FreeLists / az-observing / [AZ-Observing] AAMM

[Andrew Goodwin <a.goodwin1@xxxxxxx>]

    It was a mix of good and bad at this year's All Arizona Messier 
Marathon. Friday night was the better of the two. Saturday about mid 
morning the wind started to blow and kept it up until shortly after 
sunset. A few low clouds came over the North Western horizon. I was 
sitting with some members from both SAC and EVAC under a canopy talking 
astro stuff when we notices a large dust devil coming across the field. 
Jimmy Ray's setup was totally obscured by the blowing dust then the dust 
devil just disappeared and one of us said "is that what I think it is?' 
to our horror we could see his 11" SCT laying on the ground. His tent 
and canopy were untouched just a few yards away. This by far was the 
worst of the wind's wrath. Jimmy was in a state of shock that a 200 + 
pound scope and tripod was pushed over.

   I relay this because of the out pouring of folks that went over to 
offer any support that they could. I is like Steve Coe said that it is 
the friends in this club and other clubs that makes for help when you 
need it most.

   Darla an I found ourself with a flat tire on the trailer and a 
gentleman (who's name escapes me) came over with an electric pump and 
got us enough air to get home. He even let us take the pump along just 
in case we needed more air.

   The point is that we as members of the various clubs came out to an 
event and all were very helpful and supportive of all who attended. This 
is what makes this a joy to be involved with.

Clear Skies
Andrew

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