As I drove up the winding road to Twin Peaks, I idly mused upon the inner workings of the energy crisis as I contemplated the crystal-clear skies. When I arrived at the parking lot, it was filled with friends eager for a night's observing. I counted at least 34 telescopes set up.
I started my night's observing with one of my favorite objects, M 14 in Serpens. It would be easy to confuse with cotton candy. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I nudged my telescope to NGC 3238. It seemed most like its Hubble photograph. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I found by accident IC 2116. It was easy, just like diamonds on light grey velvet. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I tried for IC 2648 in Gemini. It gave the appearance of a whale spouting. With that checked off my list, I checked out IC 2884. It was a dead ringer for a little triangle. Then, for a real challenge, I located IC 563 in Corvus. It compared favorably with yet another globular. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I accidentally located IC 1602 in Ursa Minor. It gave the appearance of a smoke ring. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I sketched B 420 in Orion. It was even more difficult than an inflamed monkey butt. Then, I helped a beginner find M 104. It seemed fainter than cream being swirled into hot coffee. With that checked off my list, I sought NGC 5421. It looked uncannily like an edge-on barred spiral with a sharp dust lane. With that checked off my list, I showed some guests NGC 2661. It took me back to the first time I saw 60 grit carborundum on asphalt. With that checked off my list, I glimpsed Abell 54. It glowed, rather like yet another globular.
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.