SQL Down Under Code Camp (Again)

I've just noticed that my blog on SQL Down Under Code Camp has vanished without a trace. Therefore, here it is again.

My trip to Code Camp started months before the event as I decided to hire a bus and drive a few of the Canberra User Group members to the event. Well, it turns out that only 2 Canberra members (and me which I suppose means three) decided to take the bus, however I got 7 ring-ins from other States that couldn't get direct flights to Wagga Wagga (Well, that's what they told me. I think they decided to tag along because they recon I'm such a great guy and that the bus trip was bound to be a hoot!).

We set off around Friday lunchtime (as we wanted to get there a day early giving us an extra night of drinking) with a bus load of lollies, chips and liquid refreshment (mainly alcohol) to see us (them as I couldn't drink) through the 3 hour trip. About two hours into the trip, and a couple of cartons later, we stopped off at the "Dog on the Tuckerbox" (see picture below) to stretch the legs and to have a well earned toilet break. We ended up arriving at Wagga Wagga at about 4:30pm. Just in time for a quick shower and a few extra beers before we headed out for dinner.

I was going to write a bit on the intellectual content of the weekend, however I can't remember much. (Must have been the margaritas :-) ). Seriously though, the weekend was absolutely brilliant with top notch presentations and social activities. We were also lucky enough to have all 5 of the Australian SQL Server MVP's present at the event which I understand was a first. If you want to know what was presented, pop across to Crucible's Melting Pot as he has put together one heck of a post on the whole weekend.

Before I show you a few happy snaps, I'd like to say a big thank you to Greg Low for putting the event together and for Charles Sturt University for the venue. Also, to all the presenters, thank you for helping make the inaugural event such a success.

Now for some Kodak moments.......

The Passengers

The Attendees

The Australian SQL MVP's (Presented by Rose Stammell - MS MVP Contact)
(Left - Grant Paisley, Rob Farley, Greg Low, Darren Gosbell and Greg Linwood)

The Mascot

The real reason we attend these events!