As I drove up the winding road to Sierra Buttes, I idly mused upon the socioeconomic impact of chaos theory 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 2 telescopes set up.
I started my night's observing with one of my favorite objects, M 103. It was even more difficult than the exhaust from a diesel Suburban. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I checked off M 61 in Sagittarius. It was a dead ringer for the eye of God. Next, I tracked down Abell 16 in Triangulum. It was not quite as bright as a spider. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I checked off M 107 in Fornax. It seemed fainter than George W. Bush. Then, for a real challenge, I located M 104 in Orion. It was a blurry likeness of yet another globular. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I logged NGC 5613 in Sagittarius. It was easy, just like the eternal nothingness of being. With that checked off my list, I sought NGC 5252. It was like dancing elephants. After that, I sketched B 531. It appeared in the eyepiece like diamonds on light grey velvet. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I looked for and suspected Abell 42. It was better than a dodo bird, extinct but for this celestial likeness.
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 a kick in the pants with a copper toed boot.