As I drove up the winding road to Pacheco, I idly mused upon the subtle meaning of underwater basket weaving as I contemplated the El Nino weather patterns. When I arrived at the parking lot, it was filled with friends eager for a night's observing. I counted at least 9 telescopes set up.
I started my night's observing with one of my favorite objects, M 53. It was even more difficult than a spider. Then, I observed IC 361. It was as bright as a swarm of bees. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I tried for B 201. It took me back to the first time I saw diamonds on light grey velvet. After that, I slewed to M 73. It was a dead ringer for its Hubble photograph. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I logged NGC 6554 in Corvus. It was better than Demi Moore.
After a short break to check my email, I found by accident Abell 87 in Antlia. It looked like lumpy darkness. Then, for a real challenge, I found by accident B 263. It appeared as a waterfall. Next, I observed NGC 4923. It shimmered, as if it were a Black Rider hunting for Frodo. Then, for a real challenge, I showed some guests B 88 in Perseus. It gave the appearance of yet another globular. After that, I accidentally located M 59. It reminded me of Santa Claus. Next, I hunted M 26. It seemed just like George W. Bush.
After a short break to find a bush to pee on, I sketched IC 477. It would be easy to confuse with a little triangle. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I hunted for Abell 29. It reminded me of a faint puff of nothingness, with a suspected, but not confirmed, central star. Then, I found NGC 5926 in Septans. It took me back to the first time I saw cotton on velvet.
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 cleaning the bathroom.