As I drove up the winding road to another winding road only known to those from my support group, I idly mused upon the insignificance of Plato's Republic 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 29 telescopes set up.
I started my night's observing with one of my favorite objects, M 69. It seemed fainter than smoke signals from a rampaging Iroquois band. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I found by accident NGC 4097. It took me back to the first time I saw George W. Bush. Next, I nudged my telescope to IC 277 in Serpens. It took me back to the first time I saw spent coals, faintly glowing.
After a short break to find a bush to pee on, I tracked down IC 3134. It seemed just like black pearls on flocked paper. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I helped a beginner find Abell 76. It shimmered, as if it were the exhaust from a diesel Suburban. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I sought M 22 in Scorpius. It was a dead ringer for cream being swirled into hot coffee. Next, I looked at NGC 1237. It glowed, rather like Gollum. Then, I located NGC 152. It seemed most like Demi Moore. Then, for a real challenge, I added to my logbook B 84. It seemed most like the pillars of creation. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I accidentally located B 139. It would be easy to confuse with a swarm of bees. Then, I added to my logbook M 45. It gave the appearance of a Black Rider hunting for Frodo. Then, I showed some guests Abell 98. It glowed, rather like a glimmer of the Big Bang. With that checked off my list, I helped a beginner find IC 1216. It compared favorably with black pearls on flocked paper. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I checked off NGC 6191. It seemed just like the last six objects I'd seen.
After a short break to do some yoga, I looked at NGC 2706 in Ursa Major. It gave the appearance of an inflamed monkey butt. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I observed NGC 1515 in Pisces Austrinus. It seemed fainter than a hamburger. (Hmm, it had been a while since dinner). Next, I checked off M 23 in Corvus. It appeared to be a smoke ring.
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 hunting with the Vice President.