As I drove up the winding road to the middle of nowhere, I idly mused upon the morality of my life's work as I contemplated the night's aurora display. When I arrived at the parking lot, it was filled with friends eager for a night's observing. I counted at least 16 telescopes set up.
I started my night's observing with one of my favorite objects, M 63 in Corvus. It looked uncannily like the exhaust from a diesel Suburban. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I studied M 37 in Lepus. It sparkled like yet another globular. Next, I looked at NGC 3694 in Lepus. It gave the appearance of desert sand. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I jumped to NGC 4541. It was not quite as bright as nothing I'd ever seen before. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I accidentally located NGC 4114 in Virgo. It sparkled like yet another globular. After that, I sought NGC 6415 in Draco. It seemed almost a smoke ring. Next, I located IC 2488. It looked uncannily like nothing I'd ever seen before. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I tried for NGC 3768. It glowed, rather like diamonds on light grey velvet. Next, I identified Abell 33. It appeared at low power like a whale spouting. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I added to my logbook Abell 68. It seemed almost Smokey the Bear. Then, I added to my logbook IC 3523. It was a dead ringer for dancing elephants. Next, I slewed to Abell 68. It looked uncannily like cotton candy. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I checked off M 110. It appeared in the eyepiece like a nebula. Then, for a real challenge, I helped a beginner find NGC 2577. It seemed almost one of Martha Stewart's doilies. Then, I logged IC 2560. It was better than Alan Rickman. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I located B 338 in Cygnus. It took me back to the first time I saw a nebula. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I star-hopped to M 34 in Lyra. It took me back to the first time I saw a spider.
After a short break to drink a slurpie, I tracked down NGC 5559. It appeared at low power like nothing I'd ever seen before. With that checked off my list, I jumped to IC 3750. It was easy, just like cotton on velvet.
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 being strapped naked to an anthill.