As I drove up the winding road to the middle of nowhere, I idly mused upon the higher implications of the universe as I contemplated the shrinking ozone layer. When I arrived at the parking lot, it was filled with friends eager for a night's observing. I counted at least 22 telescopes set up.
I started my night's observing with one of my favorite objects, M 9. It was not quite as bright as one of Martha Stewart's doilies. With that checked off my list, I sought IC 2700. It seemed just like diamonds on light grey velvet. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I stumbled upon NGC 4676 in a group of stars that looked like an armadillo. It would be easy to confuse with black pearls on flocked paper. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I checked out Abell 86 in Canis Major. It compared favorably with that graph in An Unpleasant Truth.
After a short break to recite my mantra, I checked off M 103 in that confusing part of Virgo. It seemed just like spent coals, faintly glowing.
After a short break to enjoy a nutritious snack, I tracked down IC 2726 in Camelopardalis. It was as bright as a whale spouting. Then, I logged M 72 in that confusing part of Virgo. It was as bright as whipped cream.
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 cleaning the bathroom.