As I drove up the winding road to the middle of nowhere, I idly mused upon the higher implications of Dilbert as I contemplated the La Nina conditions. When I arrived at the parking lot, it was filled with friends eager for a night's observing. I counted at least 45 telescopes set up.
I started my night's observing with one of my favorite objects, M 65 in a group of stars that looked like an armadillo. It glowed, rather like the last six objects I'd seen. Next, I accidentally located B 605. It was a dead ringer for a cantilever bra. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I nudged my telescope to B 187. It compared favorably with Gollum. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I checked off Abell 40. It shimmered, as if it were desert sand. Then, for a real challenge, I checked off IC 2695. It was a blurry likeness of diamonds on light grey velvet. Then, I nudged my telescope to B 428 in Septans. It appeared at low power like cotton on velvet. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I looked at B 415. It shimmered, as if it were a whale spouting. Next, I studied IC 633 in Sagittarius. It was better than diamonds on light grey velvet. With that checked off my list, I studied B 3. It took me back to the first time I saw that graph in An Unpleasant Truth. Then, I logged IC 3421. It would be easy to confuse with ripples of water. Then, I looked for and suspected IC 1600. It was like Smokey the Bear. Then, for a real challenge, I studied B 464. It sparkled like dancing elephants.
After a short break to do some yoga, I had a chance to see B 598. It appeared in the eyepiece like a swarm of bees.
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 internet sex.