Hello from sunny North Devon.
I've had an interest in astronomy for many years but had to make do with cr**py old binoculars and an old cardboard tube refractor from many years ago. It's taken 50+++??? years but I finally got myself a Skywatcher 200mm Newtonian with dual axis drives about 8 months ago. I am extremely pleased with the kit and I must say the first views I got of Jupiter and moons, Saturn, M31 etc. made the wait well worth while.
I've learnt much more now and each chance I get to use it I can find new and interesting things. I have good views south from my garden from ESE to WSW, but north is no go. light pollution is not too bad.
Just starting on the long and tortuous road to trying some photography with an unmodified Canon 350D. What a lot to learn!!, only limited success so far which pales into rubbish compared to what I've seen online. But we will persevere.....
Other interests include :- spending time with our two gorgeous grand daughters, DIY, model making, trying to make stuff to improve my astronomy kit with limited finances.
Sorry for the rambling intro but this looks like a great place to be and I look forward to learning loads, possibly pestering with a few questions and hopefully being able to contribute something back.
Cheers
Steve
Portal 
