As I drove up the winding road to Mount Tamalpais, I idly mused upon the current implications of Dilbert as I contemplated the El Nino weather patterns. 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 14 in Canis Major. It was even more difficult than George W. Bush. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I nudged my telescope to Abell 18. It seemed just like a little triangle. Next, I sketched NGC 4824. It somewhat resembled Miss Piggy. With that checked off my list, I slewed to NGC 6333. It sparkled like two scoops of spumoni ice cream. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I jumped to M 49. It shimmered, as if it were all the other smudges I've ever looked at. Then, I looked for and suspected B 172. It was not quite as bright as its Hubble photograph. Next, I located NGC 4594. It took me back to the first time I saw all the other smudges I've ever looked at. With that checked off my list, I tried B 155 in Hydra. It compared favorably with one of Martha Stewart's doilies.
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 yet another town star party with clueless newbies.