Best way to cool down a scope?

Hello, I was wondering what is the best way to cool down a scope. I always take my scope out and let it sit in the cold, but should I remove any covers? Also, I have only had a scope since November and was wondering about warmer temperatures...will you have to do the same?

Also, I am going to the coast this next week and am planning to take my scope. Does anyone have any do's and do nots? I am not planning to submerse my telecope in sand, but it seems that winds may pick up sand or salt from the ocean. Any pointers?

Thanks, Haden...Looking forward to the views over the ocean than in this light filled city of Memphis.

I'm not sure if this is proper technique, nor can I provide any real measures of the effectiveness but I seem to have success in cooling my Mak down quicker by removing the diagonal and applying a cordless vacuum cleaner. I don't cover the hole but rather apply it at an angle so that warm air is drawn out. Someone may tell me I should not do this but so far I have found no ill effects and it does reduce the time it takes to get the warm air currents out of my scope.

Daryl

When I will be observing from my driveway, I take my 14" Newtonian outside just after sunset, uncover the front end, and point a 12" desk fan at the open back end blowing at high speed. This seem to work very well; by the time it's nice and dark, the mirror is nice and cool.