[uwahl (Ulrich)]

Great sky at Bretti and good company. Some frustration at my lack of imaging success (third session) but am making progress. The trip was somewhat spoiled by a cow who early this morning decided to charge my mount! By the time I got out of the van the mount was on the ground and the animal had its head under the tarp still banging into the mount.

External inspection revealed that both motor covers (plastic) were cracked. but no other obvious damage. I won't be able to have a look under the hood to see if there is any internal damage until tomorrow - just arrived back home. The EQ 8 tripod and mount head is a solid piece of kit - if it had been a dob or if I had the optics on the mount the damage would have been considerable.

A rethink re telescope security is needed. Star pickets and fencing wire? rifle? grenade launcher? I'm up for all out cow war right now!