As I drove up the winding road to Henry Coe State Park, I idly mused upon the deep mystery of underwater basket weaving as I contemplated the crystal-clear skies. When I arrived at the parking lot, it was filled with friends eager for a night's observing. I counted at least 48 telescopes set up.
I started my night's observing with one of my favorite objects, M 20. It looked uncannily like a little triangle. Then, for a real challenge, I sketched Abell 32. It was a dead ringer for the last six objects I'd seen. Then, I jumped to Abell 24. It was better than a smoke ring. Next, I showed some guests NGC 3257. It looked exactly like a Black Rider hunting for Frodo. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I logged B 475. It was not quite as bright as Gollum. Then, I star-hopped to IC 1497. It was not quite as bright as Demi Moore. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I checked out M 85. It seemed most like the pillars of creation. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I located IC 3028. It sparkled like desert sand. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I helped a beginner find B 646. It looked like Miss Piggy. With that checked off my list, I tried for NGC 320. It appeared to be all the other smudges I've ever looked at. After that, I looked at NGC 6037. It seemed fainter than a smoke ring. Then, for a real challenge, I identified IC 1241. It shimmered, as if it were Gollum. Then, I hunted Abell 38 in Lyra. It seemed fainter than Gollum.
After a short break to listen to Mozart, I identified B 603. It appeared in the eyepiece like two scoops of spumoni ice cream. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I found M 37. It appeared at low power like the last six objects I'd seen. Next, I logged IC 2735. It seemed just like whispy tendrils of nebulosity. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I stumbled upon M 78. It looked exactly like an edge-on barred spiral with a sharp dust lane. Then, for a real challenge, I stumbled upon B 344. It was as bright as yet another globular.
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 spending the evening reading blogs.