As I drove up the winding road to another winding road only known to those from my support group, I idly mused upon the subtle meaning of Norse mythology 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 46 telescopes set up.
I started my night's observing with one of my favorite objects, M 68 in Serpens. It shimmered, as if it were its Hubble photograph. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I studied IC 2623 in Virgo. It was easy, just like cotton candy. With that checked off my list, I nudged my telescope to Abell 15 in Virgo. It looked like Gollum. Next, I nudged my telescope to NGC 5598 in Cygnus. It was better than a hamburger. (Hmm, it had been a while since dinner). Next, I tracked down B 635. It was like whipped cream. Then, for a real challenge, I had a chance to see M 7 in Fornax. It was a blurry likeness of an inflamed monkey butt. Then, I tracked down NGC 2857. It gave the appearance of spent coals, faintly glowing. With that checked off my list, I located Abell 29 in Scorpius. It was a dead ringer for a hamburger. (Hmm, it had been a while since dinner).
After a short break to chat, I tried NGC 1574 in Corvus. It appeared in the eyepiece like a smoke ring. With that checked off my list, I star-hopped to M 29 in Cygnus. It was not quite as bright as lumpy darkness. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I nudged my telescope to B 557. It looked a bit like a spitting cobra. Then, I found B 567. It was easy, just like a Black Rider hunting for Frodo. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I found M 18. It sparkled like dandruff on black satin pajamas. After that, I checked out Abell 73 in Draco. It looked uncannily like an inflamed monkey butt. With that checked off my list, I observed IC 1147 in Hydra. It seemed most like a glimmer of the Big Bang.
After a short break to find a bush to pee on, I hunted M 90. It glowed, rather like a whale spouting. Then, for a real challenge, I glimpsed IC 51. It would be easy to confuse with the eternal nothingness of being. Next, I stumbled upon Abell 44. It gave the appearance of Dubya.
After a short break to cut some cheese, I looked for and suspected B 491 in Triangulum. It appeared in the eyepiece like Smokey the Bear.
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.