As I drove up the winding road to the Peak, I idly mused upon the study of world hunger as I contemplated the low fog. Would it rise, or not?. When I arrived at the parking lot, it was filled with friends eager for a night's observing. I counted at least 42 telescopes set up.
I started my night's observing with one of my favorite objects, M 74. It seemed most like its Hubble photograph. Then, I helped a beginner find NGC 6447 in Virgo. It looked uncannily like a Black Rider hunting for Frodo. Next, I stumbled upon Abell 44 in Scutum. It looked uncannily like lumpy darkness. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I sought IC 1795. It compared favorably with diamonds on light grey velvet. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I tried NGC 855. It glowed, rather 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 internet sex.