Hiya Tom and welcome to IIS!!
Thanks for the story. Very similar to mine except being a bit older mine was about the Leonids in 1966, seeing Saturn through my brothers old scope and watching the Apollo landing in '69.
Anyway, binos are a good way to start. If planning to hand hold 10x50s are about right, any larger will need a tripod.
Another good idea is to start learning constellations and the brighter stars. A planisphere eg
http://www.bintel.com.au/Accessories...2/catmenu.aspx are useful, or this book
http://www.bintel.com.au/Accessories...oductview.aspx
If going into a scope, others may disagree but a good 8" dobsonian is a great place to start (eg
http://www.bintel.com.au/Telescopes/...oductview.aspx ) easy to handle, not a huge investment and easy to sell when you upgrade.
You did mention the beginners images being impressive, Is imaging a thing you want to pursue? Just be aware that imaging and visual astronomy are very different beasts, and it is a rare person that manages to combine both. Also the equipment requirements are very different.
Anyhoo, thats enough of me prattling on!!
Cheers
Malcolm