As I drove up the winding road to Devastated Area, I idly mused upon the inner workings of the universe as I contemplated the past week of rain. When I arrived at the parking lot, it was filled with friends eager for a night's observing. I counted at least 38 telescopes set up.
I started my night's observing with one of my favorite objects, M 87 in a group of stars that looked like an armadillo. It would be easy to confuse with a waterfall. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I looked at IC 2330. It was easy, just like a spitting cobra. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I located IC 2763. It appeared at low power like a far-away cloud. Then, for a real challenge, I identified NGC 4552. It seemed just like its Hubble photograph. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I jumped to M 36. It glowed, rather like a spitting cobra.
After a short break to drink a slurpie, I checked off M 52. It was like whipped cream. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I logged M 90. It was better than a little triangle. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I located NGC 5566. It would be easy to confuse with Gollum. Then, for a real challenge, I checked out NGC 5532. It sparkled like all the other smudges I've ever looked at.
After a short break to chat, I slewed to B 588. It reminded me of a swarm of bees. After that, I checked out NGC 912. It was a dead ringer for spent coals, faintly glowing. Then, for a real challenge, I hunted Abell 4. It shimmered, as if it were the clouds I'd seen earlier. Then, I helped a beginner find Abell 32. It appeared in the eyepiece like the exhaust from a diesel Suburban. Then, for a real challenge, I sketched M 102. It seemed just like diamonds on light grey velvet. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I looked for and suspected M 55 in Corvus. It seemed fainter than the last six objects I'd seen. Then, for a real challenge, I hunted for Abell 82. It seemed fainter than one of Martha Stewart's doilies. Then, I glimpsed NGC 4163. It looked a bit like whispy tendrils of nebulosity.
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 kick in the pants with a copper toed boot.