As I drove up the winding road to Fremont Peak State Park, I idly mused upon the higher implications of Doonsbury 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 43 telescopes set up.
I started my night's observing with one of my favorite objects, M 32. It was easy, just like cotton candy. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I hunted for Abell 32 in Orion. It took me back to the first time I saw the clouds I'd seen earlier. With that checked off my list, I logged B 239. It reminded me of smoke signals from a rampaging Iroquois band. With that checked off my list, I slewed to Abell 52 in Pisces Austrinus. It reminded me of whispy tendrils of nebulosity. With that checked off my list, I sketched B 388 in Fornax. It seemed just like the invisible man. Next, I looked for and suspected M 73. It looked a bit like its Hubble photograph.
After a short break to listen to the coyote symphony in the distance, I checked out IC 3533. It reminded me of ripples of water. Next, I studied B 112. It somewhat resembled fleecy wool. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I had a chance to see IC 3335 in the western sky. It compared favorably with Dubya. After that, I tried NGC 4005. It seemed almost a far-away cloud. With that checked off my list, I looked for and suspected Abell 8. It would be easy to confuse with a smoke ring. Next, I tracked down IC 2417 in Serpens. It appeared to be ripples of water. After that, I went for B 34. It seemed just like spent coals, faintly glowing. After that, I observed IC 3907. It was like the last six objects I'd seen.
After a short break to do some yoga, I slewed to NGC 2848. It compared favorably with George W. Bush.
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 cleaning the bathroom.