As I drove up the winding road to Henry Coe State Park, I idly mused upon the study of economic theory as I contemplated the ominous thunderheads on the horizon. When I arrived at the parking lot, it was filled with friends eager for a night's observing. I counted at least 0 telescopes set up.
I started my night's observing with one of my favorite objects, M 101. It sparkled like a Black Rider hunting for Frodo. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I had a chance to see Abell 73. It appeared as a spider. After that, I hunted for NGC 85. It seemed fainter than nothing I'd ever seen before. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I tracked down B 505. It gave the appearance of cream being swirled into hot coffee. Then, for a real challenge, I looked at Abell 58. It glowed, rather like a whale spouting. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I sought M 5. It appeared to be a swarm of bees. Then, for a real challenge, I helped a beginner find IC 3715. It seemed just like cream being swirled into hot coffee.
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 getting shot in the face by Dick Cheney.