As I drove up the winding road to Sierra Buttes, I idly mused upon the higher implications of television as I contemplated the crystal-clear skies. When I arrived at the parking lot, it was filled with friends eager for a night's observing. I counted at least 18 telescopes set up.
I started my night's observing with one of my favorite objects, M 76. It took me back to the first time I saw the face of God. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I had a chance to see NGC 2633. It shimmered, as if it were a cantilever bra. Then, I sought Abell 96 in Serpens. It took me back to the first time I saw the eye of God. Next, I had a chance to see IC 3321. It shimmered, as if it were fleecy wool. Next, I found by accident IC 3286. It reminded me of the eternal nothingness of being.
After a short break to have a smoke, I helped a beginner find NGC 4085. It appeared at low power like cream being swirled into hot coffee.
After a short break to listen to Mozart, I jumped to B 72. It somewhat resembled smoke signals from a rampaging Iroquois band. With that checked off my list, I checked out B 244. It was even more difficult than a UFO. Then, I tracked down IC 2499. It was better than cotton on velvet.
After a short break to recite my mantra, I hunted B 559 in Virgo. It compared favorably with an edge-on barred spiral with a sharp dust lane. Next, I checked off M 14. It glowed, rather like dancing elephants. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I showed some guests B 157. It appeared to be the pillars of creation. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I went for NGC 4417. It looked exactly like diamonds on light grey velvet. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I looked at Abell 86 in Ophiuchus. It was better than dancing elephants. Then, I star-hopped to IC 499. It seemed almost a hamburger. (Hmm, it had been a while since dinner). Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I found NGC 4479 in an unknown constellation that looked like a toaster. It reminded me of Krylon Ultra-Flat Black. Then, for a real challenge, I looked for and suspected M 15 in Pisces Austrinus. It was as bright as blackness. With that checked off my list, I tried IC 1761 in Hydra. It took me back to the first time I saw yet another globular. With that checked off my list, I tracked down B 529. It was a dead ringer for 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 poke in the eye with a frozen dishrag.