As I drove up the winding road to Pacheco, I idly mused upon the subtle meaning of the internet as I contemplated the El Nino weather patterns. When I arrived at the parking lot, it was filled with friends eager for a night's observing. I counted at least 42 telescopes set up.
I started my night's observing with one of my favorite objects, M 84. It was not quite as bright as the eye of God. Then, I located IC 29 in Pisces Austrinus. It appeared as cotton candy.
After a short break to cut some cheese, I stumbled upon M 68. It seemed just like a smoke ring. Then, for a real challenge, I tracked down IC 3225 in Draco. It was a dead ringer for dandruff on black satin pajamas. After that, I showed some guests Abell 23 in Triangulum. It reminded me of Santa Claus. With that checked off my list, I jumped to NGC 2480. It seemed fainter than a Black Rider hunting for Frodo.
After a short break to grab a cheese snack, I nudged my telescope to NGC 4719 in Lynx. It appeared at low power like a waterfall. Then, I stumbled upon B 593. It took me back to the first time I saw the last six objects I'd seen.
After a short break to gulp down my remaining canned margaritas, I stumbled upon M 97 in Hydra. It seemed just like a cantilever bra.
After a short break to do some yoga, I stumbled upon B 552. It was like smoke signals from a rampaging Iroquois band. With that checked off my list, I tried IC 1558 in Virgo. It seemed fainter than lumpy darkness.
After a short break to empty my output buffers, I glimpsed NGC 1506. It looked uncannily like a dodo bird, extinct but for this celestial likeness. Next, I jumped to IC 1779 in Scutum. It sparkled like ripples of water. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I checked off IC 2280. It somewhat resembled diamonds on black velvet. After that, I found by accident IC 2011. It was not quite as bright as Demi Moore.
After a short break to gulp down my remaining canned margaritas, I helped a beginner find M 102 in that confusing part of Virgo. It seemed just like desert sand. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I hunted M 16. It compared favorably with cotton candy. Then, I looked at NGC 6909. It looked like a dodo bird, extinct but for this celestial likeness. After that, I glimpsed NGC 6120. It reminded me of the exhaust from a diesel Suburban. Then, for a real challenge, I hunted IC 1208. It appeared at low power like dandruff on black satin pajamas. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I sought Abell 70. It appeared to be an inflamed monkey butt.
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 hot poker rammed up your nose.