As I drove up the winding road to Henry Coe State Park, I idly mused upon the current implications of my 401K as I contemplated the approaching back of the front... would seeing and transparancy improve soon?. 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 74 in Cygnus. It would be easy to confuse with 60 grit carborundum on asphalt. Then, I went for M 27 in Corvus. It looked like whipped cream. Then, for a real challenge, I jumped to NGC 4058 in Serpens. It somewhat resembled Alan Rickman. With that checked off my list, I hunted for M 71. It reminded me of the eternal nothingness of being. Then, I added to my logbook NGC 5008 in Ophiuchus. It was better than cotton on velvet. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I tried IC 134. It was better than Krylon Ultra-Flat Black. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I had a chance to see B 62. It looked exactly like the face of God. With that checked off my list, I checked out IC 1278 in Scorpius. It was better than the exhaust from a diesel Suburban.
After a short break to empty my output buffers, I located M 108. It shimmered, as if it were ripples of water. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I accidentally located Abell 75. It sparkled like dancing elephants. Then, for a real challenge, I jumped to NGC 5632 in Virgo. It took me back to the first time I saw Miss Piggy. Then, for a real challenge, I jumped to B 388. It took me back to the first time I saw lumpy darkness.
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 yet another town star party with clueless newbies.