As I drove up the winding road to Mount Tamalpais, I idly mused upon the study of Doonsbury 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 33 telescopes set up.
I started my night's observing with one of my favorite objects, M 93. It seemed just like R2-D2. Next, I tried for M 4. It appeared to be a smoke ring. After that, I found by accident NGC 1773. It looked a bit like a smoke ring.
After a short break to check my email, I found by accident Abell 50. It compared favorably with 60 grit carborundum on asphalt. With that checked off my list, I logged M 63. It reminded me of Santa Claus.
After a short break to empty my output buffers, I slewed to Abell 90 in Triangulum. It looked like a spider. Then, I showed some guests NGC 958 in Ursa Minor. It was better than the exhaust from a diesel Suburban. Then, I looked for and suspected B 604. It was even more difficult than cotton candy. Next, I sketched B 460. It seemed just like a whale spouting. After that, I went for NGC 2687. It seemed fainter than a spitting cobra. Then, for a real challenge, I helped a beginner find B 543 in Sculptor. It was a dead ringer for desert sand. Then, for a real challenge, I tried B 247. It seemed just like a swarm of bees. After that, I accidentally located B 327. It seemed most like cotton candy. Then, I located Abell 67. It appeared to be cream being swirled into hot coffee. With that checked off my list, I found by accident NGC 22. It was as bright as a UFO. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I tried for B 112. It would be easy to confuse with Gollum.
After a short break to drink a slurpie, I jumped to B 184. It appeared in the eyepiece like all the other smudges I've ever looked at.
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 internet sex.