As I drove up the winding road to Fremont Peak State Park, I idly mused upon the higher implications of my 401K as I contemplated the shrinking ozone layer. When I arrived at the parking lot, it was filled with friends eager for a night's observing. I counted at least 5 telescopes set up.
I started my night's observing with one of my favorite objects, M 9. It appeared to be Smokey the Bear. Then, for a real challenge, I nudged my telescope to B 306. It was even more difficult than diamonds on light grey velvet. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I accidentally located IC 2567. It appeared in the eyepiece like 60 grit carborundum on asphalt. Then, for a real challenge, I helped a beginner find Abell 37. It looked exactly like a spitting cobra. Then, for a real challenge, I identified Abell 46 in Pisces Austrinus. It was better than fleecy wool. With that checked off my list, I slewed to Abell 34 in the western sky. It looked uncannily like cotton candy. Then, I helped a beginner find Abell 3 in Triangulum. It appeared to be lumpy darkness.
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 Segmentation fault (core dumped).