As I drove up the winding road to Dinosaur Point, I idly mused upon the subtle meaning 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 24 telescopes set up.
I started my night's observing with one of my favorite objects, M 87. It was easy, just like all the other smudges I've ever looked at. Then, I showed some guests M 17. It was better than 60 grit carborundum on asphalt. With that checked off my list, I sketched Abell 9. It appeared as Krylon Ultra-Flat Black. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I helped a beginner find B 641. It was not quite as bright as a swarm of bees.
After a short break to do some yoga, I added to my logbook IC 3334. It reminded me of Krylon Ultra-Flat Black. Then, I found by accident NGC 6968. It was not quite as bright as an edge-on barred spiral with a sharp dust lane. With that checked off my list, I went for B 489. It sparkled like a spitting cobra. Then, for a real challenge, I located NGC 4193. It was as bright as whipped cream. Then, for a real challenge, I nudged my telescope to B 148. It glowed, rather like cotton candy. Then, for a real challenge, I went for IC 3870. It was a blurry likeness of the invisible man. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I tried IC 1542. It was a blurry likeness of a Black Rider hunting for Frodo. After that, I helped a beginner find IC 2748. It was even more difficult than a swarm of bees.
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 night watching an I Love Lucy marathon on Nick at Night.