1971 class reunion: October 11th 2025: And a great time was had by all! It was a breezy (windy) and really cool Saturday afternoon.
The 2023 event follows 2025….just keeping scanning down.
I missed getting a “face-on” picture of Debbie. How was that possible? So, I thought I’d just share a photo of Debbie and Sophie from May 2025.
Photos of the 2023 Burns High School class reunion are as following: Much appreciation to Charlotte Sinclaire for taking the lead in organizing this fabulous event. Everything was perfect! A memorable class reunion for sure.
In the following photo…Five guys began 1st grade at Polkville in August 1959, and graduated together at Burns. We were the first class at the new school, and went all four years.
However, after the 5th grade, some of us parted ways for three years, some went to Casar and some went to Piedmont…but back together again at the new Burns High School in the fall of 1967.
Left to right: Charles Melton, Roger Ivester, Rob Pendleton, Bill Ledford and Don Bridges.
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The Bortle Dark Sky Scale was developed by John Bortle “based on nearly 50 years of observing experience,” to describe the amount of light pollution in a night sky. It was first published in a 2001 Sky & Telescope article.
Depending on the device you are using, it may be necessary to slide the chart to the right to see in its entirety.
Number Code
Map Color Code
Label
Sky Mag.
Naked Eye Limit Mag.
320mm Limit Mag.
M33 visible?
M31 visible?
Central Galaxy visible?
Zodiacal light visible?
Light Pollution
Clouds
Ground Objects
1
excellent dark sky
22.00–21.99
≥ 7.5
> 17
obvious
.
casts shadows
striking
airglow apparent
.
visible only as silhouettes
2
average dark sky
21.99–21.89
7.0–7.49
16.5
easy with direct vision
.
appears highly structured
bright, faint yellow color
airglow faint
dark everywhere
large near objects vague
3
rural sky
21.89–21.69
6.5–6.99
16.0
easy with averted vision
.
complex structure
obvious
LP on horizon
dark overhead
large distant objects vague
4
rural/suburban transition
21.69–20.49
6.0–6.49
15.5
difficult with averted vision
obvious
only large structures
halfway to zenith
low LP
lit in distance
distant large objects distinct
5
suburban
20.49–19.50
5.5–5.99
14.5–15.0
.
easy with direct vision
washed out
faint
encircling LP
brighter than sky
6
bright suburban
19.50–18.94
5.0–5.49
14.0–14.5
.
easy with averted vision
visible only near zenith
.
LP to 35°
fairly bright
small close objects distinct
7
suburban/urban transition
18.94–18.38
4.5–4.99
14.0
.
difficult with averted vision
invisible
.
LP to zenith
brilliantly lit
.
8
city sky
< 18.38
4.0–4.49
13
.
.
.
.
bright to 35°
.
headlines legible
9
inner city sky
.
≤ 4.0
.
.
.
.
bright at zenith
.
.
My view to the east (last night @ 9:15 PM, November 18, 2023 from my back deck) showing the light pollution at about 15º above the treetops.
I always try to observe deep-sky objects at least one hour or two from the meridian.
It is difficult to see the Pleiades “visually” at this low altitude. I was using an iPhone 14 “handheld” to make a photo for illustrative purposes.
The Pleiades was my first deep-sky object when I was 12 years old. I remember so well, walking out in my front yard in about mid-November and seeing this cluster rising above the treetops.
At that time, I had no clue as to what this group of stars were.
A year or so later I found out it was the Pleiades, M45 and my interest in amateur astronomy began, which continues to this day. Interesting to note: This was Leslie Peltier’s first deep-sky object also, as probably so many others.
The following photo:
Andromeda is difficult for me visually, and requires averted vision.At the meridian, it can be fairly easy, but averted vision still works best.
The following photo using my phone, presents the galaxy quite a bit brighter than naked-eye.
So, I estimate the Bortle Scale from my backyard to be ~6.5. I think we can all agree, the Bortle scale is not a definitive number, but using this criteria can describe an observing site pretty accurately. I’d say John Bortle developed an excellent, simple and objective measurement system for judging different observing sites, and for comparison with others.
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Meade introduced their Deep-Space telescopes in about the early 1980’s which caught my attention in magazine advertisements.
In about 1991, I was began looking for something larger than my 4.5-inch reflector which I was using at that time. The Meade Deep-Space series Newtonian’s consisted of two telescopes: A 10-inch and 16-inch f/4.5 telescopes with equatorial mounts.
This was at a time when Meade was building their serious Newtonian’s in their Costa Mesa, facility, which included grinding and polishing mirrors. All of the hardware, bolts and allen heads on these telescopes and mounts are SAE. (Society of Automotive Engineers)
The following is a Meade Deep-Space magazine advertisement from the 1980’s:
My local astronomy club (at that time) had a DS-16 which was a two-person job to set up. I could take the 16-inch and use at any time. However, this thing was a monster, and where would I store this behemoth of a telescope? I didn’t and still don’t have a permanent observatory, and how would I set it up by myself? The 16-inch was definitely not for me! The 10-inch seemed to be the perfect larger aperture telescope and with an equatorial mount. I had always liked the simplicity of a Newtonian, and an equatorial mount was a must.
Astronomy Magazine test and evaluation:
Astronomy Magazine tested a 10-inch DS-10A (The 10A was an updated version with a 2-inch focuser, setting circles and RA drive) with the magazine giving the test mirror a rating of a B+.
So, in February 1992, I purchased the 10-inch from Pauli’s Wholesale Optics, in Danbury Connecticut. It was Fred (the owner of Pauli’s) that recommended this telescope. And after more than 1,500 deep-sky pencil sketches and thousands of observing notes…obviously I picked the perfect telescope.
The low pedestal mount is ideal for use with an astro-chair, when making observing notes and pencil sketches at the eyepiece. As for me, it’s impossible to observe and sketch while standing.
Note: This is the telescope I used for most all of the ~250 deep-sky objects, as featured in the 185 months of the observer’s Challenge report. And for the last five years I co-authored the report with Sue French who gained astronomy notoriety and fame with S&T and her “Deep-Sky Wonders.” After more than 15 years…the last report was issued in June 2024…
I fabricated the brass declination index-pointer (without making any permanent modifications) to use with the 6-inch Parks circle. With a reasonable polar alignment, the setting circles are very accurate, and perfect for locating deep-sky objects from a light-polluted suburban backyard.
For the faintest of deep-sky objects, I assist the setting circles with a star atlas:
A sample of my sketches, using only a pencil, and a 5 x 8 blank notecard. My “humble sketches” are all raw sketches, as they appear to me through the eyepiece, without any computer enhancements. I try to make my sketches as accurate as possible, without any embellishments.
IC 5146 “The Cocoon Nebula” In Cygnus:
NGC 2024 Nebula in Orion
M42: Orion Nebula Complex
M106 Galaxy in Canes Venatici
NGC 3079 Galaxy in Ursa Major
Messier 85 and NGC 4394
Comet Hale-Bopp: Charcoal pencil on black card stock, showing all three-tales; the gas tail, dust and anti-tail.April 1997
I still ride to this day, although I doubt I’ll ever reach 200,000 miles. My rides in recent years, and these days, tend to be much shorter and slower. So far, I’ve logged about 135,000 miles to-date, and just happy to be able to continue riding.
I’ve made a lot of friendships over the past 47 years of riding. We had group rides rides from the Shelby court square on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays. Most rides would average about 25-30 miles.
Over the years, I’ve ridden many miles with Mike Keeley, Mike Ribadeneyra, Todd Anderson, John Paksoy, Mark Cardell, Jimmy Ivester, Chuck Lampley, Fred Sisk, Mark Brackett, Gary and Tammy Edelman, Bryan Hensley, Vic Branton, Don and Kat Bridges, Bill Parker, Chris Rossi, Kenny Hoyle, Doug Noblet, Joe Champion, Harvey Whisnant, and Charlie Rhoden, who sadly passed away a few years ago. I could list many more that I’ve ridden with over the past 47 years, but the list would be too long!
Charlie was instrumental in promoting challenging group rides that pushed us all to our limits. Most of us were simply doing our best to hang on and not get dropped!
A pharmacist by profession, Charlie owned and operated Suttle’s Drug in Shelby. Beyond his career in pharmacy, he made a lasting contribution to the local cycling community by organizing the Lattimore time trials. Throughout all the years we held these events, Charlie finished second only once—a testament to his remarkable cycling abilities and competitive spirit.
For more than 15 years, we held the 10-mile time trials on New House Road, on a fairly regular basis. Riders set off at 30-second intervals, each determined to cover the 10 miles as quickly as possible, chase down the cyclist ahead, and hopefully set a new personal best. But there was one other thing to keep in mind—you definitely didn’t want the rider starting 30 seconds behind to catch you!
The Assault on Mount Mitchell:
At one time, nearly every serious cyclist in “the local area and far beyond” aspired to ride the annual Assault on Mount Mitchell. This was a legendary event that began in Spartanburg, SC and covered roughly 103 miles before finishing atop Mount Mitchell, the highest peak east of the Mississippi River. I feel fortunate to have been able to complete the ride eight times, but never with a record time. I just never had time for the high-level training and number of miles required for a completion of the 103 mile ride in the five-hour range.
My first “Assault on Mount Mitchell” was in May 1981. I had only been a casual cyclist for about a year and had no idea just how challenging the ride would be. On a really hot day, it took me nearly 11 hours to reach the summit. I hadn’t drunk nearly enough water, and by the time I reached the top of Mount Mitchell, I had lost more than 10 pounds since that morning! It was quite an introduction to one of America’s cycling’s toughest one day ride.
During another “Assault on Mount Mitchell,” a migraine hit, and I was ready to quit… but then…
I also have an interesting story about developing a migraine headache during one of my “Assault on Mount Mitchell” rides shortly after reaching the Parkway. I had pulled over at one of the scenic overlooks and decided I was done. My plan was to wait for the next support van to come along and take me off the mountain. But then something very unusual happened.
A white, unmarked van pulled up. It had none of the familiar “Assault on Mount Mitchell” logos, which for many years were associated with the event’s Anheuser-Busch sponsorship. A man got out of the van and asked if I was okay. I explained that I had a terrible headache and didn’t think I could continue.
The man looked at me and said, “You’re too close to the top to quit now. If you do, you’ll regret it for years to come.”Then he added, “I have something that will help you.”
He walked back to the unmarked van, opened the rear doors, and returned with something in his hands. To my surprise, he was carrying a can of Anheuser-Busch beer. He opened the beer, then handed me A Goody headache powder and instructed me to take the powder and drink the beer.
I’ve never been much of a beer drinker, but at that moment, I was willing to try just about anything to get rid of that headache. Within minutes, my headache was gone, and I was back on my bike. Not only did I finish the ride, but I covered the final 10 very difficult miles with surprising ease.It was an experience that has stayed with me over the years. I never knew who the man was, but he showed up at the exact moment when I was ready to give up?
Let it be known: I have never tried this headache remedy again, nor would I ever encourage anyone else to attempt to relieve a headache in this manner.
Alcoholism is a serious and devastating disease that affects countless individuals and families. It has destroyed lives, strained relationships, and left many struggling for years to overcome its grip. It is a battle that, sadly, not everyone wins. If there is one thing I hope others take away from my story, it is this: If you drink, consider quitting. If you don’t drink, don’t start. Some things in life are better left untested, and alcohol is certainly one of them.
Had I decided to abandon the ride that day, I would not have completed all the Assault on Mount Mitchell rides that I can proudly claim today. Looking back, I’m really glad I listened to that mysterious stranger—and grateful that I kept pedaling toward the summit.
Riding with a world class pro-elite cyclist:
Mike Keeley and I had the opportunity to ride with Canadian pro cyclist Eric Wohlberg on quite a few occasions! In fact, there’s a very steep hill in Rutherford County that’s known as the “Wohlberg-Keeley Hill,” named after an unforgettable moment during a Thursday afternoon group ride back in the ’90s. Eric put his hand on Mike’s back and pushed him all the way to the top of the hill—right past the entire group! Now that’s a story that’s still talked about by some local cyclists even today!
Click on the following link to learn more about the Shelby Criterion and bio for pro-elite cyclist Eric Wohlberg:
For years, a group of us would meet at the Boiling Springs Post Office on Sunday mornings and ride to Polkville for coffee. We left many times while it was still dark, with “little more” than flashlights attached to our bikes. During those days, high-intensity cycling lights were just being developed. Most of the time, I’d still make it back in time for Sunday School!
I remember one early Sunday ride in particular: The temperature was below freezing with light-snow, and we rode to McDonalds in Gaffney for pancakes! I can still remember hearing the ice cracking underneath my tires while crossing the I-85 bridge! This was for sure a dangerous day to be riding a bicycle, but in those earlier days, we did things we would not do today.
Valle Crusis to the top of Beech Mountain, which is ~5,500 feet above sea-level.
I have been fortunate to be able to ride “at least” fifteen-times to the top of Beech Mountain, leaving from Mask General Store in Valle Crucis, to Banner Elk and then to the top of the mountain. My last time was with Mike Keeley, quite a few years ago.
Be sure to click on the following link for the Beech Mountain story:
Comments:Comments Off on October 11, 2008: I Reached 100,000 Miles of Cycling! Debbie organized a special celebration at a local coffee shop I’ve also included some history of cycling in Cleveland County, which dates back to the mid-1970s.
I’ve went from an 80mm f/5 refractor to this 10-inch Newtonian in just a matter of days. So, I’m proud of the progress I’ve make, from never using a camera with a telescope, to “at least” an image of the moon. And all within a week!
I changed some settings on my camera, something I’d never done before. It had been set on ISO 100, for my everyday snapshots, and changed to ISO 400this morningfor this moon shot.I was amazed how much brighter the moon was when focusing through the camera using this 10-inch versus the 80mm refractor.
For sure a lot easier to focus with the brighter view due to the size of the telescope.
The field using this telescope is really narrow and small as this photo shows. Now I’ve got to figure out how to set the “exposure time” for some small and bright deep-sky objects.
I’m actually amazed that I could do this...and hopefully more and better to come. Debbie
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I also made a photo as following using a 10-inch f/4.5 EQ telescope. Roger had using this telescope during an early morning 4:00 AM observing session of a galaxy. So, before bringing it back into the house, he suggested I try a moon photo with this telescope. This is my photo.
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