Hey Garrybk, 
Ref: Lorries, I use the term to describe Rainbow Lorikeets. I detected some confusion in your reply.
I intend to use my Sky-Watcher 102mm refractor as a spotting scope for my 30 year old son when he and I go on our fishing vacation this summer.
That sounds much like what I would enjoy as well. I happened to be visiting my 25 yr old son in Arizona Feb 2009.
We fished Palmer Canyon Lake. I bagged my first couple of wild Rainbow Trout. Tasty too.
What is so different about East Coast People? I've been to the West Coast twice. L A, Sacramento, Tuscon Sierra Vista, Los Vegas,to name a few. I've found people are very friendly and generous toward Australians.
Afro Americans included. " You are a guest in America, we buy the drinks for you." It happened several times when I frequented the odd bar.
My next visit to the USA I want to see NY and maybe Yellowstone Park.
I understand the weather must be starting to look better for you day by day, now, being April. Bring on Brisbane Winter.
Good to hear from you again.
Cheers Marty