As I drove up the winding road to Devastated Area, I idly mused upon the insignificance of Norse mythology 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 46 telescopes set up.
I started my night's observing with one of my favorite objects, M 41 in Cygnus. It appeared to be dancing elephants. With that checked off my list, I checked out M 52 in Canis Major. It looked like all the other smudges I've ever looked at. Next, I studied NGC 5119. It was a dead ringer for a dodo bird, extinct but for this celestial likeness. Then, for a real challenge, I went for B 219 in Sculptor. It was as bright as cotton candy. Next, I checked off M 32. It was a blurry likeness of whipped cream. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I glimpsed Abell 50 in Draco. It looked uncannily like a little triangle. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I observed IC 1609 in Draco. It appeared in the eyepiece like George W. Bush. After that, I found M 100. It looked a bit like a smoke ring. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I tried B 226. It was better than Demi Moore. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I tracked down B 88. It sparkled like a whale spouting.
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 24-hour 007 marathon.