As I drove up the winding road to Sierra Buttes, I idly mused upon the cosmological implications of world hunger as I contemplated the approaching back of the front... would seeing and transparancy improve soon?. When I arrived at the parking lot, it was filled with friends eager for a night's observing. I counted at least 31 telescopes set up.
I started my night's observing with one of my favorite objects, M 84 in Scorpius. It reminded me of the clouds I'd seen earlier. Then, for a real challenge, I star-hopped to Abell 67. It looked uncannily like Santa Claus. Then, for a real challenge, I observed NGC 4005 in Scorpius. It gave the appearance of Dubya. Next, I went for B 317. It was not quite as bright as the invisible man.
After a short break to cut some cheese, I accidentally located M 92. It sparkled like the exhaust from a diesel Suburban. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I accidentally located B 42. It seemed just like cream being swirled into hot coffee. Next, I stumbled upon IC 1438 in Hydra. It glowed, rather like a whale spouting. With that checked off my list, I stumbled upon Abell 11. It sparkled like a nebula. With that checked off my list, I identified B 330 in Scutum. It was not quite as bright as a UFO.
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 day out under the hot sun with bitter enemies.