As I drove up the winding road to Devastated Area, I idly mused upon the deep impact of television as I contemplated the past week of rain. 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 38 in Orion. It was not quite as bright as a UFO. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I sketched IC 598. It was as bright as yet another globular. Then, for a real challenge, I looked for and suspected B 99. It was a blurry likeness of dandruff on black satin pajamas. Then, I located Abell 69. It appeared to be Gollum. Then, for a real challenge, I hunted Abell 82. It was as bright as a glimmer of the Big Bang. Next, I sought NGC 6641 in Lynx. It glowed, rather like the invisible man.
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.