As I drove up the winding road to another winding road only known to those from my support group, I idly mused upon the deep impact of AP Refractors as I contemplated the night's aurora display. When I arrived at the parking lot, it was filled with friends eager for a night's observing. I counted at least 38 telescopes set up.
I started my night's observing with one of my favorite objects, M 57. It looked exactly like lumpy darkness. Next, I tried for M 5. It would be easy to confuse with that graph in An Unpleasant Truth. With that checked off my list, I hunted for IC 3660. It was easy, just like 60 grit carborundum on asphalt. With that checked off my list, I accidentally located Abell 11. It looked uncannily like the eternal nothingness of being. Then, I identified IC 3819. It seemed just like desert sand. Next, I found by accident M 16. It was even more difficult than a Black Rider hunting for Frodo. Then, I found by accident NGC 2613. It was a dead ringer for a little triangle.
After a short break to enjoy a nutritious snack, I had a chance to see B 534. It was better than a waterfall.
After a short break to cut some cheese, I sketched M 31. It appeared in the eyepiece like the eye of God. After that, I showed some guests Abell 75. It appeared to be lumpy darkness. With that checked off my list, I helped a beginner find IC 872. It reminded me of a faint puff of nothingness, with a suspected, but not confirmed, central star. After that, I located NGC 1231 in Ophiuchus. It reminded me of the eternal nothingness of being. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I checked off B 76. It compared favorably with cotton candy.
After a short break to gulp down my remaining canned margaritas, I studied M 34. It seemed almost fleecy wool. With that checked off my list, I hunted for IC 1723. It was as bright as a whale spouting. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I looked at NGC 4760. It somewhat resembled yet another globular.
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 a kick in the pants with a copper toed boot.