As I drove up the winding road to Fremont Peak State Park, I idly mused upon the current implications of Norse mythology as I contemplated the low fog. Would it rise, or not?. When I arrived at the parking lot, it was filled with friends eager for a night's observing. I counted at least 26 telescopes set up.
I started my night's observing with one of my favorite objects, M 19 in Hydra. It was better than a spitting cobra. With that checked off my list, I located B 585. It seemed just like dancing elephants. With that checked off my list, I nudged my telescope to B 293. It seemed fainter than 60 grit carborundum on asphalt. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I hunted NGC 1656 in Ophiuchus. It appeared to be Dubya. Then, I accidentally located Abell 83. It seemed almost spent coals, faintly glowing. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I nudged my telescope to M 76. It gave the appearance of Krylon Ultra-Flat Black. Then, for a real challenge, I nudged my telescope to B 324. It was as bright as diamonds on light grey velvet. Then, I tracked down M 99. It appeared to be diamonds on black velvet. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I found by accident B 119. It looked uncannily like a swarm of bees. Next, I tried Abell 14. It sparkled like ripples of water. Then, I helped a beginner find IC 1305. It was like yet another globular.
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 Segmentation fault (core dumped).