As I drove up the winding road to Pacheco, I idly mused upon the subtle beauty of cosmology as I contemplated the ominous thunderheads on the horizon. When I arrived at the parking lot, it was filled with friends eager for a night's observing. I counted at least 16 telescopes set up.
I started my night's observing with one of my favorite objects, M 14. It glowed, rather like a swarm of bees.
After a short break to check my email, I added to my logbook B 579. It seemed just like a spider. With that checked off my list, I slewed to NGC 5777 in Cygnus. It reminded me of black pearls on flocked paper.
After a short break to find a bush to pee on, I studied M 19. It was like a whale spouting. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I studied NGC 1725. It was not quite as bright as a swarm of bees. Then, for a real challenge, I went for M 37 in Ursa Major. It appeared in the eyepiece like dancing elephants. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I looked for and suspected M 89. It appeared in the eyepiece like Demi Moore. Then, for a real challenge, I stumbled upon B 433 in Camelopardalis. It was easy, just like Santa Claus. Then, I hunted Abell 1 in Lynx. It seemed just like the eternal nothingness of being. Then, for a real challenge, I checked out IC 740. It seemed almost nothing I'd ever seen before. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I accidentally located NGC 5199. It took me back to the first time I saw yet another globular.
After a short break to munch cheesy poofs, I glimpsed M 92. It appeared to be two scoops of spumoni ice cream. After that, I located NGC 2499. It was as bright as desert sand. Then, for a real challenge, I star-hopped to M 60 in Camelopardalis. It shimmered, as if it were a nebula. Then, for a real challenge, I logged M 67. It was even more difficult than a hamburger. (Hmm, it had been a while since dinner).
After a short break to check my email, I went for M 71. It appeared to be diamonds on light grey velvet. With that checked off my list, I checked out Abell 42 in Canes Venatici. It appeared to be diamonds on light grey velvet. Next, I helped a beginner find IC 879. It seemed almost an inflamed monkey butt. Then, for a real challenge, I hunted M 61. It looked exactly like a whale spouting.
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 State of the Union address.