As I drove up the winding road to Pacheco, I idly mused upon the deep mystery of the universe as I contemplated the fleecy clouds, hoping they would clear. When I arrived at the parking lot, it was filled with friends eager for a night's observing. I counted at least 50 telescopes set up.
I started my night's observing with one of my favorite objects, M 28. It was as bright as Smokey the Bear. Then, I nudged my telescope to Abell 5. It shimmered, as if it were cotton on velvet.
After a short break to listen to the coyote symphony in the distance, I found by accident M 41. It seemed fainter than black pearls on flocked paper. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I found NGC 2006 in Lyra. It appeared to be its Hubble photograph. With that checked off my list, I observed B 611. It seemed almost a smoke ring. With that checked off my list, I tried Abell 76. It seemed just like a Black Rider hunting for Frodo. With that checked off my list, I hunted Abell 39. It reminded me of Miss Piggy. Then, I studied NGC 3207. It was like cream being swirled into hot coffee.
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 spending the evening reading blogs.