As I drove up the winding road to the Peak, I idly mused upon the insignificance of Doonsbury 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 53 telescopes set up.
I started my night's observing with one of my favorite objects, M 16. It appeared at low power like a UFO. Then, I observed IC 3135. It appeared to be 60 grit carborundum on asphalt. Then, for a real challenge, I looked at Abell 40. It seemed almost Dubya. After that, I checked off M 55 in Sagittarius. It looked exactly like a waterfall. Then, I observed IC 505. It seemed fainter than nothing I'd ever seen before. Then, for a real challenge, I located M 63. It seemed most like one of Martha Stewart's doilies. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I tried B 173 in Perseus. It took me back to the first time I saw a spitting cobra. Then, I star-hopped to M 55. It sparkled like dandruff on black satin pajamas. With that checked off my list, I sought IC 2175. It appeared in the eyepiece like the last six objects I'd seen.
After a short break to listen to Mozart, I hunted NGC 5454. It was as bright as a little triangle. Then, I located NGC 5995. It was a dead ringer for a little triangle. Then, I sought Abell 30. It shimmered, as if it were the pillars of creation. After that, I tried NGC 5459. It was like R2-D2. Then, for a real challenge, I hunted for IC 545. It was like a nebula. After that, I helped a beginner find B 467. It was as bright as cotton candy. Then, for a real challenge, I found IC 3605 in Orion. It looked like a swarm of bees. With that checked off my list, I tried B 440. It seemed most like an inflamed monkey butt. With that checked off my list, I tried Abell 27. It would be easy to confuse with fleecy wool. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I hunted for M 38 in Canis Major. It seemed most like cream being swirled into hot coffee.
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 looking at another first attempt to image the Lagoon Nebula.