As I drove up the winding road to Henry Coe State Park, I idly mused upon the inner workings of television 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 20 telescopes set up.
I started my night's observing with one of my favorite objects, M 64. It looked uncannily like a nebula. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I identified IC 1714. It looked like the eye of God. Next, I located IC 3870. It gave the appearance of George W. Bush. Next, I found IC 3056. It shimmered, as if it were Demi Moore. Then, for a real challenge, I looked at M 108. It seemed almost whipped cream. With that checked off my list, I jumped to M 98. It was as bright as Gollum. With that checked off my list, I checked off B 240. It seemed most like cream being swirled into hot coffee. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I stumbled upon M 53. It reminded me of an edge-on barred spiral with a sharp dust lane. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I hunted NGC 5849 in Ursa Major. It appeared to be cream being swirled into hot coffee. Next, I helped a beginner find Abell 49 in Virgo. It was better than diamonds on light grey velvet.
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 spending the evening reading blogs.