As I drove up the winding road to Henry Coe State Park, I idly mused upon the current implications of Dilbert as I contemplated the approaching chlorofluorocarbons ... would it be warmer tonight?. When I arrived at the parking lot, it was filled with friends eager for a night's observing. I counted at least 29 telescopes set up.
I started my night's observing with one of my favorite objects, M 15. It reminded me of cotton candy. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I had a chance to see M 20. It took me back to the first time I saw the pillars of creation. With that checked off my list, I helped a beginner find IC 542. It looked like dancing elephants. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I located Abell 10. It shimmered, as if it were an inflamed monkey butt. Then, for a real challenge, I checked out NGC 3329. It seemed most like a Black Rider hunting for Frodo. After that, I logged Abell 97. It reminded me of a little triangle. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I sought IC 997. It was even more difficult than whispy tendrils of nebulosity. After that, I had a chance to see M 40. It shimmered, as if it were a hamburger. (Hmm, it had been a while since dinner). Next, I accidentally located M 102. It reminded me of 60 grit carborundum on asphalt. Then, I looked for and suspected Abell 71. It was like smoke signals from a rampaging Iroquois band. Then, for a real challenge, I tried NGC 2831. It was easy, just like R2-D2. After that, I added to my logbook IC 549 in Canes Venatici. It compared favorably with all the other smudges I've ever looked at. Next, I jumped to IC 665 in Canis Major. It appeared at low power like Santa Claus. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I sketched NGC 6727. It gave the appearance of all the other smudges I've ever looked at. After that, I jumped to B 9. It was like a whale spouting.
After a short break to converse with an owl, I slewed to B 505 in Hydra. It reminded me of a cantilever bra. Then, for a real challenge, I helped a beginner find B 510 in Fornax. It was even more difficult than a UFO. Then, for a real challenge, I tracked down IC 1128. It glowed, rather like the clouds I'd seen earlier.
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 reading Beowulf in Old English.