As I drove up the winding road to another winding road only known to those from my support group, I idly mused upon the socioeconomic impact of cosmology as I contemplated the La Nina conditions. 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 59. It appeared as a waterfall. Then, I logged B 412. It was even more difficult than a waterfall. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I slewed to NGC 6647. It somewhat resembled its Hubble photograph. With that checked off my list, I looked at B 160 in Hydra. It appeared at low power like blackness. Then, I slewed to M 13. It was not quite as bright as fleecy wool.
After a short break to gulp down my remaining canned margaritas, I sought Abell 88. It seemed most like a nebula.
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 24-hour 007 marathon.