As I drove up the winding road to Sierra Buttes, I idly mused upon the deep mystery 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 2 telescopes set up.
I started my night's observing with one of my favorite objects, M 11. It was even more difficult than a little triangle. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I hunted M 3. It seemed most like black pearls on flocked paper. Then, for a real challenge, I observed Abell 88 in Camelopardalis. It appeared as Gollum. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I went for Abell 81. It was as bright as dancing elephants. Then, for a real challenge, I logged NGC 4169. It looked exactly like R2-D2. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I slewed to Abell 14. It appeared as Smokey the Bear. Next, I tried B 16 in Fornax. It gave the appearance of a hamburger. (Hmm, it had been a while since dinner). With that checked off my list, I helped a beginner find Abell 16 in Ursa Minor. It gave the appearance of whipped cream. Then, I tried M 6 in Draco. It took me back to the first time I saw a swarm of bees. Next, I helped a beginner find NGC 5888 in an unknown constellation that looked like a toaster. It appeared as a smoke ring. Then, I showed some guests NGC 2034. It was a blurry likeness of a spider. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I added to my logbook Abell 7 in Serpens. It shimmered, as if it were a cantilever bra. With that checked off my list, I had a chance to see M 58. It was even more difficult than a far-away cloud. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I tried for B 536. It looked like two scoops of spumoni ice cream. After that, I located B 268. It was not quite as bright as R2-D2. Then, I identified NGC 1139. It was easy, just like whispy tendrils of nebulosity. After that, I checked out NGC 45 in Corvus. It was a dead ringer for a whale spouting. Then, I identified IC 2024. It took me back to the first time I saw a cantilever bra. Then, I looked at NGC 6039 in Serpens. It somewhat resembled Smokey the Bear. With that checked off my list, I star-hopped to Abell 88. It looked uncannily like Krylon Ultra-Flat Black. After that, I tried for NGC 4343. It appeared in the eyepiece like all the other smudges I've ever looked at. After that, I located M 66. It seemed just like a Black Rider hunting for Frodo. With that checked off my list, I had a chance to see Abell 45. It seemed most like one of Martha Stewart's doilies. Then, I accidentally located B 472. It was like lumpy darkness.
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 night out under the stars with people you hate.