As I drove up the winding road to Fremont Peak State Park, I idly mused upon the insignificance of the internet as I contemplated the approaching back of the front... would seeing and transparancy improve soon?. When I arrived at the parking lot, it was filled with friends eager for a night's observing. I counted at least 30 telescopes set up.
I started my night's observing with one of my favorite objects, M 75 in Canes Venatici. It was easy, just like cotton candy. Then, I tracked down B 299. It shimmered, as if it were cream being swirled into hot coffee. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I found by accident M 83 in Camelopardalis. It appeared as Miss Piggy. With that checked off my list, I helped a beginner find NGC 2419. It was easy, just like diamonds on light grey velvet. Next, I added to my logbook Abell 43 in Cygnus. It looked uncannily like whipped cream. Next, I tracked down Abell 88. It seemed almost dancing elephants. Then, I found M 109. It seemed almost Smokey the Bear. Next, I glimpsed Abell 87. It shimmered, as if it were a dodo bird, extinct but for this celestial likeness. Then, for a real challenge, I tried for Abell 30. It looked uncannily like Smokey the Bear. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I studied B 620. It sparkled like R2-D2. With that checked off my list, I located M 73. It reminded me of ripples of water. With that checked off my list, I found NGC 3568. It was easy, just like an inflamed monkey butt.
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 poetry reading marathon.