As I drove up the winding road to Henry Coe State Park, I idly mused upon the cosmological implications of the energy crisis as I contemplated the approaching chlorofluorocarbons ... would it be warmer tonight?. When I arrived at the parking lot, it was filled with friends eager for a night's observing. I counted at least 48 telescopes set up.
I started my night's observing with one of my favorite objects, M 24. It was like all the other smudges I've ever looked at. After that, I tracked down B 215 in Virgo. It reminded me of Gollum. Next, I identified Abell 71. It appeared to be George W. Bush. Then, I sought M 9 in Serpens. It was even more difficult than 60 grit carborundum on asphalt. With that checked off my list, I observed IC 3203 in Cygnus. It seemed almost dancing elephants. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I found IC 642. It reminded me of Dubya. After that, I studied NGC 1769. It was like Dubya. After that, I tried Abell 86. It seemed most like R2-D2. Then, I slewed to Abell 59. It appeared to be 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 a day out under the hot sun with bitter enemies.