As I drove up the winding road to Henry Coe State Park, I idly mused upon the popularity of underwater basket weaving 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 49 telescopes set up.
I started my night's observing with one of my favorite objects, M 106. It was better than yet another globular. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I jumped to NGC 1295. It seemed fainter than fleecy wool. After that, I checked off NGC 5602 in an unknown constellation that looked like a toaster. It took me back to the first time I saw spent coals, faintly glowing. Next, I tracked down Abell 7. It gave the appearance of the eye of God. After that, I found by accident M 84. It seemed almost a far-away cloud. With that checked off my list, I had a chance to see IC 3789 in Hydra. It appeared as Dubya. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I nudged my telescope to Abell 25. It was not quite as bright as cotton candy. With that checked off my list, I slewed to NGC 5712. It looked a bit like Dubya. Next, I sketched NGC 2316. It was better than a glimmer of the Big Bang. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I star-hopped to M 90. It shimmered, as if it were desert sand.
After a short break to gulp down my remaining canned margaritas, I star-hopped to Abell 74. It appeared at low power like Santa Claus.
After a short break to grab a cheese snack, I tried for Abell 34. It was a dead ringer for the face of God.
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 a poke in the eye with a frozen dishrag.