[AstralTraveller (David)]

It's that time of year when this astronomer emerges from his summer hibernation and faces the night.

Two weeks ago I observed for the first time since October and now with the end of NightTime Wasting (aka Daylight Saving) the Observing Season is well and truly upon us. To celebrate I've bought a new eyepiece. [Last month the view through the 7mm OU ortho of Saturn was soooo good I've bought the 5mm version.] I've also just done some maintenance on the 25cm GSO dobs. I've cleaned the primary mirror, installed a laser pointer (I can't use that right-angle finder for crude positioning) and put locktight on some bolts which vibrated loose (my old 'Cruiser shakes more than a float at Mardi Gras). And if I wasn't in the market fotr a newer car I'd be after more class glass or some other new toy.

So, my question is: who else experiences this cycle of activity? Is summer full of other things and do 10pm starts put you off? Or do you observe all year round without noticing the passing seasons? Perhaps you even prefer summer? You might eschew cold nights and enjoy mossies?

When do you observe? If you have a seasonal cycle, do you prepare at the start of the season?