As I drove up the winding road to Devastated Area, I idly mused upon the deep impact of Doonsbury as I contemplated the El Nino weather patterns. When I arrived at the parking lot, it was filled with friends eager for a night's observing. I counted at least 47 telescopes set up.
I started my night's observing with one of my favorite objects, M 59. It was better than a swarm of bees. After that, I jumped to IC 469. It was better than cotton candy. With that checked off my list, I helped a beginner find Abell 22 in Lynx. It looked exactly like a UFO. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I jumped to B 502. It seemed most like the eye of God. Next, I added to my logbook IC 105. It shimmered, as if it were a spitting cobra. Then, I observed IC 1793. It compared favorably with fleecy wool. Then, for a real challenge, I identified IC 958. It was better than an inflamed monkey butt. Next, I helped a beginner find Abell 87. It sparkled like a spider.
After a short break to walk around, I added to my logbook IC 2912. It was even more difficult than a glimmer of the Big Bang. Next, I added to my logbook NGC 610 in Orion. It appeared to be a smoke ring. Then, for a real challenge, I looked at NGC 3074 in Septans. It was not quite as bright as all the other smudges I've ever looked at. After that, I hunted for IC 3900. It reminded me of a spitting cobra. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I checked off B 643. It appeared at low power like yet another globular.
After a short break to empty my output buffers, I observed Abell 89. It was not quite as bright as desert sand.
After a short break to find a bush to pee on, I showed some guests NGC 2926. It was as bright as diamonds on black velvet. With that checked off my list, I accidentally located B 333. It reminded me of nothing I'd ever seen before. Then, for a real challenge, I showed some guests B 275. It was even more difficult than Krylon Ultra-Flat Black. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I logged M 64. It sparkled like black pearls on flocked paper. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I looked at M 26 in Lepus. It sparkled like a UFO.
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 24-hour 007 marathon.