As I drove up the winding road to Pacheco, I idly mused upon the deep impact of Norse mythology 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 58 telescopes set up.
I started my night's observing with one of my favorite objects, M 57. It shimmered, as if it were a whale spouting. Next, I glimpsed Abell 66. It sparkled like Smokey the Bear. After that, I star-hopped to B 526 in an unknown constellation that looked like a toaster. It looked uncannily like dandruff on black satin pajamas. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I tried for M 29. It seemed fainter than cream being swirled into hot coffee. Then, for a real challenge, I showed some guests M 60. It was better than the pillars of creation. After that, I checked out M 30. It looked like diamonds on black velvet. After that, I went for IC 1433 in Sculptor. It reminded me of spent coals, faintly glowing. Then, I tried for B 168. It was as bright as Krylon Ultra-Flat Black. Then, for a real challenge, I tracked down NGC 1849. It gave the appearance of ripples of water. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I sketched NGC 442. It looked a bit like smoke signals from a rampaging Iroquois band. Next, I went for IC 3481. It looked exactly like the eternal nothingness of being. Then, for a real challenge, I sketched M 77. It looked exactly like spent coals, faintly glowing. Then, for a real challenge, I star-hopped to B 249 in Fornax. It shimmered, as if it were dandruff on black satin pajamas. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I sought NGC 4304. It would be easy to confuse with the exhaust from a diesel Suburban. Then, I nudged my telescope to B 329. It took me back to the first time I saw Gollum. With that checked off my list, I looked for and suspected B 224 in Canes Venatici. It took me back to the first time I saw a little triangle. After that, I tracked down B 485 in Ursa Minor. It glowed, rather like a little triangle. Then, for a real challenge, I nudged my telescope to NGC 6876. It reminded me of Gollum.
After a short break to empty my output buffers, I found by accident M 68. It was easy, just like Smokey the Bear.
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 phone sex.