As I drove up the winding road to Henry Coe State Park, I idly mused upon the impact upon modern astronomy of Plato's Republic as I contemplated the La Nina conditions. When I arrived at the parking lot, it was filled with friends eager for a night's observing. I counted at least 27 telescopes set up.
I started my night's observing with one of my favorite objects, M 91. It appeared as black pearls on flocked paper. Then, I located Abell 48. It would be easy to confuse with the clouds I'd seen earlier.
After a short break to warm up in the car, I sought NGC 570 in Perseus. It was better than a far-away cloud. Next, I found M 41 in Virgo. It was a dead ringer for dandruff on black satin pajamas. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I went for M 70. It seemed most like a smoke ring. Then, for a real challenge, I checked out B 147. It looked exactly like fleecy wool. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I nudged my telescope to M 90. It was easy, just like the last six objects I'd seen. Then, for a real challenge, I star-hopped to IC 232. It reminded me of cream being swirled into hot coffee. With that checked off my list, I identified Abell 77. It seemed almost Miss Piggy.
After a short break to munch cheesy poofs, I slewed to NGC 3241 in Cygnus. It shimmered, as if it were a swarm of bees.
After a short break to listen to the coyote symphony in the distance, I had a chance to see B 313. It shimmered, as if it were a spitting cobra. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I helped a beginner find M 28. It looked exactly like George W. Bush. Then, for a real challenge, I studied NGC 1969. It reminded me of a swarm of bees.
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 listening to the Monkees Box Set.