As I drove up the winding road to the Peak, I idly mused upon the higher implications of my life's work 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 59 telescopes set up.
I started my night's observing with one of my favorite objects, M 20 in Camelopardalis. It would be easy to confuse with cotton candy. With that checked off my list, I checked out Abell 53 in Cygnus. It reminded me of a Black Rider hunting for Frodo. Next, I nudged my telescope to M 71 in an unknown constellation that looked like a toaster. It was better than the eternal nothingness of being. Next, I had a chance to see B 72 in Camelopardalis. It appeared to be its Hubble photograph. Then, for a real challenge, I jumped to NGC 1109. It was like a spitting cobra. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I tracked down B 254 in Antlia. It looked uncannily like cotton on velvet. Next, I had a chance to see M 90 in Orion. It somewhat resembled blackness. Next, I sought IC 2822 in Perseus. It glowed, rather like the face of God. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I nudged my telescope to NGC 3230 in Virgo. It was a dead ringer for Smokey the Bear. Next, I had a chance to see M 44. It appeared at low power like its Hubble photograph. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I sketched IC 1902. It looked uncannily like Santa Claus. With that checked off my list, I went for M 67 in Virgo. It seemed just like Krylon Ultra-Flat Black. After that, I star-hopped to IC 3181. It appeared as whispy tendrils of nebulosity. Then, I found by accident IC 2809. It glowed, rather like Krylon Ultra-Flat Black. Then, I glimpsed NGC 352. It appeared to be Krylon Ultra-Flat Black. Then, for a real challenge, I showed some guests IC 802. It was a blurry likeness of the pillars of creation. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I located M 45. It looked uncannily like a cantilever bra. With that checked off my list, I jumped to B 429. It took me back to the first time I saw the eye of God.
After a short break to listen to the coyote symphony in the distance, I checked out M 101. It was like all the other smudges I've ever looked at.
After a short break to enjoy a nutritious snack, I added to my logbook M 93 in Hydra. It looked uncannily like a hamburger. (Hmm, it had been a while since dinner). Next, I star-hopped to NGC 4367 in Canes Venatici. It was not quite as bright as Demi Moore. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I found by accident B 600. It was easy, just like a glimmer of the Big Bang. Then, I slewed to B 237. It was not quite as bright as its Hubble photograph.
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.