Shutting up the Observatory for Winter, once again.

[glend (Glen)]

Yes, I do not appreciate the cold, especially at my advanced years, and even with Wi-Fi connection back to the house, I am not inclined to keep going through Winter any longer. So as with the last few years I pack up all my gear in the observatory and move it into storage in the house - till spring. My mount will last much longer for not being put through Winter condensation cycles. It gives me a chance to do a tear down, lubrication, and belt adjustment, etc.
I will be reinvigorated by Spring.

[Startrek (Martin)]

Glen,

Does the Lake Macquarie have those really cold Winters ?

At times you probably get those westerly’s off the Barrington Tops which bite. My folks ( passed 8 and 10 years ago ) retired up at Forster in 1988 and the Winters , particularly in late July and August were bloody cold at night.

At my Dome down south it usually gets down to around 5 to 8 degrees mid Winter which is not too bad for the region.

Folk say in passing conversations “oh the South Coast is bloody cold down there” I tend to disagree , the Shoalhaven in particular has fairly mild Winters

I can understand you having a Winters break at your young age , you’ve been at this wonderful hobby for a long long time
Me I’m still a newbie , started the hobby at 57 ( 64 now ) so I’ve only got probably 10 to 15 good years left ( pending health ) which is not a long time in this hobby especially when weather and time are against you. Oh and I’ve invested or should I say spent a lot of my retirement savings on this hobby. Gee what will the kids and grandkids do with all this stuff in my later years ??

Enjoy your Winters break

Martin

[Davros (Lauren)]

I'm the opposite 😂 i can't handle the heat and mugginess of summer nights. So i hibernate during summer and really get into it over winter

[xelasnave]

Glen cant you get some heaters and a jacket with heating wires?

It is so much effort moving it all up to the house and back...and as to stuff wearing out I assure you that is not a concern... personally I love to see that the bar be que has rusted out or other stuff has worn out as I say to myself " well I outlasted you" and just replace it...and whats the worst that can happen..you get to buy a new mount.

AND so you are getting old you dont have to give in to the cold you just beat it with new stuff...put in a heated floor

alex