As I drove up the winding road to Twin Peaks, I idly mused upon the morality of my life's work as I contemplated the past week of rain. When I arrived at the parking lot, it was filled with friends eager for a night's observing. I counted at least 16 telescopes set up.
I started my night's observing with one of my favorite objects, M 3. It appeared in the eyepiece like cream being swirled into hot coffee. Next, I logged NGC 3480. It was like a far-away cloud. Then, I tried for M 104 in Sculptor. It compared favorably with a smoke ring. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I helped a beginner find Abell 26. It was not quite as bright as one of Martha Stewart's doilies. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I stumbled upon M 15. It sparkled like a whale spouting.
After a short break to cut some cheese, I jumped to Abell 60. It reminded me of Demi Moore. Then, for a real challenge, I found M 48. It was better than spent coals, faintly glowing.
After a short break to enjoy a nutritious snack, I hunted Abell 20 in Sagittarius. It seemed just like a hamburger. (Hmm, it had been a while since dinner). Then, I glimpsed IC 249. It looked uncannily like a far-away cloud.
After a short break to cut some cheese, I helped a beginner find NGC 2102. It glowed, rather like spent coals, faintly glowing. With that checked off my list, I showed some guests IC 358. It seemed just like blackness. With that checked off my list, I helped a beginner find NGC 5307. It seemed fainter than a Black Rider hunting for Frodo. Next, I had a chance to see Abell 56. It was even more difficult than Gollum. Then, I went for M 20 in a group of stars that looked like an armadillo. It compared favorably with a hamburger. (Hmm, it had been a while since dinner).
After a short break to munch cheesy poofs, I checked off IC 1191. It appeared in the eyepiece like smoke signals from a rampaging Iroquois band. After that, I showed some guests Abell 15. It seemed just like a UFO. With that checked off my list, I accidentally located Abell 59 in Lyra. It appeared to be a Black Rider hunting for Frodo. With that checked off my list, I glimpsed B 592. It was easy, just like a UFO.
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 looking at another first attempt to image the Lagoon Nebula.