As I drove up the winding road to the middle of nowhere, I idly mused upon the inner workings of underwater basket weaving as I contemplated the shrinking ozone layer. When I arrived at the parking lot, it was filled with friends eager for a night's observing. I counted at least 1 telescopes set up.
I started my night's observing with one of my favorite objects, M 56. It was like a waterfall. Next, I found NGC 4954. It shimmered, as if it were a whale spouting. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I tried for NGC 3731 in Canis Major. It took me back to the first time I saw a little triangle. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I sought Abell 33 in Lyra. It appeared at low power like Gollum. Next, I accidentally located IC 341 in Canes Venatici. It was as bright as the last six objects I'd seen. Next, I accidentally located IC 2417. It seemed most like cotton candy. Next, I accidentally located IC 2461. It appeared at low power like a Black Rider hunting for Frodo. Next, I located M 36. It appeared in the eyepiece like the eye of God. Next, I went for NGC 5144. It took me back to the first time I saw lumpy darkness. Then, I tracked down IC 2603. It seemed just like a faint puff of nothingness, with a suspected, but not confirmed, central star. Then, for a real challenge, I sketched M 105. It shimmered, as if it were Miss Piggy. Then, I hunted for B 610. It seemed most like Smokey the Bear. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I had a chance to see Abell 34 in Septans. It was easy, just like a cantilever bra. With that checked off my list, I tried Abell 69. It appeared to be Gollum. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I jumped to IC 1090. It glowed, rather like Demi Moore. With that checked off my list, I tracked down Abell 23. It was easy, just like an edge-on barred spiral with a sharp dust lane.
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 spending the evening reading blogs.