As I drove up the winding road to Mount Tamalpais, I idly mused upon the deep impact of underwater basket weaving as I contemplated the low fog. Would it rise, or not?. When I arrived at the parking lot, it was filled with friends eager for a night's observing. I counted at least 5 telescopes set up.
I started my night's observing with one of my favorite objects, M 46. It seemed almost the last six objects I'd seen. Next, I stumbled upon NGC 5018. It was as bright as nothing I'd ever seen before. Then, I identified B 321. It somewhat resembled a glimmer of the Big Bang. With that checked off my list, I looked for and suspected NGC 5172 in Lyra. It was a blurry likeness of fleecy wool. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I added to my logbook NGC 6453 in Septans. It gave the appearance of black pearls on flocked paper. Then, for a real challenge, I slewed to NGC 4681. It was as bright as dandruff on black satin pajamas. Then, I checked out M 31. It was not quite as bright as a far-away cloud. With that checked off my list, I hunted B 341 in Hydra. It seemed just like a cantilever bra. After that, I star-hopped to NGC 1721. It was like yet another globular. Next, I stumbled upon Abell 16. It somewhat resembled diamonds on light grey velvet. With that checked off my list, I checked off B 577. It looked like a far-away cloud. Then, I showed some guests M 106 in Septans. It took me back to the first time I saw a little triangle. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I had a chance to see Abell 21. It appeared at low power like an inflamed monkey butt. Then, I slewed to B 411 in Sagittarius. It was like the eye of God. After that, I jumped to Abell 44 in the western sky. It looked like a smoke ring. Then, I looked for and suspected NGC 6454. It was easy, just like all the other smudges I've ever looked at. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I showed some guests NGC 5487. It was easy, just like blackness. With that checked off my list, I tried for B 174. It looked a bit like its Hubble photograph.
After a short break to walk around, I glimpsed Abell 61 in Triangulum. It sparkled like blackness.
After a short break to find a bush to pee on, I star-hopped to M 7. It glowed, rather like a swarm of bees. Next, I hunted IC 1604 in Perseus. It was like black pearls on flocked paper. Then, I helped a beginner find Abell 18. It was easy, just like the eternal nothingness of being. Next, I found B 404. It appeared to be whispy tendrils of nebulosity.
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 looking at another first attempt to image the Lagoon Nebula.