The night before I was almost prepared for my whimsical trip to try to be in the Totality tomorrow. Found a somewhat remote boat ramp (with port-a-potties) at a State park straight up 91. Researched Gas stations with convenience stores & bathrooms in the nearby town & the Verizon coverage map. Packed food water, extra clothes, power packs for my iPhone, reading and study materials for my AZ trip and a load of patience and easy-going attitude.
I'm hoping to spend some of the totality in solitude, but I suspect that won't be possible unless I sit in my car. Que Sera, Sera -- I will accept whatever comes. Working on setting up for a 4am departure now and off to bed by 8pm at the latest.
I left at 4am and had virtually no traffic. Made it to Barton, VT @8:30, took a bio-break, got gas and went to my spot - which had parking but no Porto-potty - no bueno. Tried the state park but long line because they didn’t plow the parking lot. I decided to go south to the Lyndon Information/Rest Area - got a spot & a bathroom & I was closer to home - trade off only @2+ minutes of totality but it’s better than nothing. Not a bad spot will try to send photos. Only have 2 bars. Just had a Common Raven!
This were the stats for Barton VT - but I ended up in Lyndon -- it only had 2 min 25 sec of Totality
I sat in my car for most of the 5+ hour wait for it to start. I took a nap, had lunch, chatted up a few folks around the rest area, did a birding lap and got some free eclipse glasses (I already had a pair, but I was going to try to use a pair with my iPhone (epic fail!).
The view from my spot...
The car parked next to me was from Rhode Island -- turns out it was a woman from Cumberland and we got chatting. I had been through Cumberland twice in the last few days for the first time. She was interested in Birdabilty and in the eTrike I had recently given to my cousin. The woman loves birds but can't "bird" like most people because has MS -- hence the interest in Birdability. I know we will be in contact again.
Just before the Eclipse started I got out my Quonnie chair & chair pad and settled in for about 45 minutes for the main event. The crowd was rapt and quiet.
It's starting
Almost completely clear skies
The light seemed like it was at an odd angle, it got colder and windier. Most birds stopped singing.
This picnic table sort of acted like a colander and reflected the Eclipse through the holes...
I took a few photos of the Totality -- not so great but you can see how dark the sky was to the naked eye.
Finally there was just a very slim sliver (I did not see a diamond ring), it was dark and then there was light all around the moon. There was a hush then an expression of awe. I understand why people cry.
Last night Rachel Maddow called a total solar eclipse one of God's best party tricks. An interesting way to put it, but it certainly makes you think. It makes you believe that whatever force designed this universe was brilliant and every once in a while something happens that is just magical.
My iPhone photos
My friend Angela Munsell took this -- @naturescapesbyangela
Directly (I didn't even stop to use the restroom) after the Totality was over I left.
I was very happy to be on the road and moving fast, until the first exit ramp stopped us cold while people from further south in the Totality were joining us. I figured it would calm down once we got out of the Totality Zone, but it did not. There was one 20 minute delay when 91 went down to 1 lane near the border for VT/Mass and a 12 minute one for the same reason in CT. I was home at 8:45pm, but that was a total of 9.5 hours of driving -- and another 5+ hours of waiting for a 45 minutes event.
Was it worth it -- Hell yeah! Would I do it again -- in a New York Minute. If you ever have the chance -- DO IT!
Since I was traveling alone, I was happy to have three Facebook buddies in search of the Totality in a Group chat. One of them almost made it to share the Eclipse with me -- he was at the next exit south in the Totality. He had originally planned to go to New Hampshire. He stayed late (took a nap) and still hit a ton of traffic on the way home. It was good to commiserate about the traffic and share the AWE!
That being said weather is definitely a factor and that is why I did the day trip -- I could call it off at anytime before I left, or even on the road. It is also important to have flexibility and be open to an Awesome (spiritual for me) experience. I'm still smiling.
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