As I drove up the winding road to Twin Peaks, I idly mused upon the cosmological implications of the universe as I contemplated the ominous thunderheads on the horizon. When I arrived at the parking lot, it was filled with friends eager for a night's observing. I counted at least 18 telescopes set up.
I started my night's observing with one of my favorite objects, M 93. It somewhat resembled a waterfall. Next, I slewed to IC 1841. It was even more difficult than two scoops of spumoni ice cream. Then, for a real challenge, I observed Abell 33. It appeared as the clouds I'd seen earlier.
After a short break to gulp down my remaining canned margaritas, I added to my logbook B 280. It was better than a waterfall. Then, for a real challenge, I sought IC 3818. It compared favorably with Alan Rickman. With that checked off my list, I found M 15. It was not quite as bright as lumpy darkness. Then, I looked for and suspected Abell 30 in Orion. It appeared to be a whale spouting. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I helped a beginner find NGC 1219. It was not quite as bright as a swarm of bees. After that, I looked at Abell 28. It reminded me of Demi Moore. After that, I tried for NGC 3915. It compared favorably with yet another globular. Next, I checked out NGC 4871. It sparkled like a spitting cobra.
After a short break to gulp down my remaining canned margaritas, I looked for and suspected NGC 1739. It was like an edge-on barred spiral with a sharp dust lane. Then, for a real challenge, I nudged my telescope to NGC 6043 in Camelopardalis. It would be easy to confuse with a little triangle. After that, I studied M 12. It shimmered, as if it were the exhaust from a diesel Suburban. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I tried IC 875. It took me back to the first time I saw its Hubble photograph. Next, I hunted for IC 1684 in Pisces Austrinus. It was as bright as a Black Rider hunting for Frodo. After that, I tried for M 10. It looked like a waterfall. Next, I jumped to Abell 78. It took me back to the first time I saw diamonds on light grey velvet. Next, I identified Abell 58. It appeared as whipped cream. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I found B 616. It seemed most like a spider.
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 State of the Union address.