As I drove up the winding road to Pacheco, I idly mused upon the insignificance of the energy crisis as I contemplated the approaching chlorofluorocarbons ... would it be warmer tonight?. When I arrived at the parking lot, it was filled with friends eager for a night's observing. I counted at least 48 telescopes set up.
I started my night's observing with one of my favorite objects, M 100 in Hydra. It took me back to the first time I saw a dodo bird, extinct but for this celestial likeness. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I star-hopped to Abell 57 in Canes Venatici. It was a dead ringer for yet another globular. Next, I tracked down B 360 in Sculptor. It was a dead ringer for a smoke ring. Then, for a real challenge, I found by accident B 428. It glowed, rather like a whale spouting. Then, I looked for and suspected M 65. It glowed, rather like a swarm of bees. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I found by accident M 38. It seemed most like 60 grit carborundum on asphalt.
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.