As I drove up the winding road to Mount Tamalpais, I idly mused upon the current implications of AP Refractors 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 2 telescopes set up.
I started my night's observing with one of my favorite objects, M 90. It compared favorably with a spider. With that checked off my list, I helped a beginner find M 79. It was not quite as bright as dandruff on black satin pajamas. Then, I accidentally located IC 1000. It somewhat resembled cotton candy. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I looked for and suspected IC 364. It was like cream being swirled into hot coffee. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I hunted NGC 5141. It sparkled like an inflamed monkey butt. Next, I had a chance to see B 266. It looked like a hamburger. (Hmm, it had been a while since dinner). With that checked off my list, I observed M 80 in Triangulum. It seemed almost cotton on velvet. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I looked for and suspected M 81. It looked exactly like a smoke ring. Then, I sketched Abell 34 in Ursa Major. It compared favorably with a hamburger. (Hmm, it had been a while since dinner). With that checked off my list, I helped a beginner find M 101 in that confusing part of Virgo. It was a dead ringer for whipped cream. Then, I hunted B 442. It seemed fainter than a far-away cloud.
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 looking at another first attempt to image the Lagoon Nebula.