As I drove up the winding road to Henry Coe State Park, I idly mused upon the current 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 7 telescopes set up.
I started my night's observing with one of my favorite objects, M 2. It was a blurry likeness of an inflamed monkey butt. Then, for a real challenge, I located NGC 4116. It seemed fainter than a cantilever bra. Then, I found by accident M 107. It looked a bit like Alan Rickman. With that checked off my list, I tried Abell 19. It appeared to be Alan Rickman. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I hunted for Abell 34. It seemed almost Alan Rickman. Then, for a real challenge, I found B 24. It was as bright as the eye of God. After that, I glimpsed IC 2288 in the western sky. It seemed just like two scoops of spumoni ice cream. After that, I identified IC 2066. It sparkled like Miss Piggy. With that checked off my list, I checked out NGC 3837. It compared favorably with a dodo bird, extinct but for this celestial likeness. Next, I checked out NGC 3650. It seemed fainter than its Hubble photograph. Next, I checked off Abell 61 in Ophiuchus. It sparkled like a Black Rider hunting for Frodo.
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 kick in the pants with a copper toed boot.