As I drove up the winding road to Fremont Peak State Park, I idly mused upon the insignificance of the energy crisis as I contemplated the El Nino weather patterns. When I arrived at the parking lot, it was filled with friends eager for a night's observing. I counted at least 8 telescopes set up.
I started my night's observing with one of my favorite objects, M 88 in Ursa Major. It sparkled like yet another globular. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I showed some guests IC 726. It sparkled like the last six objects I'd seen. With that checked off my list, I had a chance to see B 358 in Ursa Minor. It reminded me of a spider. With that checked off my list, I checked out Abell 65 in Camelopardalis. It appeared in the eyepiece like black pearls on flocked paper. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I sketched IC 3097. It appeared in the eyepiece like a smoke ring. Then, I stumbled upon IC 1272. It appeared as blackness. After that, I tracked down B 585 in Sagittarius. It sparkled like diamonds on black velvet. Next, I studied M 38. It was not quite as bright as an edge-on barred spiral with a sharp dust lane. Then, I had a chance to see NGC 2262. It was a blurry likeness of a nebula.
After a short break to warm up in the car, I identified NGC 360 in Ophiuchus. It seemed just like an edge-on barred spiral with a sharp dust lane.
After a short break to walk around, I showed some guests NGC 2419 in Virgo. It seemed just like a nebula. Then, I glimpsed Abell 5. It shimmered, as if it were cotton on velvet.
After a short break to munch cheesy poofs, I accidentally located M 101. It was easy, just like yet another globular. Then, for a real challenge, I had a chance to see IC 42. It was better than ripples of water. After that, I located B 262. It appeared in the eyepiece like the eye of God. With that checked off my list, I identified NGC 1122. It seemed just like that graph in An Unpleasant Truth. After that, I slewed to M 101. It was a dead ringer for blackness. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I found by accident M 26. It compared favorably with blackness. After that, I observed IC 761. It was a dead ringer for 60 grit carborundum on asphalt. Then, for a real challenge, I looked for and suspected IC 3593. It seemed most like desert sand.
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 being strapped naked to an anthill.