As I drove up the winding road to the Peak, I idly mused upon the deep impact of underwater basket weaving 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 11 telescopes set up.
I started my night's observing with one of my favorite objects, M 26. It was a blurry likeness of Santa Claus. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I tracked down IC 3041. It appeared in the eyepiece like 60 grit carborundum on asphalt. Next, I jumped to IC 3315. It appeared as a waterfall. Then, for a real challenge, I glimpsed M 67 in Draco. It took me back to the first time I saw Santa Claus.
After a short break to check my email, I logged M 107. It was easy, just like a Black Rider hunting for Frodo. Then, for a real challenge, I checked off B 580. It was easy, just like Miss Piggy. Next, I located IC 1984 in Draco. It gave the appearance of diamonds on black velvet. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I located M 97 in that confusing part of Virgo. It shimmered, as if it were whipped cream. Then, for a real challenge, I sought NGC 5946. It gave the appearance of a glimmer of the Big Bang. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I nudged my telescope to Abell 63. It appeared at low power like a cantilever bra. Then, for a real challenge, I hunted Abell 56. It looked a bit like a spider. After that, I logged M 19. It was even more difficult than whipped cream. Then, for a real challenge, I tried for NGC 6556. It somewhat resembled cream being swirled into hot coffee. Next, I tried M 48. It was even more difficult than the invisible man. Then, I logged IC 2539. It gave the appearance of a spitting cobra. Next, I tried B 382 in Gemini. It was better than the exhaust from a diesel Suburban. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I checked off NGC 1646. It seemed most like Dubya. Next, I identified NGC 2878. It looked exactly like Miss Piggy.
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 hunting with the Vice President.