So Winter's coming, and some observing. Hot drink anyone?

Stand on a small piece of padded rug to help keep your feet warmer longer.

Good idea!
I've an old chunk of carpet I was gonna dump.

For me:
Thermal socks and a pair of Vans. (Skateboard shoes are the biz for comfort)
Ski pants. (very loose & comfortable to move around in.)
A vest, 2 loose T-shirts and a light Ski jacket.
And most importantly, a beanie.

The point is
that this gear is all designed to keep you warm & not to restrict your
movement.

I'd usually bring a flask of coffee and some sambos if I was heading
observing with the club.
Last few times I forgot to bring them and I really felt it!
A break with some grub can keep you going till sunrise!

Here is a question, at the WSP I often see people setting up their scopes in the soaking wet grass, why do this??, surely you'd be warmer and dryer on the gravel road ??

At the Society Lunar Group Star Parties, Astronomical Tea (a dash of Whiskey in the Tea) was born,

John

Here is a question, at the WSP I often see people setting up their scopes in the soaking wet grass, why do this??, surely you'd be warmer and dryer on the gravel road ??

It could be because the soil under the grass is full of nice insulating air pockets wheras the road is solid and conducts heat quite well. I remember observing up in cloon wood on the gravel path and I could almost feel the heat being sucked out from me through two thick socks and hiking boots.

I was saved from freezing by John Flannery offering me a car mat he had brought along to stand on.

Michael.

Here is a question, at the WSP I often see people setting up their scopes in the soaking wet grass, why do this??, surely you'd be warmer and dryer on the gravel road ??

My guess is that the best views are away from the trees and buildings Dave?

Some of you offer ideas about keeping your feet warm from the cold damp ground. An outrageous, but clever one, I heard from an old TAS friend of mine was that to stick/tie a sheet of styrofoam to the soles of your feet. You know, the kind of flat piece that might come with a packed fridge or washing machine? Sure, it will be like wearing crazy looking Platform boats, but they are water resistant, and virtually weightless, and thus hardly restrict moving around in the dark (especially in long grass).