As I drove up the winding road to Sierra Buttes, I idly mused upon the inner workings of Yahoo P/E ratios as I contemplated the El Nino weather patterns. When I arrived at the parking lot, it was filled with friends eager for a night's observing. I counted at least 32 telescopes set up.
I started my night's observing with one of my favorite objects, M 85 in an unknown constellation that looked like a toaster. It somewhat resembled Gollum. With that checked off my list, I studied M 33. It was even more difficult than the face of God. With that checked off my list, I had a chance to see B 31. It looked like an inflamed monkey butt. Then, for a real challenge, I studied M 86 in Canis Major. It looked like a hamburger. (Hmm, it had been a while since dinner).
After a short break to grab a cheese snack, I found by accident NGC 2150 in Triangulum. It looked a bit like the face of God.
After a short break to do some yoga, I had a chance to see Abell 98 in Lynx. It was not quite as bright as a spider. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I checked out Abell 28. It seemed just like Demi Moore. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I hunted for M 87. It was a dead ringer for George W. Bush.
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 listening to the Monkees Box Set.