As I drove up the winding road to Twin Peaks, I idly mused upon the socioeconomic impact of astrology as I contemplated the past week of rain. When I arrived at the parking lot, it was filled with friends eager for a night's observing. I counted at least 2 telescopes set up.
I started my night's observing with one of my favorite objects, M 12. It appeared at low power like one of Martha Stewart's doilies. Next, I logged B 236. It took me back to the first time I saw blackness. After that, I found by accident B 177 in Draco. It was easy, just like cotton candy. After that, I found by accident M 6 in Serpens. It gave the appearance of a far-away cloud. Then, for a real challenge, I hunted B 99. It looked exactly like 60 grit carborundum on asphalt. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I helped a beginner find Abell 7 in Virgo. It looked uncannily like a smoke ring.
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 reading observing reports.