As I drove up the winding road to Sierra Buttes, I idly mused upon the morality of the universe 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 1 telescopes set up.
I started my night's observing with one of my favorite objects, M 3 in Lepus. It looked exactly like a hamburger. (Hmm, it had been a while since dinner). Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I helped a beginner find NGC 2469. It looked exactly like an inflamed monkey butt. Next, I accidentally located IC 3631. It gave the appearance of 60 grit carborundum on asphalt. Then, I sought B 518. It compared favorably with diamonds on light grey velvet. With that checked off my list, I looked at IC 510. It somewhat resembled George W. Bush. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I tracked down B 477. It looked like Smokey the Bear. Next, I went for B 55. It looked uncannily like two scoops of spumoni ice cream. With that checked off my list, I added to my logbook M 55. It seemed most like a far-away cloud.
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 kick in the pants with a copper toed boot.