As I drove up the winding road to the Peak, I idly mused upon the insignificance of the energy crisis 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 27 telescopes set up.
I started my night's observing with one of my favorite objects, M 12. It gave the appearance of cotton candy. With that checked off my list, I hunted B 317. It looked a bit like a spitting cobra. Then, I helped a beginner find M 76 in Scorpius. It reminded me of a dodo bird, extinct but for this celestial likeness. Then, for a real challenge, I nudged my telescope to NGC 2573. It appeared as a waterfall. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I found by accident IC 3188 in Canes Venatici. It was not quite as bright as a UFO. Then, I had a chance to see NGC 3442. It glowed, rather like cotton candy. Next, I nudged my telescope to Abell 87. It was as bright as cotton candy. With that checked off my list, I had a chance to see B 547. It took me back to the first time I saw blackness.
After a short break to cut some cheese, I looked for and suspected IC 216 in Camelopardalis. It appeared as a smoke ring. Then, I accidentally located NGC 5983. It took me back to the first time I saw one of Martha Stewart's doilies.
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 spending the evening reading blogs.