The observatory project was started in April of 2001 during a period of very unsettled weather as the following images will show.The concrete for the telescope pier (4 feet deep by 30 inches across) was delivered on what was a sunny April morning. Later that afternoon the snow started.
After waiting a week for the pier to cure, I ordered concrete for the floor on yet another sunny April morning and yeah,you guessed it,later more afternoon snow! I covered the floor with a large tarp and placed a 100 watt bulb underneath to prevent freezing.There's an old Nevada saying,"If you dont like the weather,just wait a half hour,it'll change.!"
Working in the garage, I was able to build the dome framework and the laminated rings for the walls. I managed to burn up my scroll saw cutting out the 6 foot radius arcs from the 1/2 inch sheets of plywood.
This small hand truck makes moving the 12 foot top ring an easy task. 
The framework is in place and almost ready for the 1/8 inch masonite covering.
Just have to apply a few coats of Sno-Seal and that's about it. As you can imagine, this was quite an undertaking for one person. The dome has a 6 foot radius and the walls are 4 feet so the overall structure is about 11 feet. I did have a very capable assistant...Thanks Shirley!
This is one of two Maksutov Cassegrain scopes in use. The mount is the MI-250 from Mountain Instruments.
The INTES MK66 (150mm f/12)is another MAK that provides refractor like views at a fraction of the cost.Updated October 10th. 2003