As I drove up the winding road to Henry Coe State Park, I idly mused upon the current implications of tight underwear as I contemplated the past week of rain. When I arrived at the parking lot, it was filled with friends eager for a night's observing. I counted at least 52 telescopes set up.
I started my night's observing with one of my favorite objects, M 4. It seemed just like cotton on velvet. After that, I hunted for B 612. It looked like the face of God. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I logged B 289. It would be easy to confuse with its Hubble photograph. Then, for a real challenge, I studied IC 1240. It looked a bit like diamonds on light grey velvet. After that, I sought Abell 59. It was like black pearls on flocked paper. After that, I had a chance to see M 101 in Antlia. It appeared in the eyepiece like the eye of God.
After a short break to recite my mantra, I showed some guests B 452 in the western sky. It seemed just like a spider. Then, for a real challenge, I nudged my telescope to B 249. It shimmered, as if it were a swarm of bees. Then, I observed Abell 54 in Serpens. It compared favorably with Miss Piggy.
After a short break to find a bush to pee on, I found by accident M 97. It looked like a glimmer of the Big Bang.
After a short break to cut some cheese, I jumped to NGC 5787. It looked exactly like diamonds on black velvet. After that, I tracked down NGC 3604. It glowed, rather like an inflamed monkey butt.
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 sitting in a dentist's waiting room.