As I drove up the winding road to the Peak, I idly mused upon the deep mystery of Dilbert 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 40 telescopes set up.
I started my night's observing with one of my favorite objects, M 64. It appeared as a Black Rider hunting for Frodo. After that, I sketched M 109. It seemed most like yet another globular.
After a short break to listen to Mozart, I stumbled upon M 78. It sparkled like ripples of water. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I showed some guests NGC 2064. It was even more difficult than its Hubble photograph. Then, for a real challenge, I helped a beginner find M 5. It somewhat resembled a hamburger. (Hmm, it had been a while since dinner). With that checked off my list, I studied M 76. It took me back to the first time I saw a smoke ring. After that, I identified IC 713 in Canis Major. It looked exactly like the exhaust from a diesel Suburban. Next, I hunted for IC 52. It appeared in the eyepiece like Gollum. Then, I showed some guests NGC 3244. It gave the appearance of dancing elephants. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I glimpsed NGC 4623 in a group of stars that looked like an armadillo. It appeared at low power like a UFO. After that, I accidentally located M 73. It gave the appearance of the last six objects I'd seen. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I tried for M 52 in Ursa Major. It shimmered, as if it were the exhaust from a diesel Suburban.
After a short break to recite my mantra, I hunted Abell 95. It seemed just like a glimmer of the Big Bang. With that checked off my list, I sketched M 50. It looked like George W. Bush. Then, I accidentally located Abell 71. It looked exactly like a UFO. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I looked at M 79. It reminded me of Santa Claus. Then, I added to my logbook M 48. It seemed fainter than a nebula. Then, I hunted for B 516. It was a dead ringer for diamonds on black velvet. Next, I tried M 38. It was not quite as bright as ripples of water.
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 day out under the hot sun with bitter enemies.