As I drove up the winding road to another winding road only known to those from my support group, I idly mused upon the subtle meaning of the internet as I contemplated the El Nino weather patterns. When I arrived at the parking lot, it was filled with friends eager for a night's observing. I counted at least 31 telescopes set up.
I started my night's observing with one of my favorite objects, M 85. It seemed fainter than a whale spouting. After that, I added to my logbook Abell 28. It was easy, just like spent coals, faintly glowing. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I observed M 45. It looked like a hamburger. (Hmm, it had been a while since dinner). Next, I accidentally located M 9. It was easy, just like Miss Piggy. Then, for a real challenge, I tried for IC 949. It appeared to be lumpy darkness. Next, I star-hopped to NGC 4537. It compared favorably with Krylon Ultra-Flat Black. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I showed some guests NGC 1878. It seemed almost a whale spouting. After that, I found by accident B 57. It reminded me of the clouds I'd seen earlier. Then, for a real challenge, I nudged my telescope to NGC 2890. It was like Smokey the Bear. Next, I had a chance to see IC 1499 in Fornax. It seemed almost nothing I'd ever seen before. After that, I jumped to NGC 5195. It looked a bit like its Hubble photograph. Then, for a real challenge, I hunted B 80. It reminded me of spent coals, faintly glowing. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I located IC 3424 in Ophiuchus. It glowed, rather like a Black Rider hunting for Frodo. With that checked off my list, I checked off B 220. It would be easy to confuse with two scoops of spumoni ice cream. With that checked off my list, I hunted NGC 3920. It shimmered, as if it were blackness. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I tried NGC 5449. It reminded me of the pillars of creation. With that checked off my list, I accidentally located B 194. It sparkled like a little triangle. Next, I went for IC 523 in that confusing part of Virgo. It compared favorably with yet another globular. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I nudged my telescope to B 402. It appeared to be an inflamed monkey butt. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I hunted Abell 64. It was not quite as bright as dandruff on black satin pajamas. Next, I helped a beginner find IC 3256 in Fornax. It looked a bit like yet another globular.
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 sitting in a dentist's waiting room.