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I think the frustrations of this hobby are getting to many, and I am also almost ready to chuck it in. When I first started imaging in the mid 90's with a homemade Cookbook 245 camera I could count on 2-3 nights to image a week. The climate seems to have gotten steadily worse and now I'm lucky to get 1 night a fortnight worth imaging.
My location in Geelong is s a POS. Light pollution is unbelievable (at least Bortle 8, more likely 9)- I have a small section of sky to image from due to it and neighbours second story additions. That and the high mist that seems to come in at around 11pm every clear night and ruins transparency.
If I had my time over, and knowing what I know now, I would never have spent the money I have on this hobby (even though my Mesu mount is absolutely awesome). If I thought I could recoup 2/3 of what I have spent I would sell it all. Unfortunately even good gear, well priced is having trouble selling and I won't fire sale it... I haven't touched my gear since I spent 6 hours of time on a relatively bright object (IC2944) and could barely stretch out any nebulosity.
My only hope is that I can persuade my partner to buy a country property when she retires - if I'm still alive, which may be doubtful as I've had a heart attack at 59, and bypass surgery at 66 :-(
In the meantime I'm going to teach myself to play the ukulele, do some airbrush art, a bit of woodwork (finishing an 8" dob), and possibly do some air rifle target shooting.....
May even dismantle my obs and pack everything it away.
Bit of a rant but the frustration gets to me when this has been pretty much a lifetime hobby ...
Gary
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