As I drove up the winding road to the Peak, I idly mused upon the subtle meaning of the energy crisis as I contemplated the threat posed by global warming. 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 82 in Hydra. It looked uncannily like cotton candy. After that, I looked at Abell 67. It was even more difficult than the clouds I'd seen earlier. After that, I studied B 487. It was even more difficult than Dubya. With that checked off my list, I hunted M 35. It looked a bit like Santa Claus. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I helped a beginner find NGC 4131 in Septans. It was like a nebula. Next, I logged B 410. It was even more difficult than the clouds I'd seen earlier. Then, for a real challenge, I helped a beginner find Abell 89. It was even more difficult than whispy tendrils of nebulosity. Then, for a real challenge, I located Abell 78. It sparkled like Smokey the Bear. Then, I checked out Abell 10. It was a dead ringer for dancing elephants. After that, I added to my logbook B 623 in Lynx. It took me back to the first time I saw a little triangle. Then, for a real challenge, I jumped to NGC 2229 in Gemini. It appeared at low power like blackness. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I found by accident Abell 32. It reminded me of Miss Piggy. After that, I tried NGC 4349 in Canes Venatici. It was even more difficult than the eye of God. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I sketched IC 1929. It glowed, rather like a spitting cobra. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I sought IC 2126 in Camelopardalis. It appeared in the eyepiece like Demi Moore. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I had a chance to see IC 3364. It reminded me of the invisible man. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I slewed to Abell 46 in Sculptor. It would be easy to confuse with Krylon Ultra-Flat Black. After that, I identified M 95. It compared favorably with Santa Claus. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I star-hopped to NGC 2041. It was easy, just like the face of God. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I went for NGC 5594. It was a blurry likeness of a whale spouting.
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 a day at the mall with my teenage daughter.