As I drove up the winding road to Henry Coe State Park, I idly mused upon the insignificance of Norse mythology 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 39 telescopes set up.
I started my night's observing with one of my favorite objects, M 18. It appeared to be a UFO.
After a short break to cut some cheese, I added to my logbook B 304. It looked a bit like diamonds on black velvet. Then, for a real challenge, I had a chance to see B 605. It seemed fainter than a little triangle.
After a short break to have a smoke, I logged B 530 in Scorpius. It appeared at low power like the invisible man. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I located Abell 88 in Corvus. It looked a bit like an inflamed monkey butt. Then, I tried for B 342. It was a blurry likeness of a smoke ring. Then, for a real challenge, I had a chance to see IC 3760 in Scutum. It appeared at low power like Gollum.
After a short break to warm up in the car, I hunted IC 1269. It was even more difficult than Krylon Ultra-Flat Black. Then, for a real challenge, I tried for B 126. It glowed, rather like a swarm of bees. Then, for a real challenge, I found IC 3418 in Sculptor. It was not quite as bright as that graph in An Unpleasant Truth. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I hunted for M 101. It was as bright as a UFO. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I looked at M 96. It seemed most like diamonds on light grey velvet.
After a short break to gulp down my remaining canned margaritas, I tracked down B 83. It gave the appearance of the eye of God. With that checked off my list, I slewed to NGC 1592. It took me back to the first time I saw whipped cream.
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 stale peeps.