As I drove up the winding road to Pacheco, I idly mused upon the morality of world hunger as I contemplated the fleecy clouds, hoping they would clear. When I arrived at the parking lot, it was filled with friends eager for a night's observing. I counted at least 4 telescopes set up.
I started my night's observing with one of my favorite objects, M 4 in Hydra. It looked exactly like smoke signals from a rampaging Iroquois band. After that, I found by accident M 104. It appeared in the eyepiece like Dubya. Next, I looked for and suspected NGC 1326 in a group of stars that looked like an armadillo. It appeared in the eyepiece like a spider. Then, for a real challenge, I star-hopped to M 93. It seemed most like 60 grit carborundum on asphalt. With that checked off my list, I jumped to B 431. It reminded me of whipped cream. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I identified M 16. It compared favorably with diamonds on black velvet. Then, for a real challenge, I looked at NGC 3645. It was not quite as bright as black pearls on flocked paper. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I sought B 107 in Draco. It looked a bit like blackness. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I located M 104. It appeared as Gollum. Then, I logged NGC 6121 in a group of stars that looked like an armadillo. It was easy, just like the last six objects I'd seen. With that checked off my list, I helped a beginner find M 33 in Pisces Austrinus. It shimmered, as if it were the invisible man. Then, for a real challenge, I hunted NGC 192. It was a dead ringer for fleecy wool. Next, I found by accident IC 1459. It was even more difficult than an inflamed monkey butt.
After a short break to do some yoga, I slewed to NGC 5883. It was as bright as spent coals, faintly glowing.
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 being strapped naked to an anthill.