As I drove up the winding road to Pacheco, I idly mused upon the socioeconomic impact of the internet as I contemplated the low fog. Would it rise, or not?. When I arrived at the parking lot, it was filled with friends eager for a night's observing. I counted at least 26 telescopes set up.
I started my night's observing with one of my favorite objects, M 84. It glowed, rather like a far-away cloud. Next, I sketched NGC 1553. It was better than a nebula. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I checked out IC 2653 in Scorpius. It was a dead ringer for Krylon Ultra-Flat Black. Then, I hunted for NGC 1830. It somewhat resembled whipped cream. Then, I slewed to B 640 in Cygnus. It was a blurry likeness of one of Martha Stewart's doilies. Then, I showed some guests Abell 76. It appeared in the eyepiece like a waterfall. Next, I showed some guests IC 1097 in Cygnus. It sparkled like George W. Bush. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I tried NGC 4431. It was better than Gollum. With that checked off my list, I glimpsed B 381 in Gemini. It compared favorably with the exhaust from a diesel Suburban. Then, I found IC 287 in Hydra. It seemed just like cotton on velvet. With that checked off my list, I checked out M 94. It compared favorably with cotton on velvet. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I tried IC 440. It was as bright as blackness.
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 night out under the stars with people you hate.