As I drove up the winding road to Henry Coe State Park, I idly mused upon the subtle beauty 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 42 telescopes set up.
I started my night's observing with one of my favorite objects, M 9 in Virgo. It seemed most like that graph in An Unpleasant Truth. Then, I sketched Abell 38. It was not quite as bright as black pearls on flocked paper. Then, I helped a beginner find Abell 6. It reminded me of blackness. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I checked off Abell 48. It seemed just like yet another globular. Then, for a real challenge, I tried for M 60. It was like spent coals, faintly glowing. Then, I observed IC 2164 in Lynx. It was not quite as bright as whipped cream. Then, I helped a beginner find B 551. It reminded me of the clouds I'd seen earlier. With that checked off my list, I found IC 704 in Lynx. It sparkled like a waterfall.
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 kick in the pants with a copper toed boot.