by Carl Larson
Going back to work was a challenge today. I found myself wishing I was still at San Antonio, waiting out the day chatting with old friends and new, anticiapating the observing to come.
Just a few highlights of the trip...
Arriving late Thursday afternoon and being greeted by (Mimi?) Wagner with the official CalStar brochure. She had to have run all the way across the field to get to my car before the ignition was off! I don't know many folks (yet) but it was very nice to be personally welcomed.
Jim Turley and Albert Highe asking me to join them at their camp. The first night's dinner shared with Jim ... eatin sausage off the grill with fingers and dipping straight into the jar of mustard - oh yeah!
The successful Swap table. Seeing folks circle round and round the table ... backing off then swooping in for a closer look. Eagle eyes waiting for the next treasure to be added to the table.
My wife Kimiko and our friend Lela contending with the pigs at our campsite Saturday night. The pigs were pushing our little coolers around with their snouts and the two of them spend 15 minutes and a roll of paper towels wiping off "pig slime". A special thanks to an unknown gentleman who help chase the pigs off and then picked up the garbage and emptied it in the dumpster.
Jim T. and myself taking a dip in the lake on Friday afternoon. We certainly didn't look like San Antonio regulars bobbing in the water. Get out the sun glasses!
Albert H. and Guillermo helping me get my 18" collimated and working much better. Many thanks for your help and suggestions.
The camaraderie of my observing neighbors, Jim T. Albert H. and Jamie D. I learned so much from hanging out with experienced observers.
I rarely keep track of my observations but I did this trip. I bagged 25 M objects, 44 NGC/IC. I did a couple aperature comparisons, placing the same object in the field of view of my (swap meet acquired) short tube 80, my homemade 9.25 newt, and the 18" obsession. I did this on M32(galaxy), M15 (glob cluster), and M27 (planetary). It was facinating to take in the differences and appreciate the views that each provided.
The observing highlight of the trip was the view of the Veil in the 18" using Jim T's 31 Nag with OIII filter. It was a true team effort. Jim's idea and eyepieces, Steve S. finding it for us. The structure and brightness of the main arcs were simply awe inspiring. Faint wisps of nebulosity could be seen between the main arcs. An OIII filter is definitely on my "to acquire" list.
All in all a wonderful trip. I just wish I'd been able to meet, chat, and observe with more of you. Special thanks to Jim, Albert, Jamie and Steve for your kindness to Kimiko and Lela.