Hey Matt! Great report, sounds like you had a blast!
It's a great feeling once you see that small line of stars, you just know they are pointing straight to M104 and then, WOW! My first time seeing it on Sunday night, very exciting indeed
As Suzy said, it will change from night to night. My experience was a really rubbish view in my 10mm eyepiece but as bright as a star with a thin fuzzy line through it in my 25mm.
Let's hope this weather clears up! Your excitement is infectious!