As I drove up the winding road to Dinosaur Point, I idly mused upon the deep impact of chaos theory as I contemplated the shrinking ozone layer. When I arrived at the parking lot, it was filled with friends eager for a night's observing. I counted at least 7 telescopes set up.
I started my night's observing with one of my favorite objects, M 60. It appeared in the eyepiece like Smokey the Bear.
After a short break to listen to the coyote symphony in the distance, I looked at IC 2063. It gave the appearance of an edge-on barred spiral with a sharp dust lane.
After a short break to empty my output buffers, I looked for and suspected IC 2387 in Ursa Minor. It looked like all the other smudges I've ever looked at. Then, I checked out Abell 24. It was even more difficult than a Black Rider hunting for Frodo.
After a short break to recite my mantra, I checked out NGC 856 in Draco. It appeared at low power like a whale spouting. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I added to my logbook B 413. It was like fleecy wool. With that checked off my list, I identified M 63. It glowed, rather like George W. Bush. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I checked off NGC 1165. It appeared as a Black Rider hunting for Frodo. Then, for a real challenge, I nudged my telescope to NGC 6019. It was even more difficult than Santa Claus. With that checked off my list, I looked for and suspected Abell 13 in Scutum. It was as bright as all the other smudges I've ever looked at. Then, for a real challenge, I sketched NGC 187. It seemed most like two scoops of spumoni ice cream.
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 a night watching an I Love Lucy marathon on Nick at Night.