Seeing the whirlpool galaxy

[proflight2000]

Please excuse my ignorance, but how easy is it to see anything of the whirlpool galaxy taking account of current sky conditions. I have spent nearly two hours trying to locate even a faint blob but can see nowt. I am using Alkaid as a hopping star, then noving a few degrees north of that then moving right (east) but alas nothing. Although I did find the beehive and what a lovely site that is in a wide eyepiece. Anyways, any pointers??

[Astroman]

You're on the wrong side of Alkaid, and M51 is a LOT smaller than you expect. You've probably skipped right over M101 a number of times. Go slow, and look for very small, vary faint blobs.

M51 is SOUTH of Alkaid. M101 is north.