As I drove up the winding road to Fremont Peak State Park, I idly mused upon the study of the human spirit as I contemplated the past week of rain. When I arrived at the parking lot, it was filled with friends eager for a night's observing. I counted at least 29 telescopes set up.
I started my night's observing with one of my favorite objects, M 6 in Lynx. It seemed just like two scoops of spumoni ice cream. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I accidentally located M 71. It gave the appearance of R2-D2. Then, for a real challenge, I studied IC 3875. It was easy, just like the clouds I'd seen earlier. After that, I showed some guests IC 420 in Draco. It was even more difficult than a hamburger. (Hmm, it had been a while since dinner). After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I added to my logbook M 48. It appeared in the eyepiece like a spider. Next, I helped a beginner find NGC 5703 in Septans. It was a dead ringer for Dubya. Then, I glimpsed NGC 6845. It gave the appearance of a smoke ring. With that checked off my list, I had a chance to see B 123. It looked like a glimmer of the Big Bang.
After a short break to enjoy a nutritious snack, I located M 66. It looked like an edge-on barred spiral with a sharp dust lane. With that checked off my list, I accidentally located NGC 3872. It was easy, just like an edge-on barred spiral with a sharp dust lane. After that, I sketched B 487 in Sculptor. It shimmered, as if it were a far-away cloud. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I found M 91. It gave the appearance of Demi Moore. Then, I had a chance to see M 75. It appeared as cotton candy. With that checked off my list, I identified B 298 in Sculptor. It was not quite as bright as cotton candy. After that, I checked out B 2 in Gemini. It looked uncannily like desert sand. Next, I hunted M 102. It was a blurry likeness of a little triangle. Then, for a real challenge, I nudged my telescope to B 335. It reminded me of two scoops of spumoni ice cream. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I identified M 88. It would be easy to confuse with lumpy darkness.
After a short break to enjoy a nutritious snack, I had a chance to see M 89. It sparkled like Miss Piggy. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I looked for and suspected NGC 5458 in Canis Major. It seemed most like dandruff on black satin pajamas.
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.