As I drove up the winding road to Dinosaur Point, I idly mused upon the higher implications of my 401K as I contemplated the fleecy clouds, hoping they would clear. When I arrived at the parking lot, it was filled with friends eager for a night's observing. I counted at least 14 telescopes set up.
I started my night's observing with one of my favorite objects, M 90. It reminded me of Krylon Ultra-Flat Black. With that checked off my list, I checked off B 348 in Camelopardalis. It was easy, just like the clouds I'd seen earlier. Then, for a real challenge, I found B 211. It was not quite as bright as diamonds on light grey velvet.
After a short break to have a smoke, I observed M 81. It appeared at low power like the exhaust from a diesel Suburban. Then, for a real challenge, I helped a beginner find Abell 14. It gave the appearance of Miss Piggy. Then, for a real challenge, I star-hopped to NGC 2667. It seemed fainter than a swarm of bees. With that checked off my list, I helped a beginner find NGC 4120. It looked exactly like Miss Piggy. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I showed some guests IC 276 in Sagittarius. It somewhat resembled fleecy wool.
After a short break to grab a cheese snack, I tracked down IC 446 in Scutum. It sparkled like its Hubble photograph. Next, I sought IC 60. It would be easy to confuse with Dubya. After that, I jumped to NGC 5780 in Pisces Austrinus. It looked uncannily like a Black Rider hunting for Frodo. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I had a chance to see Abell 3 in Ophiuchus. It looked a bit like George W. Bush. Then, for a real challenge, I tried NGC 2465. It took me back to the first time I saw the face of God.
After a short break to gulp down my remaining canned margaritas, I tracked down IC 3379. It appeared as cotton on velvet. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I tried M 55. It was a blurry likeness of a far-away cloud. Then, for a real challenge, I tried IC 2512 in Triangulum. It seemed almost the last six objects I'd seen. With that checked off my list, I accidentally located B 65. It sparkled like that graph in An Unpleasant Truth. Next, I had a chance to see Abell 70. It appeared to be a nebula. Then, I hunted for Abell 23. It shimmered, as if it were the invisible man. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I showed some guests B 3. It was a blurry likeness of a glimmer of the Big Bang. Then, I glimpsed NGC 2648 in Sculptor. It shimmered, as if it were a waterfall. After that, I star-hopped to IC 3137. It looked a bit like one of Martha Stewart's doilies. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I sought Abell 25. It was easy, just like the pillars of creation.
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 taking an elevator during a Stage 3 alert.