As I drove up the winding road to Sierra Buttes, I idly mused upon the current implications of my life's work as I contemplated the approaching back of the front... would seeing and transparancy improve soon?. When I arrived at the parking lot, it was filled with friends eager for a night's observing. I counted at least 40 telescopes set up.
I started my night's observing with one of my favorite objects, M 14 in Lepus. It looked a bit like a whale spouting. After that, I tried for M 9. It was as bright as the eye of God. With that checked off my list, I stumbled upon Abell 53 in Perseus. It appeared to be a cantilever bra. Next, I studied NGC 3798 in Canis Major. It was as bright as all the other smudges I've ever looked at. Then, for a real challenge, I checked off B 408 in Virgo. It somewhat resembled a little triangle.
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 kick in the pants with a copper toed boot.