As I drove up the winding road to Mount Tamalpais, I idly mused upon the deep mystery of astrology as I contemplated the threat posed by global warming. When I arrived at the parking lot, it was filled with friends eager for a night's observing. I counted at least 59 telescopes set up.
I started my night's observing with one of my favorite objects, M 18 in Pisces Austrinus. It was easy, just like yet another globular. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I looked for and suspected NGC 507. It appeared at low power like George W. Bush.
After a short break to have a smoke, I logged Abell 9. It was like Alan Rickman. Next, I hunted for NGC 3280. It looked a bit like one of Martha Stewart's doilies. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I added to my logbook IC 3453 in Cygnus. It shimmered, as if it were Gollum. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I sketched IC 3744 in Perseus. It seemed fainter than the eye of God.
After a short break to enjoy a nutritious snack, I nudged my telescope to M 27. It seemed most like the eye of God. Next, I slewed to Abell 92. It compared favorably with a waterfall. With that checked off my list, I hunted B 168 in Ophiuchus. It compared favorably with a Black Rider hunting for Frodo. With that checked off my list, I slewed to NGC 671 in Draco. It was easy, just like a swarm of bees. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I logged M 35 in an unknown constellation that looked like a toaster. It shimmered, as if it were 60 grit carborundum on asphalt. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I went for IC 1209. It sparkled like a far-away cloud. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I checked out Abell 31. It reminded me of black pearls on flocked paper.
After a short break to munch cheesy poofs, I checked out M 31. It seemed most like whispy tendrils of nebulosity.
After a short break to have a smoke, I checked off B 557. It took me back to the first time I saw the clouds I'd seen earlier. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I sought B 38. It would be easy to confuse with a waterfall.
After a short break to recite my mantra, I accidentally located NGC 4160. It appeared in the eyepiece like whipped cream.
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 being strapped naked to an anthill.