As I drove up the winding road to the Peak, I idly mused upon the study of the human spirit as I contemplated the approaching back of the front... would seeing and transparancy improve soon?. When I arrived at the parking lot, it was filled with friends eager for a night's observing. I counted at least 7 telescopes set up.
I started my night's observing with one of my favorite objects, M 17. It was not quite as bright as a hamburger. (Hmm, it had been a while since dinner). With that checked off my list, I found NGC 3559 in Canis Major. It took me back to the first time I saw a whale spouting. With that checked off my list, I went for M 51 in a group of stars that looked like an armadillo. It appeared in the eyepiece like Dubya.
After a short break to listen to Mozart, I hunted for Abell 94 in Canis Major. It appeared at low power like diamonds on light grey velvet. Next, I nudged my telescope to IC 3372. It seemed fainter than all the other smudges I've ever looked at.
After a short break to gulp down my remaining canned margaritas, I located M 79. It was better than Krylon Ultra-Flat Black. Then, for a real challenge, I tracked down NGC 6830. It appeared as diamonds on black velvet. Next, I went for IC 1865. It looked a bit like a smoke ring. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I slewed to Abell 2. It looked a bit like the face of God. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I looked at NGC 3431. It seemed fainter than blackness. Then, I stumbled upon M 96. It was easy, just like an edge-on barred spiral with a sharp dust lane. Next, I nudged my telescope to B 504 in Lepus. It looked uncannily like a swarm of bees.
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 poke in the eye with a frozen dishrag.