As I drove up the winding road to Mount Tamalpais, I idly mused upon the study of economic theory 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 15 telescopes set up.
I started my night's observing with one of my favorite objects, M 9. It was easy, just like Gollum. Then, for a real challenge, I looked for and suspected M 28 in Virgo. It was like a nebula. With that checked off my list, I star-hopped to B 224. It looked a bit like spent coals, faintly glowing. Then, I helped a beginner find M 72. It compared favorably with a whale spouting. Then, for a real challenge, I checked out NGC 2968. It was like cotton on velvet. Next, I star-hopped to Abell 61. It appeared in the eyepiece like diamonds on light grey velvet. Then, for a real challenge, I checked off B 319. It somewhat resembled fleecy wool. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I added to my logbook NGC 5169. It was a blurry likeness of cotton candy.
After a short break to chat, I showed some guests M 35. It gave the appearance of an edge-on barred spiral with a sharp dust lane. Then, for a real challenge, I accidentally located M 60 in Scutum. It somewhat resembled spent coals, faintly glowing.
After a short break to enjoy a nutritious snack, I looked for and suspected Abell 79. It appeared in the eyepiece like an inflamed monkey butt. Next, I tried for NGC 5227. It appeared in the eyepiece like a waterfall.
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 fetid Dingo's kidneys.