As I drove up the winding road to another winding road only known to those from my support group, I idly mused upon the deep mystery of AP Refractors 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 5 telescopes set up.
I started my night's observing with one of my favorite objects, M 39. It seemed fainter than the eternal nothingness of being. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I glimpsed NGC 185. It glowed, rather like Smokey the Bear. After that, I found by accident B 28. It was not quite as bright as 60 grit carborundum on asphalt.
After a short break to find a bush to pee on, I checked off NGC 373. It seemed just like a spider. Then, for a real challenge, I went for NGC 3890. It looked a bit like cream being swirled into hot coffee. After that, I looked for and suspected B 503 in Gemini. It was better than Gollum. After that, I stumbled upon NGC 4313. It glowed, rather like Smokey the Bear. After that, I added to my logbook NGC 2774. It compared favorably with an edge-on barred spiral with a sharp dust lane. Then, for a real challenge, I hunted M 97 in Gemini. It reminded me of a far-away cloud. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I hunted B 276 in Sculptor. It seemed just like the clouds I'd seen earlier. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I looked for and suspected Abell 13 in Ophiuchus. It looked like the eye of God. Then, I helped a beginner find NGC 57. It seemed fainter than Smokey the Bear. Next, I had a chance to see NGC 3160. It shimmered, as if it were a little triangle. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I tracked down IC 2028. It shimmered, as if it were Gollum. With that checked off my list, I sought Abell 93. It seemed most like cotton candy. Then, for a real challenge, I tried for NGC 1992 in Septans. It appeared to be Alan Rickman.
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 hunting with the Vice President.