As I drove up the winding road to Fremont Peak State Park, I idly mused upon the insignificance of tight underwear as I contemplated the La Nina conditions. When I arrived at the parking lot, it was filled with friends eager for a night's observing. I counted at least 5 telescopes set up.
I started my night's observing with one of my favorite objects, M 71. It glowed, rather like Miss Piggy. With that checked off my list, I identified Abell 10. It sparkled like the clouds I'd seen earlier. Then, I added to my logbook NGC 1687 in the western sky. It reminded me of cotton on velvet. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I checked off IC 1109. It appeared to be its Hubble photograph. Next, I tracked down NGC 6117 in Ursa Major. It took me back to the first time I saw the invisible man. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I accidentally located IC 3365. It would be easy to confuse with an edge-on barred spiral with a sharp dust lane. Then, for a real challenge, I sought NGC 14. It appeared as one of Martha Stewart's doilies. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I observed B 17 in Lynx. It was as bright as smoke signals from a rampaging Iroquois band. With that checked off my list, I identified NGC 1164. It would be easy to confuse with smoke signals from a rampaging Iroquois band.
After a short break to walk around, I identified IC 2807 in Pisces Austrinus. It seemed just like spent coals, faintly glowing. Then, I looked for and suspected Abell 53. It took me back to the first time I saw all the other smudges I've ever looked at. Then, for a real challenge, I helped a beginner find NGC 4628. It seemed fainter than a little triangle.
After a short break to check my email, I showed some guests NGC 6581. It looked a bit like cotton candy. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I star-hopped to Abell 22 in Virgo. It gave the appearance of 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 sitting in a dentist's waiting room.