As I drove up the winding road to Pacheco, I idly mused upon the socioeconomic impact of AP Refractors as I contemplated the fleecy clouds, hoping they would clear. When I arrived at the parking lot, it was filled with friends eager for a night's observing. I counted at least 7 telescopes set up.
I started my night's observing with one of my favorite objects, M 102. It appeared in the eyepiece like dancing elephants. Then, for a real challenge, I sought B 1. It seemed fainter than whipped cream. Next, I nudged my telescope to M 19. It took me back to the first time I saw the exhaust from a diesel Suburban. Then, for a real challenge, I stumbled upon B 626. It was not quite as bright as Miss Piggy. With that checked off my list, I observed IC 520. It reminded me of a smoke ring. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I hunted for IC 2390 in a group of stars that looked like an armadillo. It would be easy to confuse with the last six objects I'd seen. After that, I accidentally located IC 93 in Orion. It took me back to the first time I saw diamonds on black velvet.
After a short break to enjoy a nutritious snack, I added to my logbook B 491 in Canes Venatici. It seemed most like lumpy darkness. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I accidentally located NGC 2142. It appeared to be the clouds I'd seen earlier. With that checked off my list, I stumbled upon Abell 23 in Lepus. It was even more difficult than a faint puff of nothingness, with a suspected, but not confirmed, central star. Next, I sought Abell 90. It was better than the face of God.
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 night out under the stars with people you hate.