AN OBSERVATORY FOR THE GARDEN

That thought was constantly going through my mind, Freddy!!

I shan't say what Stan said, Sheal, when I mentioned that!! Anyway, he insisted that I did a bit while he borrowed my camera!!



I felt like saying "I declare this Observatory base open!!"
Once the cement had been tamped down Stan started on the steps. I was thinking of just some concrete slabs for the steps..........but Stan had other ideas

 

I couldn't believe how much care Stan put into the whole job but it seemed even more so with the steps.

 

Then it was the final job of cutting through the cement area leading to the garage rear wall, routing the armoured cable into the conduit, boring a hole in the wall and feeding the cables through



All the cement dust made Stan disappear as he started cutting




I'll be putting a guard around the cables and putting a safety sign above it.






Job done!!

 

I told him it was the camera and not him, Sheal

Yep, he's got an eye for doing things just so and spent an awful lot of time getting the steps just how he wanted. He's the Boss of the firm and has a team of other guys doing other jobs, but he said he liked doing "quirky, oddball, one off" jobs himself, so it was just him and Mel continuously on the job. I'm really pleased with the way it looks and the standard of build and care that Stan has taken over the job.

 

We boxed ours in using green oak timber slats (runs from the loft and down the wall by our gate and then underground to the summerhouse). It saves the need for maintenance and would weather quite well to fit with your bricks. As it's untreated it becomes a grey sort of colour.

 

I satisfied myself with putting the date onto the concrete, Jiffy

 

Thanks Joolz. I do hope it might give someone a idea or two. They don't have to get the same type of Observatory as I've ordered, there are sliding roof types:



And there's also the Clam Shell type



Both are popular but, to me, have the disadvantage of leaving you and your telescope out in the open where dew will form on the telescope mirrors and/or front corrector lens.........which seems a bit pointless.
So, after some research I decided on the Dome type observatory

Where this type "wins" is that only the shutter door opens and the telescope [and the observer, stays protected inside the observatory.


Star Gazers don't have to have an observatory to enjoy looking at the skies, but they do help with the comfort against the elements. A lot of people just use Binoculars and really enjoy the views they get.

 

It never fails to amaze me just how amazing the GC Gang is and how supportive and full of kindness members can be. Joolz is one of those......look what I received in the post today.



Just how good is that?!!! I had a slight attack of my eyes "watering" for some strange reason when I opened the package which the Postie had manage to fit in the mail box!! So Joolz..


I shall treasure it and keep it for the day the Observatory is "up and running" and then toast your good health, many, many thanks, Joolz, it's really appreciated.