As I drove up the winding road to another winding road only known to those from my support group, I idly mused upon the current implications of my 401K 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 45 telescopes set up.
I started my night's observing with one of my favorite objects, M 39 in a group of stars that looked like an armadillo. It was like Smokey the Bear. After that, I had a chance to see M 94. It appeared at low power like dandruff on black satin pajamas. Next, I glimpsed B 322. It seemed fainter than the face of God. After that, I studied M 21. It was not quite as bright as George W. Bush. Next, I found by accident NGC 418. It gave the appearance of fleecy wool. After that, I identified IC 643 in Lepus. It appeared at low power like spent coals, faintly glowing. Then, for a real challenge, I helped a beginner find M 98 in Draco. It looked a bit like its Hubble photograph.
After a short break to drink a slurpie, I hunted for M 102 in that confusing part of Virgo. It somewhat resembled desert sand.
After a short break to converse with an owl, I helped a beginner find IC 1322 in that confusing part of Virgo. It compared favorably with a whale spouting. Then, for a real challenge, I observed NGC 116 in Pisces Austrinus. It appeared as a swarm of bees. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I star-hopped to M 70. It was a blurry likeness of black pearls on flocked paper. After that, I looked for and suspected IC 2. It looked a bit like a waterfall. With that checked off my list, I slewed to Abell 96. It would be easy to confuse with 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 listening to the Monkees Box Set.