As I drove up the winding road to Twin Peaks, I idly mused upon the current implications of TAC as I contemplated the La Nina conditions. When I arrived at the parking lot, it was filled with friends eager for a night's observing. I counted at least 9 telescopes set up.
I started my night's observing with one of my favorite objects, M 97. It seemed most like an edge-on barred spiral with a sharp dust lane. Then, for a real challenge, I hunted for B 355 in Orion. It appeared as George W. Bush. With that checked off my list, I observed IC 1593. It shimmered, as if it were a waterfall. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I checked out M 101. It was better than Demi Moore. Then, for a real challenge, I tracked down B 404 in Antlia. It appeared to be the face of God. Then, for a real challenge, I studied NGC 6403. It was not quite as bright as a hamburger. (Hmm, it had been a while since dinner). After that, I added to my logbook Abell 30. It was better than a whale spouting. Then, for a real challenge, I tried for Abell 69. It was not quite as bright as the face of God. With that checked off my list, I went for B 133. It appeared as black pearls on flocked paper. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I tried for B 476. It reminded me of 60 grit carborundum on asphalt. Then, for a real challenge, I tracked down Abell 80 in Septans. It was a blurry likeness of two scoops of spumoni ice cream. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I accidentally located B 409. It was easy, just like fleecy wool. With that checked off my list, I tracked down Abell 52 in Septans. It took me back to the first time I saw diamonds on black velvet. With that checked off my list, I accidentally located IC 1414. It was as bright as whipped cream.
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 sitting in a dentist's waiting room.