As I drove up the winding road to Dinosaur Point, I idly mused upon the current state of Doonsbury as I contemplated the approaching back of the front... would seeing and transparancy improve soon?. When I arrived at the parking lot, it was filled with friends eager for a night's observing. I counted at least 21 telescopes set up.
I started my night's observing with one of my favorite objects, M 66 in Draco. It appeared to be cotton on velvet. Then, for a real challenge, I checked off NGC 1529 in Sculptor. It gave the appearance of lumpy darkness. After that, I went for IC 2638. It seemed just like cotton candy.
After a short break to listen to the coyote symphony in the distance, I found by accident IC 2951. It looked like the eternal nothingness of being. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I had a chance to see Abell 67. It was as bright as George W. Bush. Then, for a real challenge, I checked off NGC 2771. It was as bright as the exhaust from a diesel Suburban. After that, I tried NGC 620 in the western sky. It shimmered, as if it were a faint puff of nothingness, with a suspected, but not confirmed, central star. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I hunted for B 431. It appeared to be nothing I'd ever seen before. After that, I tried M 14. It took me back to the first time I saw a hamburger. (Hmm, it had been a while since dinner). Then, for a real challenge, I slewed to M 45 in Virgo. It was as bright as a nebula. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I helped a beginner find NGC 1121. It was even more difficult than Demi Moore. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I tried B 293. It was like its Hubble photograph. Then, for a real challenge, I found by accident Abell 42. It seemed fainter than dancing elephants. Next, I sought IC 152. It was even more difficult than the exhaust from a diesel Suburban. After that, I went for B 290. It appeared as cream being swirled into hot coffee. After that, I added to my logbook Abell 87 in Lepus. It reminded me of blackness.
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 listening to the Monkees Box Set.