The Suttons in Namibia

Sunday, 22 April 2012

John and Ann Sutton are in Namibia where John is guest astronomer for two months at Sossusvlei Desert Lodge which is a small luxury resort within a large private nature reserve.  Although John has been an economist for the past 35 years he was previously a (radio) astronomer.  The isolated location adjoining desert and mountains is excellent for observing the night sky.  Temperatures are a little warmer than Canberra at present and there will be little cloud for the next two months.  It is very dry.  Annual rainfall is about 30 mm.  Springbok, oryx and ostrich are plentiful and we have seen zebra and many others.  The jackals howl every night.  Nearby are extensive giant sand dunes, with some up to 300 metres above the surrounding land.  We can tag along on day trips when there are vacancies.  We have to be careful about how much of all the wonderful food we eat, and are taking long walks.  The ground is very stony and is difficult to run on except on roads.  John is planning courses for the badge event at Ballinafad Creek on 5 August.  After a short safari in Botswana we will be back in Canberra around 25 June.

from John and Ann Sutton

All Stories
NOL Galaxy out of this world Sunday, 27 August 2017 Thanks to all our Red Roos volunteers for hosting a great event - and meteor shower!
Red Roos 2016 End of Year Wrap Tuesday, 6 December 2016 New Head Roo elected
British Coach Joins Red Roos for Six Months Tuesday, 13 September 2016 The Red Roos have the honour of one of the scholarship coaches, Charlotte Watson, joining us for the duration of her time with OACT.
Red Roos End-of-Year Wrap for 2015 Wednesday, 30 December 2015 The Red Roos celebrated their Annual Gathering of members on Sunday 13 December
Red Roos to Celebrate 40th Anniversary at The Pinnacle Tuesday, 10 November 2015 The Red Roos will celebrate their 40th Anniversary in staging the event at The Pinnacle on Wednesday
Rebecca Minty is Fund-Raising for Amnesty Thursday, 16 July 2015 Rebecca Minty will be using her debut marathon to raise funds for Amnesty
16 Red Roos Journeyed to South Australia for the 2015 Australian 3-Days Wednesday, 8 April 2015 16 Red Roos journeyed to South Australia for the 2015 Australian 3-Days and five won medals
Red Roos Head to Tassie for Oceania Championships Friday, 2 January 2015 Around 16 Red Roos are heading to Tasmania for the 2015 Oceania Champs and related events
Zac Needham and Bill Jones Collect Awards at 2014 AGM Sunday, 7 December 2014 Zac Needham and Bill Jones collected the awards at 2014 AGM
Red Roos Roster Requires Reinforcement Sunday, 16 March 2014 Red Roos Roster Requires Reinforcement - ie. there are still some vacancys that need volunteers to fill the void!!
Reorder a Red Roo_O_suit, and run ruggedly round the rocks Monday, 20 January 2014 If there is enough interest, there will be a second order for the new Trimtex Red Roo O-suits.
Red Roos New Orienteering Gear Thursday, 8 November 2012 Red Roos are about to get new Orienteering gear
The Suttons in Namibia Sunday, 22 April 2012 John and Ann Sutton are in Namibia where John is guest astronomer for two months. . .
Red Roos Events 2012 Wednesday, 7 September 2011 The list of Red Roos events for 2012 is now on the Red Roos Events page.
Red Roos Enjoy 2010 AGM at Weston Park Monday, 6 December 2010 Around 30 Red Roos enjoyed their 2010 Annual Gathering of Members at Weston Park in bright sunshine on the evening of Sunday 5 December.
Red Roos Winter Christmas Dinner on 7 July 2010. Thursday, 22 July 2010 The Red Roos converted their monthly gathering into a Christmas in July
Order form for Red Roos O-tops now available!! Saturday, 30 May 2009 An order form for Red Roos O-tops is now available.