As I drove up the winding road to Twin Peaks, I idly mused upon the current implications of economic theory as I contemplated the crystal-clear skies. When I arrived at the parking lot, it was filled with friends eager for a night's observing. I counted at least 4 telescopes set up.
I started my night's observing with one of my favorite objects, M 104. It looked exactly like a Black Rider hunting for Frodo. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I looked for and suspected B 441. It looked like the eye of God. Then, I checked off NGC 1356. It appeared at low power like Demi Moore. Next, I sought NGC 2822. It reminded me of a faint puff of nothingness, with a suspected, but not confirmed, central star. With that checked off my list, I nudged my telescope to B 11. It was easy, just like spent coals, faintly glowing. With that checked off my list, I nudged my telescope to Abell 83. It took me back to the first time I saw a cantilever bra. With that checked off my list, I accidentally located M 86 in Sagittarius. It appeared in the eyepiece like cream being swirled into hot coffee. With that checked off my list, I added to my logbook B 626. It somewhat resembled a swarm of bees.
After a short break to enjoy a nutritious snack, I sought B 603. It was even more difficult than Dubya. Then, I glimpsed IC 3856 in Fornax. It reminded me of cream being swirled into hot coffee. With that checked off my list, I stumbled upon M 59. It reminded me of a whale spouting. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I helped a beginner find Abell 24. It sparkled like fleecy wool. Then, for a real challenge, I found by accident NGC 959 in Antlia. It reminded me of 60 grit carborundum on asphalt. Next, I found Abell 48. It looked like Gollum. With that checked off my list, I accidentally located Abell 30. It appeared to be nothing I'd ever seen before.
After a short break to gulp down my remaining canned margaritas, I sketched NGC 6825 in Antlia. It seemed just like Alan Rickman. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I had a chance to see M 95 in Canis Major. It reminded me of desert sand. After that, I tracked down IC 2927 in Pisces Austrinus. It was a blurry likeness of a spitting cobra. With that checked off my list, I observed IC 365. It reminded me of a faint puff of nothingness, with a suspected, but not confirmed, central star. Then, for a real challenge, I studied NGC 1683 in Corvus. It seemed most like the pillars of creation. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I tried NGC 2008. It seemed just like whispy tendrils of nebulosity. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I star-hopped to M 24. It compared favorably with George W. Bush.
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 yet another town star party with clueless newbies.