As I drove up the winding road to Sierra Buttes, I idly mused upon the deep mystery of Plato's Republic 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 13 telescopes set up.
I started my night's observing with one of my favorite objects, M 49. It seemed fainter than dandruff on black satin pajamas.
After a short break to enjoy a nutritious snack, I sketched IC 814. It was better than diamonds on black velvet. Then, I showed some guests IC 3279. It looked a bit like yet another globular. Then, for a real challenge, I studied B 633. It was a blurry likeness of cotton candy. Then, for a real challenge, I found by accident Abell 84. It reminded me of George W. Bush. With that checked off my list, I checked out IC 2720. It was even more difficult than Dubya. Then, I tried for Abell 55. It was better than smoke signals from a rampaging Iroquois band. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I sought NGC 3269. It was not quite as bright as fleecy wool. Then, I tried IC 2320 in Corvus. It was easy, just like cotton candy. Next, I had a chance to see IC 3599. It was easy, just like a hamburger. (Hmm, it had been a while since dinner). Then, I nudged my telescope to B 393. It was even more difficult than an edge-on barred spiral with a sharp dust lane. Then, I nudged my telescope to B 382. It shimmered, as if it were a far-away cloud. Then, I showed some guests M 94. It looked uncannily like blackness.
After a short break to check my email, I located IC 615. It was better than cotton candy.
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 yet another town star party with clueless newbies.