I must admit I nearly fell for the: "It MUST be the scope!!"
.....trick!
I started thinking "hmmm...perhaps theres a smudge on the eyepiece/collimation out/dew!???"
Then I had a closer look: Sirius was twinkling like crazy. A dead give away for totally crummy seeing. I stuck it out though & waited, just in case it came good, which happens a lot around here.
At least you had a nice night under the stars with your mates.
You had nothing better to do did you Paul??
Please don't mention trees! I love trees...but not when they get in my way astronomically speaking.
Drill 1/4" hole on 45 deg angle (with hand-drill) pour in roundup, block hole up with sawdust from drill.