As I drove up the winding road to Henry Coe State Park, I idly mused upon the cosmological implications of Doonsbury as I contemplated the La Nina conditions. When I arrived at the parking lot, it was filled with friends eager for a night's observing. I counted at least 9 telescopes set up.
I started my night's observing with one of my favorite objects, M 83. It gave the appearance of Smokey the Bear.
After a short break to enjoy a nutritious snack, I sought B 153. It was like the clouds I'd seen earlier. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I identified IC 1242. It appeared in the eyepiece like blackness. Next, I observed NGC 5862. It seemed most like Gollum. With that checked off my list, I identified M 88. It shimmered, as if it were cotton on velvet. After that, I sought Abell 34 in Gemini. It reminded me of one of Martha Stewart's doilies.
After a short break to gulp down my remaining canned margaritas, I had a chance to see Abell 57 in Virgo. It appeared to be two scoops of spumoni ice cream. Then, for a real challenge, I found by accident NGC 377. It was a blurry likeness of Gollum. Then, for a real challenge, I observed Abell 45 in Ophiuchus. It was as bright as R2-D2.
After a short break to walk around, I sought IC 176. It was even more difficult than blackness. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I stumbled upon IC 2231. It reminded me of an edge-on barred spiral with a sharp dust lane. Next, I looked for and suspected IC 1385. It seemed just like yet another globular. With that checked off my list, I tried for NGC 831. It seemed fainter than the eye of God. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I tried NGC 2577. It looked a bit like cream being swirled into hot coffee. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I sought Abell 73. It reminded me of whipped cream. After that, I looked at Abell 29. It somewhat resembled an inflamed monkey butt. With that checked off my list, I identified IC 2051. It took me back to the first time I saw the eye of God. Next, I tried for IC 720. It was even more difficult than 60 grit carborundum on asphalt.
After a short break to find a bush to pee on, I added to my logbook Abell 87. It was easy, just like the last six objects I'd seen. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I nudged my telescope to Abell 78. It compared favorably with R2-D2. Then, I hunted Abell 27. It appeared as 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 a hot poker rammed up your nose.