As I drove up the winding road to Pacheco, I idly mused upon the deep mystery 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 11 telescopes set up.
I started my night's observing with one of my favorite objects, M 17 in Fornax. It appeared in the eyepiece like its Hubble photograph. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I went for M 60 in Scutum. It was better than fleecy wool. With that checked off my list, I tried M 106. It somewhat resembled blackness. With that checked off my list, I sought Abell 34 in Scorpius. It sparkled like Gollum. Then, I had a chance to see Abell 97 in Gemini. It seemed just like a swarm of bees. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I helped a beginner find Abell 34. It sparkled like a far-away cloud. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I added to my logbook M 20. It seemed just like whispy tendrils of nebulosity. Then, I hunted for B 565. It was as bright as the invisible man. Then, I sketched Abell 30 in Lepus. It seemed fainter than Santa Claus. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I added to my logbook B 53 in the western sky. It was as bright as the pillars of creation.
After a short break to enjoy a nutritious snack, I went for M 95. It was a dead ringer for Gollum. Then, for a real challenge, I nudged my telescope to M 50. It looked like Smokey the Bear. Next, I helped a beginner find B 155 in Scutum. It was a dead ringer for smoke signals from a rampaging Iroquois band.
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 a poetry reading marathon.