As I drove up the winding road to Twin Peaks, I idly mused upon the deep mystery of the internet 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 15 telescopes set up.
I started my night's observing with one of my favorite objects, M 86. It reminded me of the eternal nothingness of being. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I sketched B 262. It looked like a spider. Next, I looked at B 185. It seemed almost Demi Moore. With that checked off my list, I tracked down NGC 4240. It was even more difficult than dancing elephants. With that checked off my list, I jumped to M 16. It seemed almost one of Martha Stewart's doilies. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I sketched M 60. It was not quite as bright as R2-D2. After that, I glimpsed Abell 29. It was like its Hubble photograph. With that checked off my list, I hunted Abell 51. It sparkled like a spider. Then, I located B 265. It looked like an inflamed monkey butt. Next, I went for NGC 1253 in Sagittarius. It somewhat resembled blackness.
After a short break to converse with an owl, I nudged my telescope to M 73. It was better than 60 grit carborundum on asphalt. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I had a chance to see NGC 2880. It appeared to be one of Martha Stewart's doilies. With that checked off my list, I went for M 71. It was better than a hamburger. (Hmm, it had been a while since dinner). After that, I located B 96 in Orion. It was easy, just like a spitting cobra.
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 night out under the stars with people you hate.