As I drove up the winding road to Twin Peaks, I idly mused upon the inner workings of world hunger as I contemplated the crystal-clear skies. When I arrived at the parking lot, it was filled with friends eager for a night's observing. I counted at least 48 telescopes set up.
I started my night's observing with one of my favorite objects, M 68. It reminded me of a waterfall. Then, I added to my logbook Abell 99. It appeared to be a spitting cobra. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I showed some guests NGC 694 in the western sky. It compared favorably with the eye of God. With that checked off my list, I found by accident B 13. It reminded me of the eye of God. After that, I tracked down M 6. It looked like a waterfall.
After a short break to chat, I logged Abell 41. It looked a bit like dancing elephants.
After a short break to enjoy a nutritious snack, I found IC 1724. It was a blurry likeness of whispy tendrils of nebulosity. Next, I tried for Abell 31. It seemed fainter than lumpy darkness. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I hunted for Abell 6. It took me back to the first time I saw 60 grit carborundum on asphalt.
After a short break to listen to the coyote symphony in the distance, I found by accident Abell 16. It seemed most like desert sand.
After a short break to have a smoke, I tried B 331 in Canis Major. It was a blurry likeness of a nebula. Then, I sketched Abell 89. It was like dancing elephants. After that, I observed B 17. It was not quite as bright as the eye of God. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I found by accident Abell 68. It looked uncannily like the exhaust from a diesel Suburban. Then, for a real challenge, I located B 636 in that confusing part of Virgo. It was easy, just like ripples of water. Then, for a real challenge, I studied Abell 73. It reminded me of spent coals, faintly glowing. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I logged NGC 4597. It sparkled like the clouds I'd seen earlier. Next, I studied NGC 5710. It looked a bit like diamonds on black velvet.
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 taking an elevator during a Stage 3 alert.