I had my scope out last night and naturally looked at the Moon’s “terminator”, the line where sunlight and shadows meet. When I started I could just make out the rim of Posidonius crater, a crater on the edge of Mare Serenitatis, an hour later,I could see the crater floor. When looking at the Moon with the naked eye it looks the same the whole (or part) night long, but of course the day side is creeping along. Saturn was beautiful as usual, but what with our polluted air, I could only make out four moons. (8" scope and 20 eye piece with Barlow double lens) Omega Centauri, normally my favourite object, was also unimpressive for the same reason.
Isn’t there a saying or something that goes “Having a party but nobody came”? I invited my FB “friends” but nobody came. 
I sometimes do “side walk astronomy” because of this. Put up the scope outside a restaurant and as the people come out share the beauty with them. Of course here, in a lit up place, it’s only the Moon and planets that’s worth it.
Skeptics road trip? I’m willing. Middelburg correct?
It is true that we enjoy our hobbies, passions and interests so much more when they are shared. That accounts for all the clubs and specialist forums that abound. Even readers have their book clubs, and that while reading would normally be seen as a strictly individual sport. Maybe this urge to share enjoyment in a social fashion is quite primal, and is rooted in our need to teach.
Rigil
I’m also up for an outing again…
Middelburg is not the place to do stargazing. Witbank is only 30 km away and it is considered one of the most polluted places in the world. Know of any dark places your way? Preferably, (for me) south or east of Jhb but I’ll travel no problem.
Away from pollution and city lights… that’s not anywhere near joburg.
Sutherland, a bit far maybe
Here is a fun event that may be of interest. It’s near Bonnievale, so any Gauteng enthusiasts will unfortunately have to spend some time in their BMWs.
These days it’s not the time spent in the BMW, that’s fairly relaxing and comfortable. The stuff that goes in the tank under the seat though… that can cause some distress.
What an odd place to keep your Blue Label. 
Doesn’t have to be totally clean and dark. There is a scope expo every year at the war museum at Jhb zoo and that’s not too bad.
You say odd, I say safe.
Since BM, under Shoutbox, don’t want my blanks, anybody else? These are two 6 inch (150 mm X 25 mm thick) round pieces of glass. You rub them together to make a concave mirror, to be used in a telescope. These are leftovers from when I made my first scope. It worked well on my first try, hence the leftovers. I’ve even got the grinding dust and a tube. All you need is time, an eye piece and a few pieces of wood (for the mount) and you will have a working scope.
This is a once-off only offer that will not be repeated! But wait, there is more! If you act now you will also receive instructions on how to build your very own Dobsonion reflector telescope! Rigel??
Very kind of you to offer Tweefo, but I’m a refractor-head myself. 
Rigil
I’d like a go at this, instructions would be crucial though…
So, where are we going? maybe a lodge in Magalies?
I'd like a go at this, instructions would be crucial though...I'll through in the book "Amateur Telescope Making" by Ingalls
So, where are we going? maybe a lodge in Magalies?A lodge will want to rent the place out for a night plus they are usually lit up like Christmas trees. Know anybody with a farm that side?
Unfortunately no.
When I was younger I wanted to grind a scope and did the research etc. But I had to be honest with myself: I don’t have enough drive towards the whole telescope thing to actually take a project such as that to completion. Having a good scope would be cool, but my level of interest sadly doesn’t rise high enough to actually do the grind.
They sell ready made mirrors at Newton Glass. You can then build a decent scope without the grind. Just stay away from the Game, Cape Union Mart and Trappers Trading “affordable” scopes. A good pair of binoculars will give you better views and will probably cost you less.