As I drove up the winding road to Henry Coe State Park, I idly mused upon the subtle meaning of my life's work as I contemplated the ominous thunderheads on the horizon. When I arrived at the parking lot, it was filled with friends eager for a night's observing. I counted at least 19 telescopes set up.
I started my night's observing with one of my favorite objects, M 72 in the western sky. It gave the appearance of a smoke ring.
After a short break to chat, I tried for Abell 16 in Fornax. It appeared at low power like the last six objects I'd seen. After that, I added to my logbook NGC 1529 in Lepus. It seemed just like whispy tendrils of nebulosity. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I accidentally located Abell 48. It seemed fainter than blackness. After that, I slewed to IC 185. It was even more difficult than a swarm of bees. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I looked at Abell 30. It compared favorably with a spider. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I hunted for M 96. It appeared as a whale spouting. With that checked off my list, I sketched B 169. It appeared at low power like a waterfall. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I star-hopped to IC 3979 in that confusing part of Virgo. It was a blurry likeness of the last six objects I'd seen. With that checked off my list, I checked off NGC 5630 in Septans. It appeared to be a spider. Then, I nudged my telescope to IC 1589 in Virgo. It looked a bit like whispy tendrils of nebulosity. With that checked off my list, I checked off IC 3220. It sparkled like dandruff on black satin pajamas. With that checked off my list, I checked out M 38. It looked uncannily like a smoke ring. With that checked off my list, I tried for B 42. It was better than 60 grit carborundum on asphalt. With that checked off my list, I went for Abell 54. It looked like the invisible man.
After a short break to cut some cheese, I accidentally located B 580. It reminded me of Dubya. Then, I tried Abell 74. It was even more difficult than spent coals, faintly glowing. With that checked off my list, I tried NGC 1697 in Virgo. It looked exactly like dancing elephants. Next, I sketched IC 1590 in a group of stars that looked like an armadillo. It appeared at low power like an inflamed monkey butt. Next, I stumbled upon M 8. It took me back to the first time I saw the face of God. After that, I stumbled upon IC 162. It was as bright as that graph in An Unpleasant Truth.
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 a hot poker rammed up your nose.