Quote:
Originally Posted by ngcles
.... I think you're right Jeff, if you find taking notes etc etc detracts from the experience then the solution for you is simple -- don't take notes! This is a hobby after all and it should be as simple or as complex as you want it to be. Its not a competition or a matter of "if he/she does it I should too" -- its a matter of what you or anyone else for that matter finds enjoyable and enhances the experience of being under the stars -- yes?....
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I think that sums it up for me. This is a hobby, full stop. Nothing more, nothing less. I have far more important things in my life which take up my time, the most important one being my family. I even have other hobbies which also take up time and money, including microscopy and model railways, and they are just as enjoyable. Sure, I'd like to have a bigger and better (and more permenant) setup, perhaps an observatory etc, etc. but in the end my enjoyment comes from setting up the telescope on a free evening and doing a bit of star hopping to a few DSO's which I have not before viewed.
I used to use a mini cassette recorder, and I did do some brief sketching, but like many have said, that detracted from just enjoying the session.
Perhaps all that does not put me in the catagory of a "serious observer".
Don't get me wrong I fully respect all those imagers who pump out spectacular shots, but that's not for me.
Perhaps down the track I'll post some observation reports here, however rough and ready they are.
Thanks for a great thread, everyone.
