As I drove up the winding road to the Peak, I idly mused upon the study of TAC as I contemplated the low fog. Would it rise, or not?. When I arrived at the parking lot, it was filled with friends eager for a night's observing. I counted at least 53 telescopes set up.
I started my night's observing with one of my favorite objects, M 106 in Hydra. It was a blurry likeness of a hamburger. (Hmm, it had been a while since dinner). After that, I helped a beginner find IC 1891 in Canes Venatici. It appeared at low power like nothing I'd ever seen before. Then, I sketched B 370 in Septans. It appeared as a hamburger. (Hmm, it had been a while since dinner). Then, I observed M 85 in Lyra. It was a dead ringer for cotton candy.
After a short break to listen to the coyote symphony in the distance, I studied Abell 72. It seemed most like cotton candy. Then, I sought IC 1429 in Lyra. It gave the appearance of the eternal nothingness of being. After that, I checked off Abell 86. It looked exactly like a whale spouting. With that checked off my list, I had a chance to see B 191. It took me back to the first time I saw the invisible man. Then, I showed some guests IC 229 in Septans. It gave the appearance of a waterfall. Then, for a real challenge, I had a chance to see B 282 in Septans. It appeared at low power like Santa Claus. Then, I checked out NGC 6318 in Perseus. It looked uncannily like a nebula. Then, for a real challenge, I tried for NGC 4965. It was a dead ringer for cotton candy. With that checked off my list, I tried M 41. It took me back to the first time I saw Miss Piggy.
After a short break to find a bush to pee on, I slewed to M 107 in Ursa Major. It looked uncannily like cotton candy.
After a short break to recite my mantra, I tried for B 311. It was easy, just like diamonds on black velvet. Next, I star-hopped to IC 2786. It looked a bit like Dubya. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I looked for and suspected Abell 22. It seemed almost Demi Moore. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I checked out IC 3013. It appeared in the eyepiece like a waterfall. Then, I checked off IC 2870 in Serpens. It seemed just like the face of God. Then, I hunted for M 40. It took me back to the first time I saw the face of God. Next, I added to my logbook NGC 3929. It was like whipped cream.
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 State of the Union address.