Stellafane 1999 - My First Trip
Since I was about thirteen I have always wanted to make the trip. I can remember looking at the old black & white books showing the famous Russell Porter telescopes and the finely crafted ATM scopes set up on Breezy Hill. For a 13-year-old, nothing was more fascinating than reading about a place where hundreds of people gathered together to discuss telescope making. After all, I had not seen a telescope besides the one I built, and I would have given anything back then to meet other people interested in the hobby.
At the ripe old age of 26 I was in a better position to go. I had relocated from Jacksonville, Florida to NW Connecticut, and so after 13 years of being an amateur astronomer I finally made the trip. Do you want to know how my first trip to Stellafane was? Wet! It rained Friday night, the sun came out on Saturday a little, but by Saturday night it started up again, and didn't let up. Of course being a convention of ATM'ers nobody cared, right! I wouldn't go that far. Even a few hours of clear sky would have been nice, but there was plenty to do, and at least I got some sleep.
The event itself was well organized. I found that the demos were informative as well as hands-on. Having recently pushed my own glass it was interesting to see other peoples methods of mirror making. Especially John Dobson; he seemed to have a rapid development approach to things, and it was interesting to watch people work under his supervision...(faster...faster...) In addition to the demos I also found the talks interesting. Dennis DiCicco of S&T had a really great video of the August 11th eclipse that he took about 400 miles off the coast of Boston. And of course there was the telescope competition and display. That was the highlight of the trip - spending time up on Breezy Hill talking with other telescope makers.
In retrospect I'd have to say that the curiosity of the 13 year is still in me. I am always fascinated by the night sky, and especially using the instruments that either other amateurs or myself have made. Stellafane is a place where I can meet like people, and share this experience.
The pink clubhouse on Breezy Hill |
The Porter Turret Telescope on Breezy Hill |
John Dobson rolling up his sleeves |
A nice Dob with windshield motors for power |
My 20" displayed on Breezy Hill |
An 8" or 10" on a homemade eq platform |
An upside down refractor |
A very nice wooden optical tube |
Sewer-pipe scope |
A machined Gregorian telescope |
This scope took the Bill Cook award |
This one belongs to a friend named Victor |
The Springfield mount
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A nice refractor
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