentioned post editing is critical. Can you link to any useful website or FAQ for workflow to edit night sky/ high signal noise pics in PS or similar software 3. last one! Any benefit you see in shooting/ editing from RAW data as opposed to in camera processed JPEG, This question is from a hobbyist perspective and not aiming for professional/ large size prints etc Thanks (and hoping for a clear sky tomorrow night as well)

Thanks @Ale Vallecchi, done!

OK - that's good news and saves a big detour @Watteau

@Anish Srequest to be added as a first drive , returning after a 3 month gap

Thanks for confirming @Ramandbx, I have added you to the drive calendar.

Hi. Confirmed fir tomorrow. Thanks. Hi @Ale Vallecchi have confirmed my status earlier. New to the forum so don't know of I am on or not. Thanks

Hi @Ale Vallecchi @Gaurav noted that meeting time is bit later than usual around 5:30am. Hope that's the final time and I didn't miss any notes. Also for clarity this is meeting time or starting time.

@munkybiznesscongrats bro

Great - looking forward it!

@Sunil Mathew @Alain Canivet-Abikhalil you are confirmed for this drive. Pls let me know if there is any change in ur plan

@munkybiznessCongratulations & Well Done Mayank. Enjoy the new level!

Thank u @Gaurav and @Frederic… Happy and excited to take next step in the journey of learning….

Hello @Ramandbx. I am about to close the drive for good. Do you wish to participate, or can I let another member in? Thanks a lot for your prompt reply. Hi @Zixuan Huang - Charlie. I can sign you up if you wish to confirm. Thanks a lot.

@Tareckthe rsvp is already full and we have 1 on waitlist before you. I would not be able to confirm till Thursday because some drop out at the last minute.

Well done @S Jacob !

Congrats Buddy !

@Zed this is amazing info!! I am with the family and sneaking out may be a challenge however I plan to apply for the permit and see what I can get away with Thursday night! What stunning pic you captured and that is the dream spot!! Again, many thanks for sharing this and if I manage to pull it off I owe you!

@Probir Mukherjee you have been added to the drive. Please confirm the same. The waitlist priority is as follows: 1st - @topgear - 2nd weekend drive

Yes i want to join, if there is space.

Yes dear, am ready for the drive 🤝🤝

Hi, after inspecting I see I got both rear and front hooks.

Hi @Islam Soliman, I had issue with my vehicle in the last week's drive, hence I took it to the garage and replaced few things that were suspected cause of the issue. received my vehicles yesterday but I feel the same issue still exist and needs my car to go back to the garage. Unfortunately, I won't be able to join you in this drive. See you soon!

Hi @Ale Vallecchi, I'd like to join the drive if there is still space

Thanks for this reply. Please check the rear towpoint for the car. We cannot use a towing ball as a tow point. We do need a proper towing points both front and rear and will be checking before we leave, so to avoid disappointment, please make sure that the points are accessible and look something like this.

Some further assurances here, @Gaurav Dubai Astronomy Group is hosting an event atop Jebel Jais on the night of the 12th: https://dubaiastronomy.com/events/perseids-meteor-shower-2021/ Mleiha Archaeological Centre (as part of the Sharjah Tourism) is also hosting a viewing party on the night of August 12th: https://www.visitsharjah.com/sharjahsummer/categories/activities/catch-the-perseids-meteor-shower

Good evening. Hope all is well. What’s the meeting location for the drive? Thanks. Not finding the link in the description.

Hi @Kailas please take me off the WL as well planning to join Fredric for Lens club the night before so won't be able to join.

@Gilbert Khalilyou have been added to the drive. @Aaliyah Mohammed you are next on the waitlist.

Hi mohammed possible to share your whole dash cam video with me…its nice video please? You can share on we trasnfer if its big file?