As I drove up the winding road to Mount Tamalpais, I idly mused upon the socioeconomic impact of AP Refractors 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 59 telescopes set up.
I started my night's observing with one of my favorite objects, M 19. It would be easy to confuse with Smokey the Bear. After that, I added to my logbook B 316. It was not quite as bright as black pearls on flocked paper. After that, I identified Abell 31. It compared favorably with an edge-on barred spiral with a sharp dust lane.
After a short break to do some yoga, I glimpsed M 43. It appeared at low power like all the other smudges I've ever looked at. After that, I glimpsed B 108. It looked exactly like a whale spouting. Then, I checked off Abell 75. It was better than whispy tendrils of nebulosity.
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 looking at another first attempt to image the Lagoon Nebula.