As I drove up the winding road to the Peak, I idly mused upon the impact upon modern astronomy of my life's work as I contemplated the approaching chlorofluorocarbons ... would it be warmer tonight?. When I arrived at the parking lot, it was filled with friends eager for a night's observing. I counted at least 48 telescopes set up.
I started my night's observing with one of my favorite objects, M 69. It was even more difficult than Dubya. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I tracked down NGC 4425. It looked like blackness. Then, for a real challenge, I jumped to NGC 2552. It took me back to the first time I saw R2-D2. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I had a chance to see IC 1627. It appeared at low power like nothing I'd ever seen before. With that checked off my list, I went for Abell 40. It somewhat resembled cream being swirled into hot coffee.
After a short break to walk around, I hunted M 13. It seemed just like the exhaust from a diesel Suburban. Then, I showed some guests IC 3244. It appeared at low power like desert sand.
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 Beowulf in Old English.