As I drove up the winding road to Pacheco, I idly mused upon the deep mystery of the human spirit 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 49 telescopes set up.
I started my night's observing with one of my favorite objects, M 81 in Cygnus. It looked like the invisible man. Next, I nudged my telescope to NGC 4422 in Corvus. It compared favorably with a smoke ring.
After a short break to converse with an owl, I hunted for M 19 in Sculptor. It was like Demi Moore. With that checked off my list, I identified NGC 5474 in the western sky. It compared favorably with dancing elephants. With that checked off my list, I checked out M 73. It looked a bit like nothing I'd ever seen before. Next, I accidentally located NGC 306. It appeared as whispy tendrils of nebulosity. With that checked off my list, I hunted Abell 86. It seemed most like fleecy wool. Then, for a real challenge, I showed some guests M 3. It reminded me of a cantilever bra. Then, for a real challenge, I found by accident M 17. It appeared at low power like spent coals, faintly glowing.
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 reading observing reports.