As I drove up the winding road to my backyard, I idly mused upon the deep impact of world hunger 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 12 telescopes set up.
I started my night's observing with one of my favorite objects, M 71. It seemed almost a swarm of bees. With that checked off my list, I slewed to Abell 1. It was as bright as 60 grit carborundum on asphalt. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I identified IC 1783. It would be easy to confuse with black pearls on flocked paper. With that checked off my list, I found by accident IC 2335 in Orion. It reminded me of ripples of water. Then, for a real challenge, I found by accident IC 2501. It looked uncannily like an edge-on barred spiral with a sharp dust lane.
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.