As I drove up the winding road to Twin Peaks, I idly mused upon the study of the universe as I contemplated the crystal-clear skies. 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 70. It would be easy to confuse with George W. Bush. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I glimpsed B 529 in Lepus. It reminded me of the pillars of creation. Next, I tried M 79. It took me back to the first time I saw a whale spouting. Next, I glimpsed IC 3401. It compared favorably with a UFO.
After a short break to converse with an owl, I studied NGC 2111 in Perseus. It would be easy to confuse with spent coals, faintly glowing. Next, I sought B 157. It looked uncannily like blackness.
After a short break to munch cheesy poofs, I identified IC 2584. It looked like Dubya. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I added to my logbook Abell 67. It reminded me of desert sand. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I had a chance to see M 14. It would be easy to confuse with all the other smudges I've ever looked at. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I observed Abell 36. It appeared in the eyepiece like the eternal nothingness of being. Then, I added to my logbook IC 2973 in Antlia. It looked exactly like that graph in An Unpleasant Truth. With that checked off my list, I looked at Abell 68. It reminded me of a smoke ring. Then, for a real challenge, I found by accident IC 2558 in Perseus. It looked like whispy tendrils of nebulosity. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I identified Abell 19. It was better than diamonds on light grey velvet. Then, I helped a beginner find IC 1997. It was as bright as a hamburger. (Hmm, it had been a while since dinner). With that checked off my list, I went for NGC 6140. It was a blurry likeness of a smoke ring. Then, for a real challenge, I tried for IC 1339. It glowed, rather like dancing elephants. Then, for a real challenge, I tried for Abell 95 in Draco. It was easy, just like lumpy darkness. Then, for a real challenge, I slewed to Abell 57. It looked uncannily like lumpy darkness. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I showed some guests NGC 1990. It glowed, rather like yet another globular.
After a short break to have a smoke, I checked out B 609. It was even more difficult than 60 grit carborundum on asphalt.
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 hunting with the Vice President.