I had some thoughts. First, I could get a good polar alignment and
simply make reference marks on both the ground where the tripod was
set (probably drive some tent stakes into the earth) and on the mount. Then I
could recreate at least a rough polar alignment in my most common viewing
location (read, back yard) anytime I wanted.


This is a good idea. If you don't adjust the mount in the interem then this
should be plenty good.

I could also do it by simply using a compass, correct for the magnetic
deviation at my location, and use my lattitude.

Yeah, this would work too....

Because I am just starting to explore with the telescope and have been
having "finder scope alignment issues", I decided to pass on the
telescope until I could get a good polar alignment (which I can do
most nights, I should be out tomorrow).

You might have been able to see Polaris through the clouds with the scope
itself or find in a "sucker hole" in the clouds.

Jon