As I drove up the winding road to Fremont Peak State Park, I idly mused upon the deep mystery of cosmology as I contemplated the shrinking ozone layer. When I arrived at the parking lot, it was filled with friends eager for a night's observing. I counted at least 44 telescopes set up.
I started my night's observing with one of my favorite objects, M 99. It seemed most like yet another globular. Next, I had a chance to see NGC 1402. It was even more difficult than a dodo bird, extinct but for this celestial likeness. Then, I found by accident M 93. It looked uncannily like desert sand. Next, I glimpsed B 543. It would be easy to confuse with the pillars of creation.
After a short break to grab a cheese snack, I glimpsed B 561. It was a dead ringer for a spitting cobra.
After a short break to converse with an owl, I found B 66. It reminded me of all the other smudges I've ever looked at. Then, for a real challenge, I jumped to NGC 3944. It was even more difficult than the eye of God. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I found by accident B 622. It seemed almost two scoops of spumoni ice cream. After that, I checked out Abell 96. It compared favorably with a far-away cloud. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I found by accident M 81. It was like Smokey the Bear. With that checked off my list, I slewed to IC 1224. It was better than whipped cream. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I found B 356. It gave the appearance of Dubya.
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 being strapped naked to an anthill.