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I had the OVAS 10" dob and Don had the Cave 10". For the last few weeks I have been working on the 10" dob to increase performance and I was anxious to give it a test run. I really like the dob concept because it is so simple to set up. I was ready in about 3 minutes, this gives me plenty of time to talk to everyone else and watch their preparations. We got there about 8:30 pm in order for the scopes to cool down. The skies were clear, cool and fairly steady. Temperature 50's sinking into the 40's by midnight. A very slight breeze came up about 11:00 pm. While waiting for full darkness, I tried my new EZ collimator and gave the scope a little tune up before viewing. This collimator makes it a one person job and very easy from the rear of the scope. I tried Polaris first and as usual it was stunning. My new (used) ultrascopic 20mm ep proved very nice on Polaris, I am pleased with the purchase. With my past problems of finding things in Leo, I decided to start there. Found M65,66 easily, this was a better view than I had experienced with this scope. Searched for M95,96,105 - and after a short time, there they are. Moved down to M104 with no problem. Went over to Virgo for M84,86 and lo and behold there were seven galaxies in one view - M84,86, NGC 4438, 4402,4387,4388,4425 - with my 32mm TV. STUNNING. Tried the ultrascopic 20mm on Vega, Castor, Pollux, Albireo, very nice. Moved up to M57 and spent some time looking through the Cave on this object. Went to Epsilon Lyrae to try and split the double double. With some medium power it was possible. Skipped over to M13 to try for NGC6207 as suggested in Sky and Telescope. With the 32mmTV it was in the same view if I moved M13 almost out of view. I didn't know this was there and there are others nearby. I'll get those next session. I spent some time just wandering through Leo and Virgo and with the new changes on the 10" dob there are more galaxies viewable here than I expected. With steady, transparent skies, every time you move the dob a new galaxy comes into view. I can't wait to get my 15" dob up and viewing. By this time it was getting late and since both of us had obligation for the next day, we reluctantly decided to pack up and get some rest. All in all a very productive night for me. Everything just seemed to fall in place. I wish every session could be that easy. Until next time, good viewing. Tim Lester
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