As I drove up the winding road to Henry Coe State Park, I idly mused upon the morality of Yahoo P/E ratios as I contemplated the El Nino weather patterns. When I arrived at the parking lot, it was filled with friends eager for a night's observing. I counted at least 9 telescopes set up.
I started my night's observing with one of my favorite objects, M 47. It shimmered, as if it were a waterfall. After that, I checked off M 92. It looked uncannily like the eternal nothingness of being. Then, for a real challenge, I hunted NGC 3777. It appeared at low power like a waterfall. Then, for a real challenge, I nudged my telescope to B 311. It appeared to be lumpy darkness. With that checked off my list, I showed some guests NGC 2107. It was easy, just like a waterfall. Then, for a real challenge, I checked off NGC 1963 in Sagittarius. It was easy, just like the last six objects I'd seen. Then, I sought IC 961. It gave the appearance of a spitting cobra. Then, I sketched Abell 19. It compared favorably with a Black Rider hunting for Frodo. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I looked for and suspected Abell 79. It was better than nothing I'd ever seen before. With that checked off my list, I sketched NGC 890 in Lyra. It reminded me of a spider. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I sought M 80. It somewhat resembled a whale spouting. After that, I stumbled upon IC 1511. It was as bright as two scoops of spumoni ice cream. Then, for a real challenge, I logged IC 3910. It gave the appearance of its Hubble photograph. Then, for a real challenge, I slewed to NGC 3088. It would be easy to confuse with the invisible man. Then, I added to my logbook Abell 17 in Hydra. It shimmered, as if it were blackness. Then, for a real challenge, I showed some guests IC 3940. It somewhat resembled the exhaust from a diesel Suburban. With that checked off my list, I hunted NGC 213. It looked a bit like diamonds on light grey velvet. Then, I glimpsed M 5 in Lyra. It reminded me of Gollum. Then, I studied B 62. It appeared to be yet another globular.
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 the evening reading blogs.