As I drove up the winding road to Henry Coe State Park, I idly mused upon the socioeconomic impact of the universe as I contemplated the La Nina conditions. When I arrived at the parking lot, it was filled with friends eager for a night's observing. I counted at least 17 telescopes set up.
I started my night's observing with one of my favorite objects, M 75 in Orion. It appeared to be Santa Claus. Next, I checked off Abell 31. It was not quite as bright as cotton on velvet. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I looked for and suspected IC 913. It appeared at low power like that graph in An Unpleasant Truth. After that, I sought NGC 5480 in Triangulum. It was even more difficult than the exhaust from a diesel Suburban. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I checked out B 152. It reminded me of a nebula. Then, for a real challenge, I sketched M 83 in an unknown constellation that looked like a toaster. It seemed fainter than the last six objects I'd seen. With that checked off my list, I star-hopped to IC 926 in Sculptor. It was easy, just like fleecy wool. Next, I went for Abell 19. It would be easy to confuse with the face of God. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I hunted for NGC 6310. It seemed almost cotton candy. With that checked off my list, I helped a beginner find Abell 84. It gave the appearance of that graph in An Unpleasant Truth.
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 cleaning the bathroom.