As I drove up the winding road to my secret observing location, I idly mused upon the subtle beauty of the internet 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 31 telescopes set up.
I started my night's observing with one of my favorite objects, M 78. It appeared in the eyepiece like nothing I'd ever seen before. Then, I helped a beginner find Abell 54 in Septans. It was a dead ringer for black pearls on flocked paper. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I found by accident M 29. It compared favorably with R2-D2. Then, for a real challenge, I observed M 100. It took me back to the first time I saw cotton on velvet. Next, I looked for and suspected M 9. It looked like the last six objects I'd seen. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I glimpsed Abell 17. It seemed most like the clouds I'd seen earlier. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I helped a beginner find NGC 6948 in Fornax. It seemed fainter than a cantilever bra. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I added to my logbook Abell 21. It seemed most like a whale spouting. After that, I observed B 207. It appeared in the eyepiece like nothing I'd ever seen before. With that checked off my list, I found M 18. It appeared to be Krylon Ultra-Flat Black.
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.