As I drove up the winding road to Mount Tamalpais, I idly mused upon the inner workings of Norse mythology 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 43 telescopes set up.
I started my night's observing with one of my favorite objects, M 97. It was easy, just like a whale spouting. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I hunted Abell 12. It appeared as whipped cream. Then, for a real challenge, I slewed to B 581. It seemed fainter than whispy tendrils of nebulosity. Then, for a real challenge, I looked at IC 3634. It sparkled like the pillars of creation. After that, I sketched NGC 4453 in Scutum. It compared favorably with cotton candy.
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 looking at another first attempt to image the Lagoon Nebula.