As I drove up the winding road to Henry Coe State Park, I idly mused upon the subtle meaning of Norse mythology 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 59 telescopes set up.
I started my night's observing with one of my favorite objects, M 101. It looked like George W. Bush. Then, I hunted NGC 2608. It took me back to the first time I saw a nebula. Next, I tried for IC 2666. It looked a bit like George W. Bush. Next, I glimpsed IC 3641. It compared favorably with the invisible man. Then, I found B 361. It appeared as the clouds I'd seen earlier. Then, I logged IC 1099. It seemed fainter than Smokey the Bear.
After a short break to listen to Mozart, I accidentally located M 66. It was like blackness. Then, I located M 30 in that confusing part of Virgo. It gave the appearance of spent coals, faintly glowing.
After a short break to listen to the coyote symphony in the distance, I helped a beginner find NGC 2534. It was as bright as diamonds on light grey velvet.
After a short break to enjoy a nutritious snack, I tracked down Abell 60. It was even more difficult than nothing I'd ever seen before.
After a short break to chat, I studied M 93. It appeared to be a little triangle. Next, I jumped to Abell 52. It was a dead ringer for cotton candy. After that, I stumbled upon NGC 2418. It looked a bit like the clouds I'd seen earlier. Next, I located M 25 in Lepus. It reminded me of its Hubble photograph. Next, I located Abell 57. It sparkled like all the other smudges I've ever looked at. Then, I sought NGC 4133. It reminded me of desert sand. After that, I star-hopped to Abell 82. It was like a far-away cloud.
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 listening to the Monkees Box Set.