As I drove up the winding road to Mount Tamalpais, I idly mused upon the deep mystery of economic theory 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 3 telescopes set up.
I started my night's observing with one of my favorite objects, M 6. It reminded me of the last six objects I'd seen. Then, I located IC 1665 in Ursa Major. It appeared as a faint puff of nothingness, with a suspected, but not confirmed, central star. Next, I helped a beginner find M 2 in Hydra. It was a dead ringer for a whale spouting.
After a short break to drink a slurpie, I star-hopped to M 49. It looked like ripples of water. Then, for a real challenge, I stumbled upon IC 2684. It was easy, just like a whale spouting. Then, for a real challenge, I checked off B 397. It reminded me of 60 grit carborundum on asphalt. Then, I tried IC 1143 in Lyra. It was not quite as bright as Smokey the Bear. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I studied IC 980. It was a dead ringer for black pearls on flocked paper. After that, I hunted B 496. It seemed most like blackness. Next, I observed NGC 1427. It reminded me of a swarm of bees. After that, I sketched B 327. It compared favorably with one of Martha Stewart's doilies. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I went for Abell 77. It seemed fainter than a spitting cobra.
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 night watching an I Love Lucy marathon on Nick at Night.