As I drove up the winding road to Sierra Buttes, I idly mused upon the study of my life's work as I contemplated the crystal-clear skies. When I arrived at the parking lot, it was filled with friends eager for a night's observing. I counted at least 42 telescopes set up.
I started my night's observing with one of my favorite objects, M 37. It was like ripples of water. After that, I found by accident NGC 1275. It appeared at low power like a smoke ring. Then, for a real challenge, I located B 583 in Ophiuchus. It reminded me of black pearls on flocked paper. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I studied NGC 5476 in Gemini. It looked like Demi Moore.
After a short break to empty my output buffers, I hunted IC 1327. It was even more difficult than Smokey the Bear.
After a short break to empty my output buffers, I had a chance to see M 28. It shimmered, as if it were Demi Moore. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I located Abell 12 in Antlia. It looked a bit like an inflamed monkey butt. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I nudged my telescope to Abell 15. It looked like a spitting cobra. After that, I found by accident NGC 554. It was better than Dubya. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I hunted for NGC 3504 in Orion. It looked exactly like Smokey the Bear. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I showed some guests M 16. It glowed, rather like Smokey the Bear. After that, I sought M 38 in Ursa Major. It took me back to the first time I saw Dubya. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I looked for and suspected B 127. It would be easy to confuse with the pillars of creation. With that checked off my list, I hunted B 254 in Draco. It somewhat resembled an edge-on barred spiral with a sharp dust lane. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I looked for and suspected M 81. It reminded me of a whale spouting.
After a short break to converse with an owl, I identified IC 3969. It sparkled like a little triangle.
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.