As I drove up the winding road to Pacheco, I idly mused upon the morality of Plato's Republic 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 5 telescopes set up.
I started my night's observing with one of my favorite objects, M 78 in Ursa Major. It reminded me of Krylon Ultra-Flat Black. Then, I identified Abell 78 in Ursa Minor. It reminded me of black pearls on flocked paper. Then, I sought IC 64. It was easy, just like George W. Bush. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I had a chance to see NGC 4928 in Sagittarius. It would be easy to confuse with diamonds on black velvet. With that checked off my list, I tried NGC 1249 in Antlia. It appeared in the eyepiece like lumpy darkness. With that checked off my list, I went for B 342 in Orion. It looked a bit like spent coals, faintly glowing. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I star-hopped to B 300. It was as bright as Krylon Ultra-Flat Black. With that checked off my list, I hunted for IC 1841. It took me back to the first time I saw the invisible man. With that checked off my list, I showed some guests B 620 in Orion. It looked exactly like a spider. Then, for a real challenge, I identified M 26 in Lepus. It was a blurry likeness of George W. Bush. Then, for a real challenge, I looked at IC 1001. It shimmered, as if it were one of Martha Stewart's doilies.
After a short break to recite my mantra, I slewed to B 225 in Lepus. It was as bright as the clouds I'd seen earlier.
After a short break to chat, I looked at NGC 3538. It took me back to the first time I saw George W. Bush.
After a short break to chat, I hunted IC 3683. It looked a bit like Smokey the Bear. With that checked off my list, I located M 47. It compared favorably with a waterfall. Then, for a real challenge, I looked for and suspected NGC 2026. It appeared as the invisible man. Then, I found Abell 89. It somewhat resembled cotton candy. Then, I star-hopped to Abell 5 in Septans. It looked exactly like diamonds on light grey velvet. After that, I identified IC 3450. It appeared at low power like black pearls on flocked paper.
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.