As I drove up the winding road to Pacheco, I idly mused upon the higher implications of the universe as I contemplated the past week of rain. When I arrived at the parking lot, it was filled with friends eager for a night's observing. I counted at least 21 telescopes set up.
I started my night's observing with one of my favorite objects, M 27. It compared favorably with cotton candy.
After a short break to listen to Mozart, I had a chance to see IC 722 in Canes Venatici. It looked a bit like 60 grit carborundum on asphalt. With that checked off my list, I showed some guests B 451. It appeared in the eyepiece like smoke signals from a rampaging Iroquois band. Then, for a real challenge, I added to my logbook NGC 2889 in Ursa Minor. It looked like cream being swirled into hot coffee. Then, I stumbled upon B 557. It appeared in the eyepiece like a far-away cloud. Then, I had a chance to see IC 3040. It shimmered, as if it were 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 stale peeps.