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 impact of the universe as I contemplated the shrinking ozone layer. When I arrived at the parking lot, it was filled with friends eager for a night's observing. I counted at least 52 telescopes set up.
I started my night's observing with one of my favorite objects, M 105. It was better than Krylon Ultra-Flat Black. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I located Abell 51 in Corvus. It seemed almost yet another globular. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I slewed to B 500 in Ursa Minor. It somewhat resembled lumpy darkness. Then, for a real challenge, I hunted NGC 6331. It looked a bit like that graph in An Unpleasant Truth.
After a short break to converse with an owl, I observed NGC 722. It was not quite as bright as the exhaust from a diesel Suburban. With that checked off my list, I checked off Abell 80. It would be easy to confuse with its Hubble photograph.
After a short break to do some yoga, I stumbled upon M 30. It appeared at low power like a Black Rider hunting for Frodo. Then, for a real challenge, I located B 351. It seemed just like cotton candy. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I found by accident NGC 5118. It seemed almost a hamburger. (Hmm, it had been a while since dinner). Next, I showed some guests M 12. It was even more difficult than all the other smudges I've ever looked at.
After a short break to recite my mantra, I located B 323. It gave the appearance of cotton on velvet. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I added to my logbook NGC 3488 in Pisces Austrinus. It somewhat resembled cotton candy.
After a short break to walk around, I tried M 78. It seemed fainter than two scoops of spumoni ice cream. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I accidentally located Abell 67. It seemed almost the eye of God. With that checked off my list, I nudged my telescope to M 65. It seemed fainter than the last six objects I'd seen.
After a short break to warm up in the car, I sketched B 70 in an unknown constellation that looked like a toaster. It looked a bit like fleecy wool. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I star-hopped to M 99. It looked exactly like Smokey the Bear.
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 day out under the hot sun with bitter enemies.