As I drove up the winding road to the Peak, I idly mused upon the impact upon modern astronomy of AP Refractors as I contemplated the crystal-clear skies. When I arrived at the parking lot, it was filled with friends eager for a night's observing. I counted at least 52 telescopes set up.
I started my night's observing with one of my favorite objects, M 53. It compared favorably with an inflamed monkey butt. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I hunted B 469 in Serpens. It would be easy to confuse with a smoke ring. After that, I added to my logbook Abell 93. It seemed most like dancing elephants. Then, I sketched IC 2131. It looked a bit like Gollum. Then, I jumped to IC 1180 in Antlia. It seemed just like Gollum.
After a short break to cut some cheese, I hunted IC 2030 in Perseus. It looked like blackness. Then, for a real challenge, I had a chance to see IC 3100 in Lyra. It appeared as the eternal nothingness of being. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I tried for M 45. It appeared as the last six objects I'd seen. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I located IC 3042 in Perseus. It appeared as a Black Rider hunting for Frodo. Next, I sought M 12 in Corvus. It looked uncannily like a far-away cloud.
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 looking at another first attempt to image the Lagoon Nebula.