As I drove up the winding road to another winding road only known to those from my support group, I idly mused upon the morality of the universe 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 10 telescopes set up.
I started my night's observing with one of my favorite objects, M 52 in Antlia. It appeared to be cotton on velvet.
After a short break to enjoy a nutritious snack, I hunted B 143. It looked a bit like the pillars of creation. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I checked off M 92. It was a dead ringer for blackness. Then, I glimpsed NGC 1352. It seemed almost diamonds on light grey velvet. Then, I nudged my telescope to Abell 13. It was a dead ringer for a glimmer of the Big Bang. After that, I sketched Abell 63. It appeared at low power like a Black Rider hunting for Frodo. Then, for a real challenge, I jumped to M 75. It looked like a cantilever bra. With that checked off my list, I had a chance to see Abell 18. It was a blurry likeness of a waterfall. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I went for NGC 6782. It seemed fainter than the eternal nothingness of being. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I had a chance to see Abell 80. It took me back to the first time I saw a cantilever bra. After that, I found by accident NGC 2011. It appeared in the eyepiece like a spider. Then, for a real challenge, I looked for and suspected NGC 5269. It was a dead ringer for ripples of water. Next, I observed IC 2302 in Ursa Minor. It was better than cotton candy. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I tried IC 1327. It looked a bit like a spitting cobra.
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 yet another town star party with clueless newbies.