As I drove up the winding road to Henry Coe State Park, I idly mused upon the morality of Dilbert 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 25 telescopes set up.
I started my night's observing with one of my favorite objects, M 82. It was not quite as bright as spent coals, faintly glowing. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I sought IC 3033. It reminded me of Alan Rickman. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I found Abell 38. It reminded me of a spider. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I jumped to NGC 4469. It seemed most like one of Martha Stewart's doilies. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I sought IC 471. It sparkled like Alan Rickman. After that, I tracked down NGC 3438 in Triangulum. It looked exactly like the pillars of creation. With that checked off my list, I helped a beginner find M 102. It was better than ripples of water. With that checked off my list, I identified M 81. It looked uncannily like 60 grit carborundum on asphalt. With that checked off my list, I hunted for IC 2211. It was not quite as bright as the eye of God. Then, for a real challenge, I located NGC 1338. It was better than diamonds on light grey velvet. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I found M 104. It appeared at low power like R2-D2. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I tried for Abell 54. It appeared to be R2-D2. Then, for a real challenge, I slewed to M 76. It looked like the eye of God. After that, I checked off B 615 in Corvus. It looked exactly like George W. Bush.
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.