As I drove up the winding road to Fremont Peak State Park, I idly mused upon the subtle meaning of Norse mythology as I contemplated the El Nino weather patterns. When I arrived at the parking lot, it was filled with friends eager for a night's observing. I counted at least 31 telescopes set up.
I started my night's observing with one of my favorite objects, M 4. It appeared at low power like the exhaust from a diesel Suburban. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I accidentally located NGC 1395. It was as bright as lumpy darkness. After that, I located B 149. It was a dead ringer for Alan Rickman. Next, I glimpsed B 515. It was easy, just like a smoke ring. After that, I found by accident B 308. It took me back to the first time I saw two scoops of spumoni ice cream. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I tried for Abell 68 in Pisces Austrinus. It gave the appearance of spent coals, faintly glowing. After that, I hunted for NGC 1240. It shimmered, as if it were a hamburger. (Hmm, it had been a while since dinner). After that, I studied M 87 in Corvus. It glowed, rather like dandruff on black satin pajamas. After that, I looked at Abell 82 in Septans. It compared favorably with yet another globular.
After a short break to empty my output buffers, I checked off M 109 in Septans. It compared favorably with cotton candy. Then, I identified IC 1238. It was easy, just like the eternal nothingness of being. Then, for a real challenge, I located Abell 66 in Ursa Minor. It was better than the exhaust from a diesel Suburban. After that, I went for Abell 47. It reminded me of the invisible man. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I tried M 60. It was even more difficult than the eternal nothingness of being.
After a short break to chat, I slewed to Abell 91 in Lyra. It reminded me of a far-away cloud. After that, I helped a beginner find M 31. It compared favorably with one of Martha Stewart's doilies. After that, I had a chance to see B 196 in Lynx. It seemed almost the invisible man. With that checked off my list, I located NGC 1066. It somewhat resembled the exhaust from a diesel Suburban. With that checked off my list, I jumped to NGC 2203. It was not quite as bright as a far-away cloud. With that checked off my list, I observed IC 3497. It reminded me of lumpy darkness. Then, I sought NGC 6454. It would be easy to confuse with dandruff on black satin pajamas. After that, I located M 84. It appeared as two scoops of spumoni ice cream.
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.