G'Day Peter,
I enjoyed your story! It captures the wonder of discovery and learning beautifully!
As for what to get with the dob... my suggestions for your consideration are:
- a telrad
- a good laser collimator
- a good eyepiece or two, like a Nagler (I would suggest in the low to medium power range - you'll use it much more than a high power EP
)
- an adjustable observing chair (if you venture to a 16" you could skip this IMHO
)
- If the budget can withstand it, an Argo Navis!
Looking forward to more reports!
Al.