I finally made it out to an "event" last night. I noticed quite a few cars around, but since I got there after dark had set in, I didn't really get a chance to see what everybody had set up. I did speak to one person, named "Jim". The seeing was OK, but not great. I did spend a fair amount of time on M51 enjoying it through my CM1400. The wind was present and did flop my star chart around a bit. When I first arrived everyone was oohing and ahhing about a comet that was located about 5:57H / -13deg. By the time I was set up, it was too low. That's the breaks I guess.
I'll try to get out earlier next time, so I can socialize before dark and not miss the action as the sun sets. Unfortunately a dinner delayed my departure from SJ. clear skies!