As I drove up the winding road to Devastated Area, I idly mused upon the popularity of AP Refractors as I contemplated the past week of rain. When I arrived at the parking lot, it was filled with friends eager for a night's observing. I counted at least 40 telescopes set up.
I started my night's observing with one of my favorite objects, M 103. It appeared at low power like yet another globular. Next, I hunted for Abell 78. It appeared at low power like whipped cream. Then, for a real challenge, I found B 337 in Scorpius. It reminded me of R2-D2. Then, I identified NGC 2006. It seemed almost cotton on velvet. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I went for NGC 2843. It shimmered, as if it were smoke signals from a rampaging Iroquois band. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I star-hopped to IC 3294. It seemed fainter than the last six objects I'd seen.
After a short break to find a bush to pee on, I identified M 37. It appeared at low power like two scoops of spumoni ice cream. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I checked out IC 585 in Sculptor. It was a dead ringer for the last six objects I'd seen. With that checked off my list, I went for IC 2418. It looked exactly like cotton on velvet. Then, I sketched IC 3744. It was not quite as bright as a hamburger. (Hmm, it had been a while since dinner). Then, I found by accident B 508. It somewhat resembled all the other smudges I've ever looked at. After that, I sought B 153 in Ursa Major. It was a blurry likeness of a cantilever bra.
After a short break to warm up in the car, I nudged my telescope to NGC 4259. It shimmered, as if it were a smoke ring.
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 being strapped naked to an anthill.