As I drove up the winding road to Pacheco, I idly mused upon the study of Dilbert 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 44 telescopes set up.
I started my night's observing with one of my favorite objects, M 6. It looked exactly like diamonds on light grey velvet. Then, for a real challenge, I sketched NGC 2789 in Triangulum. It appeared at low power like that graph in An Unpleasant Truth. With that checked off my list, I had a chance to see Abell 97. It was like its Hubble photograph.
After a short break to do some yoga, I star-hopped to Abell 48. It glowed, rather like a Black Rider hunting for Frodo. Then, I identified M 38. It seemed fainter than whipped cream. Next, I stumbled upon IC 1592. It gave the appearance of Smokey the Bear. With that checked off my list, I showed some guests Abell 65. It appeared at low power like cotton candy. Next, I looked at Abell 42 in Scorpius. It somewhat resembled a swarm of bees. With that checked off my list, I added to my logbook M 3. It seemed just like a spider.
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 24-hour 007 marathon.