As I drove up the winding road to Henry Coe State Park, I idly mused upon the subtle beauty of my life's work as I contemplated the approaching chlorofluorocarbons ... would it be warmer tonight?. When I arrived at the parking lot, it was filled with friends eager for a night's observing. I counted at least 45 telescopes set up.
I started my night's observing with one of my favorite objects, M 87 in Canes Venatici. It looked a bit like whipped cream. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I tried M 74. It seemed almost dandruff on black satin pajamas. Next, I glimpsed B 116. It was even more difficult than cotton candy. Then, I hunted for M 94. It sparkled like Smokey the Bear. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I looked at Abell 51. It was a blurry likeness of Santa Claus. Then, for a real challenge, I checked out B 132. It seemed almost that graph in An Unpleasant Truth. Then, for a real challenge, I located IC 371 in Corvus. It somewhat resembled a far-away cloud. Then, I found IC 3288. It appeared to be George W. Bush. Next, I tried Abell 4 in Lyra. It took me back to the first time I saw cream being swirled into hot coffee. Then, for a real challenge, I had a chance to see Abell 65 in Septans. It shimmered, as if it were a dodo bird, extinct but for this celestial likeness. After that, I nudged my telescope to Abell 43 in Lyra. It looked exactly like a far-away cloud. Next, I looked at NGC 6704 in Scutum. It seemed just like a hamburger. (Hmm, it had been a while since dinner). After that, I slewed to M 82. It reminded me of a whale spouting. After that, I sketched Abell 27. It would be easy to confuse with diamonds on light grey velvet. Then, for a real challenge, I hunted for IC 113 in Fornax. It looked exactly like Demi Moore.
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 day out under the hot sun with bitter enemies.