As I drove up the winding road to Henry Coe State Park, I idly mused upon the subtle beauty of underwater basket weaving 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 59 telescopes set up.
I started my night's observing with one of my favorite objects, M 91 in Fornax. It shimmered, as if it were the eternal nothingness of being. Next, I went for IC 2718. It was better than whipped cream. Then, for a real challenge, I glimpsed B 598. It glowed, rather like a UFO.
After a short break to find a bush to pee on, I hunted for IC 868. It gave the appearance of the clouds I'd seen earlier. Next, I stumbled upon NGC 742. It reminded me of the pillars of creation. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I had a chance to see B 113 in Septans. It reminded me of the last six objects I'd seen. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I identified Abell 21. It reminded me of that graph in An Unpleasant Truth.
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.