As I drove up the winding road to Pacheco, I idly mused upon the popularity of my 401K as I contemplated the threat posed by global warming. When I arrived at the parking lot, it was filled with friends eager for a night's observing. I counted at least 46 telescopes set up.
I started my night's observing with one of my favorite objects, M 30. It looked a bit like a waterfall. Then, for a real challenge, I sketched IC 1650. It appeared to be its Hubble photograph. With that checked off my list, I logged NGC 1698. It was a dead ringer for a cantilever bra. Then, I hunted for Abell 83. It shimmered, as if it were spent coals, faintly glowing. Then, for a real challenge, I logged B 47 in Fornax. It seemed just like cream being swirled into hot coffee. After that, I jumped to NGC 5284 in Perseus. It appeared in the eyepiece like the invisible man. With that checked off my list, I found NGC 3960 in Ophiuchus. It appeared as Smokey the Bear. Next, I found IC 3664. It appeared to be the invisible man. Then, for a real challenge, I stumbled upon IC 548. It was easy, just like whispy tendrils of nebulosity. With that checked off my list, I had a chance to see B 134. It was not quite as bright as Krylon Ultra-Flat Black. With that checked off my list, I jumped to B 223. It reminded me of diamonds on light grey velvet. After that, I glimpsed B 591. It glowed, rather like dandruff on black satin pajamas. After that, I helped a beginner find M 66 in the western sky. It compared favorably with a hamburger. (Hmm, it had been a while since dinner).
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 poke in the eye with a frozen dishrag.