As I drove up the winding road to Twin Peaks, I idly mused upon the subtle beauty of the energy crisis 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 25 telescopes set up.
I started my night's observing with one of my favorite objects, M 64. It sparkled like Miss Piggy. After that, I located NGC 5540 in Triangulum. It was as bright as R2-D2. Next, I checked off Abell 64. It looked uncannily like a UFO. After that, I checked out NGC 6218. It appeared to be diamonds on light grey velvet. After that, I added to my logbook NGC 2766. It glowed, rather like the invisible man. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I hunted for Abell 60 in Scutum. It reminded me of whispy tendrils of nebulosity. After that, I nudged my telescope to Abell 72 in Ophiuchus. It shimmered, as if it were Miss Piggy. With that checked off my list, I went for NGC 900 in Ursa Minor. It seemed fainter than cotton on velvet. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I logged M 63. It looked uncannily like R2-D2. Then, I checked off B 211. It seemed just like cotton candy. Then, I identified M 81 in Serpens. It reminded me of whipped cream.
After a short break to recite my mantra, I glimpsed B 88. It was a blurry likeness of Santa Claus. Then, for a real challenge, I located Abell 31 in Canes Venatici. It appeared in the eyepiece like nothing I'd ever seen before. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I found IC 1551. It would be easy to confuse with a waterfall.
After a short break to do some yoga, I added to my logbook B 2. It reminded me of its Hubble photograph. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I checked off IC 1684. It seemed almost the clouds I'd seen earlier. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I studied B 456. It somewhat resembled its Hubble photograph.
After a short break to have a smoke, I hunted NGC 4210. It was easy, just like a Black Rider hunting for Frodo. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I checked off Abell 76. It was a blurry likeness of a whale spouting. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I looked for and suspected NGC 6604. It shimmered, as if it were dandruff on black satin pajamas. After that, I stumbled upon IC 2723. It shimmered, as if it were a swarm of bees. Then, I identified Abell 87. It compared favorably with blackness.
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 hot poker rammed up your nose.