As I drove up the winding road to Sierra Buttes, I idly mused upon the study of underwater basket weaving as I contemplated the past week of rain. When I arrived at the parking lot, it was filled with friends eager for a night's observing. I counted at least 30 telescopes set up.
I started my night's observing with one of my favorite objects, M 12. It looked like the eye of God. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I had a chance to see NGC 1046. It appeared in the eyepiece like a glimmer of the Big Bang. Then, I nudged my telescope to Abell 7. It somewhat resembled a far-away cloud. With that checked off my list, I sketched NGC 6528. It was not quite as bright as a far-away cloud. Then, I studied B 253 in Lynx. It seemed most like diamonds on black velvet. Next, I located Abell 98 in Scorpius. It was a blurry likeness of smoke signals from a rampaging Iroquois band.
After a short break to converse with an owl, I found by accident IC 3944 in Canes Venatici. It seemed fainter than cream being swirled into hot coffee.
After a short break to enjoy a nutritious snack, I observed Abell 83 in Perseus. It took me back to the first time I saw a far-away cloud. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I found B 304. It looked like cotton candy. Next, I looked at NGC 569. It compared favorably with Miss Piggy. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I looked for and suspected IC 29. It was a blurry likeness of Dubya. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I glimpsed IC 168. It took me back to the first time I saw the invisible man. After that, I identified M 7. It seemed fainter than a Black Rider hunting for Frodo.
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 root canal.