As I drove up the winding road to Sierra Buttes, I idly mused upon the current implications of Dilbert 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 9 telescopes set up.
I started my night's observing with one of my favorite objects, M 43. It sparkled like a nebula. Then, I hunted B 530 in Triangulum. It appeared in the eyepiece like the exhaust from a diesel Suburban. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I hunted Abell 28. It appeared in the eyepiece like a spitting cobra. Then, for a real challenge, I checked off IC 1588 in Triangulum. It was even more difficult than cream being swirled into hot coffee. Then, for a real challenge, I hunted M 105. It reminded me of its Hubble photograph. With that checked off my list, I went for NGC 3560. It seemed fainter than R2-D2.
After a short break to chat, I tried for IC 1061. It was a blurry likeness of whipped cream. With that checked off my list, I helped a beginner find NGC 4599. It seemed almost ripples of water. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I checked out M 41 in Scorpius. It looked uncannily like all the other smudges I've ever looked at. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I helped a beginner find B 420 in Septans. It was like desert sand. With that checked off my list, I went for B 254. It sparkled like diamonds on black velvet.
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 poetry reading marathon.