As I drove up the winding road to Dinosaur Point, I idly mused upon the subtle meaning of tight underwear as I contemplated the El Nino weather patterns. When I arrived at the parking lot, it was filled with friends eager for a night's observing. I counted at least 12 telescopes set up.
I started my night's observing with one of my favorite objects, M 36. It appeared to be a dodo bird, extinct but for this celestial likeness. Next, I sketched M 89. It was not quite as bright as Alan Rickman. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I had a chance to see NGC 6975. It looked like lumpy darkness. Next, I studied IC 2169. It was like spent coals, faintly glowing.
After a short break to cut some cheese, I checked off B 645. It appeared in the eyepiece like Smokey the Bear. Then, I tried IC 2805. It appeared in the eyepiece like fleecy wool. Then, for a real challenge, I glimpsed IC 3882. It looked like the face of God. With that checked off my list, I tried for Abell 45. It looked uncannily like a smoke ring. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I helped a beginner find IC 3001 in Draco. It was a blurry likeness of Krylon Ultra-Flat Black. Then, for a real challenge, I nudged my telescope to Abell 93 in an unknown constellation that looked like a toaster. It was a dead ringer for its Hubble photograph. Then, for a real challenge, I found by accident Abell 22. It appeared at low power like R2-D2. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I sketched IC 837. It somewhat resembled a waterfall. Then, I jumped to M 54. It was not quite as bright as one of Martha Stewart's doilies. With that checked off my list, I observed IC 1107. It was easy, just like Dubya.
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 ebola.