As I drove up the winding road to Mount Tamalpais, I idly mused upon the socioeconomic impact of world hunger 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 4 telescopes set up.
I started my night's observing with one of my favorite objects, M 87. It appeared at low power like 60 grit carborundum on asphalt. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I sketched IC 26 in Fornax. It was like cream being swirled into hot coffee. After that, I jumped to B 102. It looked a bit like diamonds on light grey velvet. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I showed some guests B 244. It seemed fainter than one of Martha Stewart's doilies. Then, I glimpsed IC 3022. It looked a bit like lumpy darkness. Then, I looked for and suspected B 272. It seemed just like cotton candy. Then, for a real challenge, I had a chance to see IC 417 in Virgo. It reminded me of cream being swirled into hot coffee.
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 24-hour 007 marathon.