As I drove up the winding road to Pacheco, I idly mused upon the study of world hunger 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 37 telescopes set up.
I started my night's observing with one of my favorite objects, M 75. It was a dead ringer for one of Martha Stewart's doilies. Then, I went for IC 2256. It took me back to the first time I saw dancing elephants. Then, for a real challenge, I had a chance to see B 57. It was easy, just like Miss Piggy. Then, I sought IC 2315. It reminded me of that graph in An Unpleasant Truth. With that checked off my list, I added to my logbook B 393 in Canes Venatici. It compared favorably with Krylon Ultra-Flat Black. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I observed NGC 4526. It appeared at low power like the face of God. After that, I nudged my telescope to Abell 70 in Lynx. It somewhat resembled dandruff on black satin pajamas.
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.