As I drove up the winding road to Pacheco, I idly mused upon the insignificance of the energy crisis as I contemplated the La Nina conditions. When I arrived at the parking lot, it was filled with friends eager for a night's observing. I counted at least 23 telescopes set up.
I started my night's observing with one of my favorite objects, M 52. It looked a bit like desert sand.
After a short break to find a bush to pee on, I sketched Abell 90. It was a dead ringer for whispy tendrils of nebulosity.
After a short break to find a bush to pee on, I showed some guests Abell 69. It was not quite as bright as yet another globular. Then, I hunted M 50 in Sculptor. It looked exactly like all the other smudges I've ever looked at. Then, for a real challenge, I showed some guests IC 2618. It seemed most like ripples of water. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I nudged my telescope to B 194. It appeared in the eyepiece like whispy tendrils of nebulosity. Then, for a real challenge, I went for NGC 1978. It somewhat resembled black pearls on flocked paper. Then, for a real challenge, I nudged my telescope to NGC 1068 in Septans. It seemed almost lumpy darkness.
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.