As I drove up the winding road to Dinosaur Point, I idly mused upon the cosmological implications of the universe as I contemplated the past week of rain. When I arrived at the parking lot, it was filled with friends eager for a night's observing. I counted at least 21 telescopes set up.
I started my night's observing with one of my favorite objects, M 44 in Ophiuchus. It seemed almost Gollum. Then, for a real challenge, I added to my logbook NGC 3023 in Scorpius. It seemed almost one of Martha Stewart's doilies. After that, I tried for NGC 766. It looked like a little triangle. Then, I had a chance to see M 23. It looked a bit like desert sand. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I looked for and suspected IC 3658 in Scutum. It was as bright as the invisible man. Then, for a real challenge, I tried M 100. It was a blurry likeness of fleecy wool.
After a short break to recite my mantra, I slewed to IC 3033. It took me back to the first time I saw a little triangle. Next, I went for B 298. It looked a bit like Dubya. Next, I stumbled upon B 550. It appeared at low power like lumpy darkness. Then, I looked at B 98. It shimmered, as if it were a spitting cobra. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I sketched M 65. It appeared as Miss Piggy. With that checked off my list, I went for M 85. It would be easy to confuse with the last six objects I'd seen. With that checked off my list, I tried for B 309. It looked like 60 grit carborundum on asphalt. Then, I tracked down B 585. It was even more difficult than 60 grit carborundum on asphalt. Next, I tried B 508 in Serpens. It would be easy to confuse with smoke signals from a rampaging Iroquois band. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I tried for B 54. It was not quite as bright as Krylon Ultra-Flat Black. Then, I looked for and suspected NGC 3903 in that confusing part of Virgo. It appeared to be two scoops of spumoni ice cream. Next, I sketched B 157. It was a dead ringer for Gollum. Next, I tracked down NGC 5581. It reminded me of an inflamed monkey butt.
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 spending a day at the mall with my teenage daughter.