...yes, everything is nearby, damn it! You quickly got ready and go! Camera, flask, dry socks... Flashlight, GPS not necessary!
In St. Petersburg I quickly went to the bus station, the first bus was at 0730. I got it and paid something like 300 rubles (for 2011) and was there in Novgorod three hours later! You can also take an electric train from Vitebsky station or from Moskovsky station. It's a little longer.
Sleeping is allowed on the train or bus. But in Novgorod - don't sleep at all! Walk, look, absorb! After return home - report. In the form of a report with pictures on some Twitter site. I'll check it later...