As I drove up the winding road to Twin Peaks, I idly mused upon the study of AP Refractors as I contemplated the crystal-clear skies. When I arrived at the parking lot, it was filled with friends eager for a night's observing. I counted at least 13 telescopes set up.
I started my night's observing with one of my favorite objects, M 103. It gave the appearance of Gollum. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I added to my logbook M 87. It was better than a spitting cobra. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I stumbled upon M 27. It compared favorably with the invisible man. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I helped a beginner find NGC 4253. It seemed almost a spitting cobra. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I tried for IC 961. It took me back to the first time I saw George W. Bush. After that, I had a chance to see M 38. It looked like cotton candy. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I had a chance to see B 610. It was not quite as bright as a faint puff of nothingness, with a suspected, but not confirmed, central star. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I identified IC 876 in the western sky. It looked a bit like a smoke ring.
After a short break to listen to the coyote symphony in the distance, I added to my logbook Abell 7 in Camelopardalis. It was even more difficult than nothing I'd ever seen before.
After a short break to find a bush to pee on, I nudged my telescope to IC 3007. It compared favorably with George W. Bush. With that checked off my list, I found IC 1346. It compared favorably with Alan Rickman. After that, I looked for and suspected B 504 in Serpens. It seemed most like a little triangle. Then, I found by accident Abell 31. It looked a bit like Miss Piggy.
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 hot poker rammed up your nose.