[Allan_L (Allan)]

Despite the difficulties of having to drive on the "wrong" side of the road (as in not the "right" side), with an unfamiliar car and GPS, Karena made it to Mangrove Mountain right on time.

Sunset was nice as we drove to the observing field.
In the East, the Belt of Venus was particularly beautiful alongside the shadow of the Earth.
In the West, the young crescent moon smiling.

We stayed for a few hours. There was a bit of a light dome from Sydney (or Gosford) in the south, that seemed to be brighter than normal.
But eventually the Milky Way stood out, pretty much from horizon to horizon.

There were a few hiccups and learning curve with the equipment, but it was a first time effort and a learning experience.

We also saw Jupiter and Saturn, through my 12 inch Dobsonian. They were crisp and steady and produced the expected WOW factor.

Karena has shared a couple of shots from the evening, and allowed me to upload them for her, as she is using a phone for internet and relying on wifi hot spots for connection.
The Saturn shot was with a hand held camera to the eyepiece of my scope, difficult to achieve is an understatement, but you get the idea.

Sorry no one else could make it.

Nice to meet you Karena, hope you enjoy the rest of your stay.