As I drove up the winding road to the middle of nowhere, I idly mused upon the higher implications of the human spirit 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 50 telescopes set up.
I started my night's observing with one of my favorite objects, M 36. It looked exactly like one of Martha Stewart's doilies. With that checked off my list, I helped a beginner find B 531. It took me back to the first time I saw cream being swirled into hot coffee. Next, I hunted for M 51. It reminded me of a waterfall. Next, I checked out B 146 in Pisces Austrinus. It was as bright as fleecy wool. Next, I nudged my telescope to M 24 in Triangulum. It looked exactly like all the other smudges I've ever looked at. Then, for a real challenge, I slewed to Abell 58. It looked like R2-D2.
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 fetid Dingo's kidneys.