by Stacy Jo McDermott
While not the extremely warm weather we had last year at this time up at Coe, I loaded extra socks, jackets and my sleeping bag to keep the cold at bay...however, even I, didn't realize just how nippy it would be.
We arrived about 4 PM to take in the drive and sights. I took my time setting up the 6" Hardin Dob as well as yummy munchies to share. Arriving soon after us was Tom Kane and Dan Wright! Later, we had the pleasure of Mr. Jamie, Mr. Wicks, Mr. Matt, Mr. Rob and a few others that I embarrassing neglected to greet.
Venus was in a crescent phase and Mom had not seen that - so out of the (warm) car she got and looked at Venus - very impressed with the crescent shape. Then we swung around to Mars and she was equally ooohhing and ahhings. By this time the wind was kicking up somewhat, providing a constant chill. Mom, who is 82, has started feeling the effects of cold weather on her body so I turned on the engine to keep the heater warm for her. (and my many thanks for youse who were up there understanding!).
I went to revisit Amdromeda and the lovely galaxy therein but due to my rusty star hopping skills (amazing how a few weeks impacts one's skills) I was having a bit of a challenge! After a while, my Mom called me over and asked if we were going to be leaving soon as the heater, while keeping her warm somewhat was not up to what she really needed. She was quite upset that she may have ruined my evening, however that was not the case - yes I was bummed, but so was she as she really likes mooching views through the different telescopes. However, before leaving, she got out one last time to view the beautiful double cluster in Cass through Dan's telescope...as well as taking in M31 in Tom's telescope and viewing through Charlie's very cool & groovy 10" string dob!
On the way down from Coe, she talked about how nice people were, how great it was to meet Jaime again and to meet the others for the first time, how wonderful the views are through the telescopes. She really does "get it" as far as amateur astronomy goes - which is saying a lot for someone who does appreciate nature and all it's splendor but who has no desire for "roughing" it. And I have to say that at 82, she's rather adventurous, but is slowed down by an aging body - a concept that she admits to, but is having a spot dealing with it - she wants to do a lot of stuff and the body, for the most part is willing, but there are times when it is not - like Saturday night with that cold breeze.
We talked about perhaps getting her out here again next summer, when the weather is warmer, for a "luxery" session of stargazing.
While not the stargazign session I had planned, it was a nice day/night out with the parental unit - which I am very grateful for.
Posted on sf-bay-tac Nov 28, 2005 10:29:12 PT
Converted by report.pm 1.2 Mar 16, 2006 20:44:35 PT