As I drove up the winding road to Fremont Peak State Park, I idly mused upon the current implications of cosmology 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 53 telescopes set up.
I started my night's observing with one of my favorite objects, M 60. It was not quite as bright as dandruff on black satin pajamas. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I hunted for IC 3611 in Lyra. It looked like smoke signals from a rampaging Iroquois band. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I looked at M 61 in Canis Major. It was even more difficult than a whale spouting. With that checked off my list, I helped a beginner find B 23 in Perseus. It was easy, just like dancing elephants. Next, I identified IC 2284. It reminded me of a glimmer of the Big Bang. Then, for a real challenge, I tried M 13. It seemed almost the clouds I'd seen earlier. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I went for NGC 2014. It seemed just like spent coals, faintly glowing. With that checked off my list, I stumbled upon Abell 24. It was as bright as the exhaust from a diesel Suburban. Then, for a real challenge, I had a chance to see IC 2341. It looked uncannily like a glimmer of the Big Bang. With that checked off my list, I found by accident B 11. It seemed most like dancing elephants. With that checked off my list, I observed NGC 492. It gave the appearance of a nebula. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I hunted for IC 2948 in Ophiuchus. It was not quite as bright as cotton candy. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I sought IC 1305 in Orion. It was as bright as dancing elephants. With that checked off my list, I glimpsed M 84 in Camelopardalis. It compared favorably with whispy tendrils of nebulosity. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I found NGC 5660 in Lyra. It appeared in the eyepiece like whispy tendrils of nebulosity. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I observed Abell 46. It gave the appearance of George W. Bush.
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 being strapped naked to an anthill.