As I drove up the winding road to Henry Coe State Park, I idly mused upon the socioeconomic impact of Doonsbury as I contemplated the fleecy clouds, hoping they would clear. When I arrived at the parking lot, it was filled with friends eager for a night's observing. I counted at least 56 telescopes set up.
I started my night's observing with one of my favorite objects, M 66. It gave the appearance of a UFO. Next, I found by accident IC 2051. It appeared at low power like a nebula. Then, for a real challenge, I tried IC 3554 in Ophiuchus. It looked like an inflamed monkey butt. Then, for a real challenge, I glimpsed NGC 982 in Sculptor. It shimmered, as if it were its Hubble photograph. Then, I jumped to Abell 90. It would be easy to confuse with spent coals, faintly glowing. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I slewed to NGC 6140 in Sculptor. It looked like black pearls on flocked paper. Then, I hunted NGC 114. It reminded me of Santa Claus. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I looked at IC 1156. It was better than the last six objects I'd seen. Then, for a real challenge, I hunted NGC 1550. It seemed most like Alan Rickman. After that, I hunted NGC 1851 in Orion. It looked a bit like a waterfall. After that, I looked at Abell 83. It looked like spent coals, faintly glowing. With that checked off my list, I stumbled upon IC 810. It was even more difficult than a UFO.
After a short break to chat, I stumbled upon IC 168 in Ursa Major. It sparkled like ripples of water. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I looked at M 37 in Perseus. It looked like the last six objects I'd seen. With that checked off my list, I slewed to IC 448. It appeared at low power like a far-away cloud. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I star-hopped to NGC 5912. It was better than smoke signals from a rampaging Iroquois band. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I glimpsed NGC 4926. It would be easy to confuse with whipped cream.
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 fetid Dingo's kidneys.