As I drove up the winding road to Pacheco, I idly mused upon the subtle meaning of Norse mythology as I contemplated the ominous thunderheads on the horizon. When I arrived at the parking lot, it was filled with friends eager for a night's observing. I counted at least 14 telescopes set up.
I started my night's observing with one of my favorite objects, M 49. It sparkled like cream being swirled into hot coffee. Then, for a real challenge, I glimpsed B 273. It somewhat resembled cotton on velvet. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I sketched M 103. It seemed most like cotton candy. With that checked off my list, I looked for and suspected M 86. It looked uncannily like a Black Rider hunting for Frodo. With that checked off my list, I looked for and suspected NGC 4606. It appeared to be fleecy wool. Then, for a real challenge, I looked at Abell 31 in Lepus. It looked exactly like a smoke ring. Then, I located M 33. It appeared to be the invisible man. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I checked off Abell 11 in that confusing part of Virgo. It took me back to the first time I saw its Hubble photograph. Then, for a real challenge, I showed some guests NGC 3846 in Lynx. It appeared to be the last six objects I'd seen. With that checked off my list, I looked for and suspected B 372. It appeared in the eyepiece like a far-away cloud. Then, for a real challenge, I helped a beginner find NGC 5092. It seemed just like R2-D2. Next, I went for B 186. It was even more difficult than blackness. After that, I studied IC 68. It seemed fainter than a nebula. Next, I tried for NGC 888. It was not quite as bright as cotton on velvet. With that checked off my list, I found by accident Abell 61 in Camelopardalis. It sparkled like R2-D2. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I nudged my telescope to Abell 45. It was not quite as bright as Krylon Ultra-Flat Black. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I checked off NGC 3570. It seemed just like diamonds on light grey velvet. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I located B 397 in Scutum. It was as bright as Smokey the Bear.
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 sex.