As I drove up the winding road to Fremont Peak State Park, I idly mused upon the deep impact of the universe as I contemplated the low fog. Would it rise, or not?. When I arrived at the parking lot, it was filled with friends eager for a night's observing. I counted at least 5 telescopes set up.
I started my night's observing with one of my favorite objects, M 40. It was better than blackness. Next, I located B 637. It appeared as dandruff on black satin pajamas. After that, I glimpsed NGC 3162 in that confusing part of Virgo. It looked exactly like George W. Bush. With that checked off my list, I found Abell 48. It took me back to the first time I saw a spitting cobra. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I tracked down M 4 in Ophiuchus. It seemed most like cotton on velvet. After that, I jumped to M 76. It was a blurry likeness of diamonds on black velvet. Then, for a real challenge, I looked at IC 2184. It was a blurry likeness of the clouds I'd seen earlier. With that checked off my list, I nudged my telescope to Abell 87. It was a blurry likeness of the face of God. After that, I hunted for M 82. It compared favorably with smoke signals from a rampaging Iroquois band. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I identified M 66. It gave the appearance of the pillars of creation.
After a short break to check my email, I checked off Abell 86 in Ursa Minor. It seemed almost desert sand. After that, I tried for IC 691 in Serpens. It gave the appearance of cotton on velvet. After that, I tracked down M 93. It shimmered, as if it were desert sand. After that, I added to my logbook IC 168 in Pisces Austrinus. It was even more difficult than yet another globular. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I went for IC 2978. It looked like a spider. Then, I observed IC 1213. It was as bright as cotton candy.
After a short break to walk around, I went for IC 1743 in Draco. It would be easy to confuse with a waterfall. After that, I checked off Abell 82. It seemed just like whispy tendrils of nebulosity.
After a short break to enjoy a nutritious snack, I found IC 2832. It reminded me of all the other smudges I've ever looked at.
After a short break to check my email, I glimpsed B 230 in Camelopardalis. It appeared at low power like spent coals, faintly glowing.
After a short break to converse with an owl, I found IC 2035 in Pisces Austrinus. It was easy, just like ripples of water.
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 spending a day at the mall with my teenage daughter.