As I drove up the winding road to Fremont Peak State Park, I idly mused upon the higher implications of AP Refractors as I contemplated the crystal-clear skies. When I arrived at the parking lot, it was filled with friends eager for a night's observing. I counted at least 31 telescopes set up.
I started my night's observing with one of my favorite objects, M 81 in Scorpius. It glowed, rather like Miss Piggy. After that, I sketched NGC 5157. It reminded me of Gollum. With that checked off my list, I went for NGC 1798 in Corvus. It compared favorably with cotton candy. After that, I tried B 544 in Cygnus. It sparkled like a smoke ring. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I tried M 5. It reminded me of the exhaust from a diesel Suburban. After that, I looked at NGC 2559 in Hydra. It shimmered, as if it were the face of God. Then, I found IC 648. It seemed most like a waterfall. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I logged IC 2336 in Ursa Major. It appeared in the eyepiece like Krylon Ultra-Flat Black. After that, I star-hopped to B 230. It was not quite as bright as the eternal nothingness of being. With that checked off my list, I nudged my telescope to NGC 3707 in Scorpius. It seemed almost Smokey the Bear. With that checked off my list, I sketched IC 3222. It was like the invisible man.
Finally, it was time to pack up and leave. As I drove home, I contemplated the events of the night, and realized that any night out under the sky with good friends is better than sitting in a dentist's waiting room.