As I drove up the winding road to Fremont Peak State Park, I idly mused upon the inner workings of this Pale Blue Dot we call home as I contemplated the low fog. Would it rise, or not?. When I arrived at the parking lot, it was filled with friends eager for a night's observing. I counted at least 6 telescopes set up.
I started my night's observing with one of my favorite objects, M 88 in Lyra. It reminded me of diamonds on light grey velvet. Then, I glimpsed Abell 10. It looked exactly like a spitting cobra. Then, for a real challenge, I studied M 86. It shimmered, as if it were a glimmer of the Big Bang. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I stumbled upon B 553. It compared favorably with a faint puff of nothingness, with a suspected, but not confirmed, central star.
After a short break to empty my output buffers, I identified Abell 47. It reminded me of a little triangle. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I logged IC 371 in Gemini. It looked like a waterfall. Then, I helped a beginner find M 110. It was a dead ringer for George W. Bush. Next, I tracked down NGC 2303. It seemed just like the eye of God. With that checked off my list, I looked for and suspected B 138. It shimmered, as if it were the clouds I'd seen earlier. Then, I went for Abell 24. It was like 60 grit carborundum on asphalt. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I jumped to IC 2717 in Lyra. It sparkled like cotton on velvet. Next, I had a chance to see Abell 16. It appeared as dancing elephants.
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 phone sex.