Well I got the alignment right (on the Governor's palace and Polaris) but there was too much haze (aka moisture in the air) which hid a lot of the star trails and reflected Williamsburg's (reduced) light pollution. Williamsburg's skies are usually way worse (especially due during the Summer) due to humidity and, more importantly, sky glow due to "light pollution". Irene knocked out most of the town's lights, which in combination with a new moon, made it possible to take this shot.

The "sky" was actually much better for this type of shot after Hurricane Isabel after whuch the town's lights were COMPLETELY out for 2 nights and the sky was much darker as well as being less humid. Most importantly I also got completely chewed up even though I was bathed in DEET.

Ah well, maybe we'll have a "nice" ice storm this winter and I'll get another chance... on second thought, I'll pass.