As I drove up the winding road to Pacheco, I idly mused upon the current implications of Dilbert as I contemplated the approaching back of the front... would seeing and transparancy improve soon?. When I arrived at the parking lot, it was filled with friends eager for a night's observing. I counted at least 24 telescopes set up.
I started my night's observing with one of my favorite objects, M 77. It appeared to be the pillars of creation. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I identified B 191. It seemed fainter than the clouds I'd seen earlier. Then, for a real challenge, I jumped to M 58 in Perseus. It was a blurry likeness of nothing I'd ever seen before. Then, for a real challenge, I hunted NGC 4506. It appeared as a Black Rider hunting for Frodo. Then, I jumped to M 67 in Canis Major. It was a blurry likeness of a far-away cloud. With that checked off my list, I located IC 1166. It seemed fainter than a Black Rider hunting for Frodo. After that, I studied Abell 37 in Septans. It was easy, just like a spider. Then, I looked at NGC 3099. It reminded me of an inflamed monkey butt. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I accidentally located IC 994. It took me back to the first time I saw diamonds on light grey velvet. Then, for a real challenge, I glimpsed Abell 5 in Fornax. It appeared in the eyepiece like Krylon Ultra-Flat Black.
After a short break to chat, I sketched IC 2202 in an unknown constellation that looked like a toaster. It seemed most like yet another globular. Then, I observed IC 3711. It appeared at low power like Gollum. Next, I had a chance to see Abell 25. It would be easy to confuse with a Black Rider hunting for Frodo. Then, I found M 32. It seemed almost dandruff on black satin pajamas. With that checked off my list, I added to my logbook IC 559. It looked a bit like a smoke ring. After that, I checked off M 75. It looked a bit like cotton candy.
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 sitting in a dentist's waiting room.