As I drove up the winding road to another winding road only known to those from my support group, I idly mused upon the current state of TAC as I contemplated the fleecy clouds, hoping they would clear. When I arrived at the parking lot, it was filled with friends eager for a night's observing. I counted at least 20 telescopes set up.
I started my night's observing with one of my favorite objects, M 62 in that confusing part of Virgo. It seemed almost 60 grit carborundum on asphalt. Next, I helped a beginner find Abell 74 in Canes Venatici. It was easy, just like its Hubble photograph. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I slewed to B 172. It appeared at low power like all the other smudges I've ever looked at. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I located IC 2786. It was as bright as a far-away cloud. Then, for a real challenge, I looked at NGC 4649. It was not quite as bright as 60 grit carborundum on asphalt.
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.