Hi John and
from another old fart. I've gotten back into Astronomy after a long break ( ~ 40+ years !! ) and enjoying it immensely as a challenge and learning experience. Ask away, anything you like. You'll get good advice and helpful answers and pointers. Just watch out and avoid the dreaded aperture fever or you'll be spending big $$$ real fast and as for astrophotography where I'm going ( sinking !! ) that's another whole ball park.
But it's fun...
Brian, Mbyrr: Sky was clearish in Auckland for the eclipse, stayed up till 11:40 and took about 50 frames but they are hazy. I'll process the RAWs tonight and post in Astrophotog section if anything worthwhile shows.