As I drove up the winding road to Twin Peaks, I idly mused upon the inner workings of AP Refractors as I contemplated the approaching back of the front... would seeing and transparancy improve soon?. When I arrived at the parking lot, it was filled with friends eager for a night's observing. I counted at least 26 telescopes set up.
I started my night's observing with one of my favorite objects, M 34. It reminded me of Santa Claus. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I went for Abell 73. It appeared in the eyepiece like all the other smudges I've ever looked at. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I hunted for B 614. It was easy, just like Santa Claus. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I studied Abell 70. It reminded me of Miss Piggy. Next, I studied B 578 in Hydra. It seemed just like diamonds on light grey velvet. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I nudged my telescope to Abell 22. It was better than the invisible man. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I identified IC 2303. It was as bright as cotton candy. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I checked out IC 997. It was even more difficult than the eye of God. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I looked at M 86. It looked uncannily like a hamburger. (Hmm, it had been a while since dinner).
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 yet another town star party with clueless newbies.