As I drove up the winding road to my secret observing location, I idly mused upon the insignificance of AP Refractors 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 15 telescopes set up.
I started my night's observing with one of my favorite objects, M 63. It was like a little triangle. Then, for a real challenge, I glimpsed B 113. It glowed, rather like cotton candy. Next, I glimpsed IC 3419 in Virgo. It appeared in the eyepiece like its Hubble photograph. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I tried NGC 1931 in Canes Venatici. It would be easy to confuse with a hamburger. (Hmm, it had been a while since dinner). Next, I identified IC 3304. It was a blurry likeness of 60 grit carborundum on asphalt.
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 poetry reading marathon.