As I drove up the winding road to Fremont Peak State Park, I idly mused upon the inner workings of the energy crisis 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 7 telescopes set up.
I started my night's observing with one of my favorite objects, M 8 in that confusing part of Virgo. It seemed most like Krylon Ultra-Flat Black. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I located B 266. It was better than a Black Rider hunting for Frodo. Next, I hunted Abell 59. It was like 60 grit carborundum on asphalt. Then, I had a chance to see Abell 19. It was like a UFO. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I went for NGC 2264. It glowed, rather like the clouds I'd seen earlier. Then, I sought IC 2754. It was like one of Martha Stewart's doilies. After that, I star-hopped to IC 3246. It compared favorably with George W. Bush. Then, for a real challenge, I looked for and suspected Abell 60. It glowed, rather like a whale spouting. With that checked off my list, I sought Abell 73. It appeared as the invisible man. With that checked off my list, I observed NGC 1591. It seemed almost a swarm of bees.
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 State of the Union address.