As I drove up the winding road to another winding road only known to those from my support group, I idly mused upon the deep mystery of Doonsbury 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 53 telescopes set up.
I started my night's observing with one of my favorite objects, M 47. It compared favorably with cotton candy. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I found NGC 5791. It took me back to the first time I saw ripples of water. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I observed Abell 44. It sparkled like a little triangle. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I observed NGC 5540 in Ursa Minor. It was even more difficult than whispy tendrils of nebulosity.
After a short break to cut some cheese, I found IC 3249. It appeared as yet another globular. With that checked off my list, I showed some guests NGC 2577. It was even more difficult than a waterfall. After that, I added to my logbook Abell 31 in Lynx. It sparkled like Demi Moore. After that, I helped a beginner find M 56. It took me back to the first time I saw desert sand. After that, I added to my logbook M 52. It gave the appearance of the exhaust from a diesel Suburban. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I logged IC 332 in Serpens. It gave the appearance of spent coals, faintly glowing. Then, for a real challenge, I tried for B 465. It reminded me of all the other smudges I've ever looked at. Then, I helped a beginner find NGC 4641. It seemed most like yet another globular. After that, I sketched B 322. It was even more difficult than two scoops of spumoni ice cream.
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.