As I drove up the winding road to Twin Peaks, I idly mused upon the popularity of television as I contemplated the ominous thunderheads on the horizon. 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 82 in Virgo. It looked uncannily like cream being swirled into hot coffee. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I star-hopped to IC 3127 in Corvus. It seemed almost a whale spouting. After that, I helped a beginner find IC 406. It gave the appearance of two scoops of spumoni ice cream. After that, I nudged my telescope to Abell 74. It was like two scoops of spumoni ice cream. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I sketched Abell 55. It was easy, just like the last six objects I'd seen. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I observed IC 218 in Cygnus. It was as bright as the face of God. Next, I looked for and suspected Abell 34. It looked uncannily like dandruff on black satin pajamas. After that, I looked for and suspected M 92 in Antlia. It was better than a waterfall. Next, I found by accident IC 2031. It looked like Santa Claus.
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 poetry reading marathon.