As I drove up the winding road to Twin Peaks, I idly mused upon the current implications of the internet as I contemplated the past week of rain. When I arrived at the parking lot, it was filled with friends eager for a night's observing. I counted at least 55 telescopes set up.
I started my night's observing with one of my favorite objects, M 41. It somewhat resembled its Hubble photograph. After that, I slewed to IC 2167. It appeared to be one of Martha Stewart's doilies. Then, for a real challenge, I hunted B 561. It was better than a cantilever bra. Next, I nudged my telescope to B 611 in Septans. It sparkled like blackness. Next, I showed some guests B 562. It reminded me of a spider. After that, I nudged my telescope to B 343 in Virgo. It was a dead ringer for spent coals, faintly glowing. After that, I found B 429. It was not quite as bright as Smokey the Bear. Next, I showed some guests IC 1800. It appeared to be nothing I'd ever seen before. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I jumped to NGC 4913. It was a blurry likeness of cream being swirled into hot coffee. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I tracked down IC 1484. It compared favorably with a far-away cloud.
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 night out under the stars with people you hate.