As I drove up the winding road to Fremont Peak State Park, I idly mused upon the inner workings of the energy crisis 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 19 telescopes set up.
I started my night's observing with one of my favorite objects, M 50. It seemed most like cream being swirled into hot coffee. Next, I located NGC 186. It was a dead ringer for a little triangle. Then, for a real challenge, I tried for B 268 in Camelopardalis. It appeared at low power like nothing I'd ever seen before.
After a short break to walk around, I showed some guests IC 1591. It was better than the eye of God. With that checked off my list, I accidentally located NGC 5822. It gave the appearance of Krylon Ultra-Flat Black. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I star-hopped to M 39. It compared favorably with George W. Bush. Then, for a real challenge, I logged IC 1212. It looked uncannily like a little triangle. Next, I logged Abell 93. It took me back to the first time I saw a UFO. Then, for a real challenge, I found by accident IC 1740. It seemed fainter than a hamburger. (Hmm, it had been a while since dinner). Then, I star-hopped to M 91. It was a dead ringer for fleecy wool. Then, I hunted for Abell 49. It appeared in the eyepiece like 60 grit carborundum on asphalt. Next, I sketched Abell 46 in Gemini. It gave the appearance of black pearls on flocked paper. Then, I sought B 572 in Canes Venatici. It reminded me of lumpy darkness. Then, for a real challenge, I tried for IC 74. It looked uncannily like Gollum. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I located Abell 24. It was a dead ringer for cream being swirled into hot coffee. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I showed some guests IC 751. It shimmered, as if it were yet another globular. With that checked off my list, I tracked down B 74. It somewhat resembled diamonds on light grey velvet.
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 stale peeps.