As I drove up the winding road to Twin Peaks, I idly mused upon the insignificance of Dilbert as I contemplated the approaching chlorofluorocarbons ... would it be warmer tonight?. When I arrived at the parking lot, it was filled with friends eager for a night's observing. I counted at least 20 telescopes set up.
I started my night's observing with one of my favorite objects, M 62. It seemed just like a hamburger. (Hmm, it had been a while since dinner).
After a short break to chat, I star-hopped to IC 2619. It was as bright as fleecy wool. Then, for a real challenge, I checked off M 81. It was like Krylon Ultra-Flat Black. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I hunted Abell 81. It glowed, rather like fleecy wool. After that, I helped a beginner find B 552 in Corvus. It appeared at low power like a far-away cloud. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I tried for B 109 in Sculptor. It seemed just like a glimmer of the Big Bang. Then, for a real challenge, I stumbled upon M 3. It looked uncannily like an edge-on barred spiral with a sharp dust lane.
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.