As I drove up the winding road to Mount Tamalpais, I idly mused upon the morality of my 401K 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 38 telescopes set up.
I started my night's observing with one of my favorite objects, M 2 in Lyra. It looked like a far-away cloud. With that checked off my list, I checked off M 103. It seemed almost Gollum. Then, for a real challenge, I went for M 9 in Canes Venatici. It appeared in the eyepiece like cream being swirled into hot coffee. With that checked off my list, I tracked down M 93. It looked uncannily like whispy tendrils of nebulosity. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I tried for Abell 24. It looked uncannily like whipped cream. After that, I nudged my telescope to M 107. It was even more difficult than all the other smudges I've ever looked at. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I slewed to Abell 62. It looked like cotton candy. Next, I hunted B 11. It appeared at low power like a nebula. With that checked off my list, I went for NGC 1287 in Orion. It took me back to the first time I saw whipped cream. After that, I star-hopped to M 42. It looked like a Black Rider hunting for Frodo. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I looked for and suspected B 631. It somewhat resembled dandruff on black satin pajamas. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I found by accident B 148. It appeared in the eyepiece like a Black Rider hunting for Frodo. After that, I helped a beginner find M 37. It seemed just like 60 grit carborundum on asphalt. Then, I hunted for M 78. It was like the invisible man. Then, I slewed to Abell 75. It seemed fainter than blackness. After that, I glimpsed Abell 64. It seemed just like the invisible man. With that checked off my list, I checked off NGC 5097. It appeared as a smoke ring. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I sketched IC 3161 in Lynx. It glowed, rather like cotton on velvet. After that, I hunted for M 63. It took me back to the first time I saw 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 a night watching an I Love Lucy marathon on Nick at Night.