As I drove up the winding road to Sierra Buttes, I idly mused upon the higher implications of AP Refractors as I contemplated the fleecy clouds, hoping they would clear. 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 58 in Camelopardalis. It was easy, just like a whale spouting. After that, I observed Abell 44 in Ophiuchus. It compared favorably with Demi Moore. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I hunted B 162 in Lynx. It appeared in the eyepiece like a waterfall.
After a short break to recite my mantra, I helped a beginner find NGC 5878. It looked uncannily like a UFO. Then, I checked out IC 3612 in Fornax. It looked uncannily like a spitting cobra. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I went for Abell 19. It shimmered, as if it were diamonds on light grey velvet. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I studied B 304. It shimmered, as if it were Alan Rickman. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I tracked down B 565. It looked a bit like nothing I'd ever seen before. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I checked off M 39 in Camelopardalis. It shimmered, as if it were fleecy wool. Next, I tried Abell 75. It reminded me of a nebula. Then, for a real challenge, I found B 427 in Serpens. It shimmered, as if it were the clouds I'd seen earlier. After that, I found M 60. It seemed just like Miss Piggy. Next, I tried for B 414. It somewhat resembled that graph in An Unpleasant Truth. With that checked off my list, I looked at Abell 43. It appeared to be diamonds on black velvet. With that checked off my list, I identified M 76. It looked uncannily like Dubya. Next, I found B 512 in Orion. It appeared at low power like a nebula. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I accidentally located IC 3716. It reminded me of a glimmer of the Big Bang. After that, I helped a beginner find B 329. It glowed, rather like 60 grit carborundum on asphalt. Then, I accidentally located M 24. It compared favorably with a Black Rider hunting for Frodo.
After a short break to walk around, I logged Abell 97. It was not quite as bright as a smoke ring. Next, I hunted Abell 46. It looked a bit like an inflamed monkey butt.
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.