Monday, October 02, 2006
"I've Been Everywhere, Man, I've Been Everywhere"
Well, not quite, but, thanks to the kindness of my fellow amateurs who've had me visit their clubs and star parties as a speaker over the last couple of years, I've covered quite a few miles back and forth across the good, ol' USA. I'd never been to the Pacific Northwest, though, not until Herb invited me up for their yearly shindig, "The Anacortes Telescope and Wild Bird 2006 Optics and Imaging Expo," that is. I'm pretty sure y'all have heard of Anacortes, since they are one of the country's premier astronomy dealers, but did you know they have a big astro-get-together each year?This is an event the above-mentioned Herb (York), the owner, chief cook, and bottle-washer at Anacortes and also the legendary Astromart, holds every annum. It's a mini-star party, but also an equipment show that features astro-speakers and manufacturer's representatives.
What can I say other than "a good time was had by all"? Yeah, the flight from Possum Swamp to Seattle's Sea-Tac is a long one with three plane changes, but all was well when I finally arrived at the airport. I was soon picked up by Herb's son, Ray, and taken to my nice (and very scenic) motel. Good time? Yeah, I know I had one, starting Friday night when I finally got to try some of that justly famous Seattle-area microbrewery output over a big steak with Herb, wife Paula, and several of his other guests at a joint so trendy Unk felt outa place--well, till he'd quaffed a pint. Yeah, the brew was a little different from the Dixie Beer your Uncle usually favors, but right good I'd say. Certainly didn't have a problem downing a few.
One of the greatest things for me, living down here in our Astro-dealer deprived wilderness, was the opportunity to look at and fondle the latest beaufiful astro-stuff. In addition to a big, new RCX from the Meadesters, I was able to check out the beautiful scopes from Takahashi. You know, every time I get a look at those lustrous mounts and OTAs I start thinkin: "Man! That's for me! Takahashi Mewlon, here I come!" Course, a few days later I come back to reality with "Too rich for my blood." So it goes. Sigh. I reckon I do have Takahashi tastes; too bad your old Uncle has a Meade and Celestron pocketbook.
And there was more cool stuff. Like a new Maksutov Newtonian, the David Levy Comet Hunter. This 6-inch f/4.8 scope, which sports a lovely carbon-fiber tube and a high quality focuser, is indeed a thing of beauty. The example on the showroom floor had been autographed (on its tube) by David himself.
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Anacortes Telescope and Wild Bird is a great place to find telescopes and other optics and the customer service is amazing. It's no wonder they have been in business for almost 20 years!
And yes, the clouds do tend to move in fast around here, no matter what time of year.
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And yes, the clouds do tend to move in fast around here, no matter what time of year.
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