As I drove up the winding road to Mount Tamalpais, I idly mused upon the current implications of my 401K as I contemplated the approaching chlorofluorocarbons ... would it be warmer tonight?. When I arrived at the parking lot, it was filled with friends eager for a night's observing. I counted at least 6 telescopes set up.
I started my night's observing with one of my favorite objects, M 42. It was even more difficult than the pillars of creation. Then, for a real challenge, I hunted for Abell 10. It appeared as two scoops of spumoni ice cream. Then, I hunted for M 28. It was even more difficult than blackness. Then, for a real challenge, I helped a beginner find Abell 3 in Ursa Minor. It looked a bit like the face of God. Next, I tried Abell 3. It reminded me of dancing elephants. Then, I tracked down M 74. It compared favorably with the eye of God.
After a short break to walk around, I nudged my telescope to NGC 5924. It looked exactly like fleecy wool. Next, I added to my logbook M 77 in an unknown constellation that looked like a toaster. It shimmered, as if it were cream being swirled into hot coffee. Then, I sketched B 528. It seemed almost a smoke ring. After that, I tried B 520. It looked like an inflamed monkey butt. With that checked off my list, I added to my logbook M 92 in Triangulum. It compared favorably with desert sand. Next, I found by accident B 220 in Camelopardalis. It appeared at low power like ripples of water. With that checked off my list, I checked off B 290. It appeared at low power like a whale spouting. Next, I tracked down M 67. It appeared as Krylon Ultra-Flat Black.
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 root canal.