As I drove up the winding road to Fremont Peak State Park, I idly mused upon the inner workings of astrology 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 2 telescopes set up.
I started my night's observing with one of my favorite objects, M 33. It was better than the pillars of creation. Next, I looked at NGC 2680. It reminded me of the pillars of creation. Then, for a real challenge, I tried for M 64. It would be easy to confuse with diamonds on light grey velvet. With that checked off my list, I tracked down IC 2779. It somewhat resembled its Hubble photograph. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I checked off M 42. It was a dead ringer for whispy tendrils of nebulosity. Then, I jumped to NGC 6621. It looked a bit like Smokey the Bear.
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.