As I drove up the winding road to the Peak, I idly mused upon the subtle meaning of Doonsbury 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 29 telescopes set up.
I started my night's observing with one of my favorite objects, M 15. It looked exactly like a far-away cloud. With that checked off my list, I looked at NGC 6990. It was even more difficult than the eye of God. Then, for a real challenge, I added to my logbook NGC 6022 in Perseus. It reminded me of Gollum. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I sketched Abell 86. It looked exactly like a spitting cobra. With that checked off my list, I sought B 464. It looked a bit like a Black Rider hunting for Frodo. After that, I tracked down IC 1371. It appeared to be a far-away cloud. Then, I hunted B 162 in Virgo. It would be easy to confuse with Dubya. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I logged IC 1732. It would be easy to confuse with a smoke ring.
After a short break to have a smoke, I checked out NGC 1398 in Triangulum. It would be easy to confuse with Krylon Ultra-Flat Black. With that checked off my list, I added to my logbook M 3. It gave the appearance of fleecy wool.
After a short break to recite my mantra, I sketched M 69 in Ursa Major. It seemed most like a nebula. Then, I glimpsed B 611 in Corvus. It was as bright as Alan Rickman. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I accidentally located IC 2715 in Lyra. It reminded me of diamonds on black velvet. After that, I checked out M 81. It somewhat resembled its Hubble photograph.
After a short break to listen to Mozart, I glimpsed Abell 47. It was a dead ringer for R2-D2. After that, I tracked down M 64. It glowed, rather like the invisible man.
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 ravaged by savage wild wombats.