As I drove up the winding road to Sierra Buttes, I idly mused upon the subtle meaning of Norse mythology 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 33 telescopes set up.
I started my night's observing with one of my favorite objects, M 47. It looked a bit like a spider. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I identified B 361 in Ursa Major. It looked a bit like the exhaust from a diesel Suburban. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I tried IC 861. It appeared to be whipped cream. After that, I glimpsed M 11. It appeared as an edge-on barred spiral with a sharp dust lane. With that checked off my list, I logged B 310 in Sagittarius. It appeared to be black pearls on flocked paper. With that checked off my list, I found by accident NGC 2108. It was better than George W. Bush. Then, for a real challenge, I sought B 173. It appeared in the eyepiece like a far-away cloud. Then, for a real challenge, I hunted for NGC 2277. It seemed most like a nebula. Then, for a real challenge, I checked off IC 3501. It looked exactly like the pillars of creation. Then, I looked for and suspected IC 3614. It glowed, rather like fleecy wool. After that, I stumbled upon M 68 in Canes Venatici. It was like diamonds on light grey velvet. Next, I helped a beginner find B 128. It appeared in the eyepiece like a Black Rider hunting for Frodo. Then, I glimpsed NGC 1560. It seemed almost cotton candy. Then, I looked for and suspected NGC 1799. It seemed just like a smoke ring. Then, for a real challenge, I tried for M 1 in Scorpius. It was even more difficult than 60 grit carborundum on asphalt.
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 sitting in a dentist's waiting room.