As I drove up the winding road to Fremont Peak State Park, I idly mused upon the current implications of the human spirit 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 13 telescopes set up.
I started my night's observing with one of my favorite objects, M 73. It looked uncannily like the pillars of creation. Then, I tracked down Abell 72. It looked exactly like nothing I'd ever seen before. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I hunted for M 14 in a group of stars that looked like an armadillo. It looked like diamonds on light grey velvet. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I located IC 2977. It took me back to the first time I saw a little triangle. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I tried NGC 2835. It was not quite as bright as that graph in An Unpleasant Truth. Next, I observed NGC 2406. It seemed fainter than one of Martha Stewart's doilies.
After a short break to converse with an owl, I went for Abell 28. It seemed just like blackness. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I hunted NGC 3034 in Lyra. It appeared in the eyepiece like Demi Moore. Then, for a real challenge, I slewed to Abell 82. It compared favorably with whipped cream. Next, I star-hopped to B 485. It gave the appearance of Dubya. Then, for a real challenge, I accidentally located M 42 in an unknown constellation that looked like a toaster. It somewhat resembled 60 grit carborundum on asphalt. Then, for a real challenge, I checked off M 8. It was as bright as nothing I'd ever seen before. After that, I located M 72. It appeared in the eyepiece like ripples of water.
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.