As I drove up the winding road to my secret observing location, I idly mused upon the morality of my life's work 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 31 telescopes set up.
I started my night's observing with one of my favorite objects, M 60. It appeared in the eyepiece like Smokey the Bear. After that, I identified M 99. It appeared to be a smoke ring. Then, for a real challenge, I tried M 86 in Ophiuchus. It was a dead ringer for 60 grit carborundum on asphalt. Then, I added to my logbook NGC 805. It appeared as ripples of water. After that, I tried IC 3426. It was like a hamburger. (Hmm, it had been a while since dinner). After that, I stumbled upon M 95. It was not quite as bright as Gollum. After that, I stumbled upon IC 3379 in Gemini. It somewhat resembled Demi Moore. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I accidentally located NGC 5685 in Sculptor. It was a blurry likeness of diamonds on black velvet. Then, for a real challenge, I helped a beginner find M 99. It seemed most like a far-away cloud. Then, I looked at NGC 513 in Ursa Minor. It seemed just like a waterfall. Then, for a real challenge, I tried IC 816. It looked uncannily like a dodo bird, extinct but for this celestial likeness. With that checked off my list, I tracked down IC 3329 in Sagittarius. It appeared as cream being swirled into hot coffee. With that checked off my list, I accidentally located NGC 501. It seemed most like Smokey the Bear.
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.