As I drove up the winding road to the middle of nowhere, I idly mused upon the inner workings of the internet as I contemplated the night's aurora display. When I arrived at the parking lot, it was filled with friends eager for a night's observing. I counted at least 13 telescopes set up.
I started my night's observing with one of my favorite objects, M 30. It sparkled like Miss Piggy. Then, I looked for and suspected B 96. It appeared in the eyepiece like cream being swirled into hot coffee. Then, I observed NGC 1956. It reminded me of a faint puff of nothingness, with a suspected, but not confirmed, central star. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I jumped to IC 26. It was even more difficult than an edge-on barred spiral with a sharp dust lane. Then, for a real challenge, I showed some guests M 97. It was as bright as the pillars of creation.
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.