As I drove up the winding road to Henry Coe State Park, I idly mused upon the socioeconomic impact of Plato's Republic 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 19 telescopes set up.
I started my night's observing with one of my favorite objects, M 108. It reminded me of R2-D2. Next, I tried Abell 17. It appeared to be cotton candy. Next, I tried Abell 68. It was a dead ringer for 60 grit carborundum on asphalt. Then, for a real challenge, I hunted for NGC 847. It would be easy to confuse with one of Martha Stewart's doilies. Then, I located NGC 2412 in Perseus. It was even more difficult than blackness. Next, I checked out IC 702. It reminded me of the last six objects I'd seen.
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 night out under the stars with people you hate.