Re: what started it for me

Back in 1988 (yeah, I'm a young-onion!) mommy took me to Frontier Park (Pierce County Fair Grounds, WA) and all I can remember is we looked through an orange C8 at Sirius, the Moon, and Juptier. That was amazing, and it kinda sparked a flame of astronomical interest in my naughty, juvenile mind. But the true impact did not hit me until I received my very first telescope; a Jason 454, that stargazing interest emerged as more than a Nintendo-game passing fancy.

Even to this day, I remember nearly getting my rear reddened because i woke-up my mom and sister at 9:30pm on a school night (yes, I jumped out my bedroom window with the Jason) because I was certain I found Armstrong's foot print. What I was really seeing was a WAY overpowered and majorly out-of-focus image of the Moon projecting my eyelashes; as is notorious in Huygens oculars.

The name of that Jason was "Blacky" and I had him until sometime in 2002. It was actually a great telescope (NOT THE MOUNT!) when the ol Meade 5-element super plossls were put into it. If I can find a photo of Blacky, I'll have to upload it here.