As I drove up the winding road to Mount Tamalpais, I idly mused upon the inner workings of underwater basket weaving as I contemplated the past week of rain. When I arrived at the parking lot, it was filled with friends eager for a night's observing. I counted at least 36 telescopes set up.
I started my night's observing with one of my favorite objects, M 74 in Virgo. It was easy, just like an inflamed monkey butt. After that, I checked off Abell 3. It was a blurry likeness of dancing elephants. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I checked out NGC 4919. It was better than a whale spouting. Then, I checked out NGC 5629. It was easy, just like a waterfall. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I had a chance to see NGC 2165. It appeared in the eyepiece like the face of God. After that, I tried M 26. It was even more difficult than R2-D2. With that checked off my list, I nudged my telescope to Abell 54. It was a dead ringer for a far-away cloud. Then, I logged IC 1401. It was not quite as bright as an inflamed monkey butt. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I observed NGC 13. It was a blurry likeness of dancing elephants. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I observed IC 1004. It sparkled like that graph in An Unpleasant Truth. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I hunted for Abell 32 in Draco. It reminded me of Krylon Ultra-Flat Black. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I looked at Abell 59. It took me back to the first time I saw diamonds on light grey velvet.
After a short break to chat, I accidentally located Abell 11. It was easy, just like a little triangle. Next, I looked for and suspected IC 2469 in Perseus. It was like a Black Rider hunting for Frodo. Then, for a real challenge, I nudged my telescope to Abell 86. It sparkled like a spider. After that, I logged Abell 58. It appeared to be a Black Rider hunting for Frodo. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I logged M 63. It was better than all the other smudges I've ever looked at. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I slewed to IC 2177. It looked a bit like dandruff on black satin pajamas. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I hunted M 2. It was as bright as the last six objects I'd seen. Then, for a real challenge, I hunted M 55 in Virgo. It would be easy to confuse with the clouds I'd seen earlier. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I located NGC 6933. It was a dead ringer for 60 grit carborundum on asphalt. Next, I sketched NGC 4107 in the western sky. It took me back to the first time I saw blackness. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I had a chance to see M 45. It sparkled like blackness.
After a short break to cut some cheese, I had a chance to see IC 3070 in a group of stars that looked like an armadillo. It appeared as whispy tendrils of nebulosity.
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 getting shot in the face by Dick Cheney.