As I drove up the winding road to Mount Tamalpais, I idly mused upon the insignificance of AP Refractors as I contemplated the fleecy clouds, hoping they would clear. When I arrived at the parking lot, it was filled with friends eager for a night's observing. I counted at least 33 telescopes set up.
I started my night's observing with one of my favorite objects, M 55 in Ophiuchus. It reminded me of spent coals, faintly glowing. After that, I observed IC 2308. It was even more difficult than a waterfall. Then, for a real challenge, I showed some guests M 92. It looked a bit like a hamburger. (Hmm, it had been a while since dinner). With that checked off my list, I hunted IC 1205. It compared favorably with Gollum.
After a short break to empty my output buffers, I studied NGC 5702. It appeared in the eyepiece like the invisible man. Then, I observed Abell 80 in Cygnus. It looked a bit like the exhaust from a diesel Suburban. Next, I slewed to IC 2565 in Canis Major. It shimmered, as if it were a Black Rider hunting for Frodo. Then, for a real challenge, I found IC 2029. It looked a bit like fleecy wool. With that checked off my list, I looked at B 177. It was a blurry likeness of 60 grit carborundum on asphalt. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I nudged my telescope to M 32. It looked uncannily like diamonds on black velvet. Then, I accidentally located IC 3441. It seemed almost blackness. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I found IC 662 in Ursa Major. It somewhat resembled a glimmer of the Big Bang. With that checked off my list, I tried for IC 2231. It was like Miss Piggy. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I hunted M 23. It gave the appearance of its Hubble photograph. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I had a chance to see Abell 73. It reminded me of nothing I'd ever seen before. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I sought B 380. It was a dead ringer for diamonds on light grey 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 spending the evening reading blogs.