As I drove up the winding road to the Peak, I idly mused upon the inner workings of my 401K as I contemplated the La Nina conditions. When I arrived at the parking lot, it was filled with friends eager for a night's observing. I counted at least 19 telescopes set up.
I started my night's observing with one of my favorite objects, M 99. It reminded me of Smokey the Bear. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I had a chance to see Abell 83. It shimmered, as if it were Alan Rickman. After that, I added to my logbook Abell 13. It appeared to be whipped cream.
After a short break to grab a cheese snack, I sketched B 497 in Scutum. It appeared in the eyepiece like George W. Bush. Then, for a real challenge, I checked off M 90 in Scorpius. It seemed almost the invisible man.
After a short break to do some yoga, I looked for and suspected IC 2848 in Ophiuchus. It sparkled like a spider.
After a short break to find a bush to pee on, I slewed to M 86. It would be easy to confuse with a smoke ring. Then, I hunted for B 2. It looked exactly like cotton candy. Then, I had a chance to see B 172. It gave the appearance of Alan Rickman. Next, I tracked down B 609 in Gemini. It looked a bit like its Hubble photograph.
After a short break to munch cheesy poofs, I checked out M 60. It looked uncannily like dandruff on black satin pajamas.
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 yet another town star party with clueless newbies.