Try living in the sticks in Texas.... seems like you mention ANYTHING technical that doesn't involve shooting game or catching fish you get a "deer in the headlights" look at you. I live in a town of about 19K and I've found a grand total of 3 people that are involved in astronomy. I realize it can be an expensive hobby... but $2k for a nice scope or $2k for a rifle, I'll pick the scope every time... and lets' not even get into the bass boats.