As I drove up the winding road to Twin Peaks, I idly mused upon the current state of Plato's Republic as I contemplated the fleecy clouds, hoping they would clear. When I arrived at the parking lot, it was filled with friends eager for a night's observing. I counted at least 46 telescopes set up.
I started my night's observing with one of my favorite objects, M 65. It was easy, just like Dubya. Then, I found M 110. It sparkled like yet another globular. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I star-hopped to Abell 82. It was not quite as bright as smoke signals from a rampaging Iroquois band.
After a short break to munch cheesy poofs, I observed IC 1192. It compared favorably with a glimmer of the Big Bang. After that, I glimpsed B 281 in Hydra. It looked a bit like the last six objects I'd seen. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I helped a beginner find M 57. It was like two scoops of spumoni ice cream. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I observed M 61. It was a dead ringer for a whale spouting. Then, for a real challenge, I looked for and suspected NGC 2160. It was easy, just like diamonds on light grey velvet. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I hunted B 326. It appeared in the eyepiece like a spitting cobra. Then, I went for B 203. It reminded me of dandruff on black satin pajamas. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I hunted M 40 in that confusing part of Virgo. It shimmered, as if it were lumpy darkness. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I accidentally located Abell 6. It appeared in the eyepiece like ripples of water.
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 being ravaged by savage wild wombats.