Solar Eclipse

August 21, 20217

On August 21, 2017, equipped with ISO rated glasses, beach towels to sit on, our cell phones and popcorn cake we were ready to view the solar eclipse.  Since we were just north of 100% totality we enjoyed 97% which gave us a dark afternoon and an eerie silence as the birds stopped singing.  

My parents instilled in us an appreciation for nature.  Spending summers in the Redwoods becoming junior rangers, jumping off cliffs into the river, searching the stars for the ones we knew helped me fall in love with all that nature offers.  Usually we traveled to take in the big displays of nature, but this time we were in Forest Grove, Oregon watching the solar eclipse on the roof, being amazed by the incredible display of nature.

Lets get the eclipse started

Now I'm in DC sitting on our back deck watching another solar eclipse.  I never imagined being able to experience two so close together.   

As I was getting my ISO glasses out this morning I have a glimpse of a memory pop up.  As a young elementary kiddo I remember being told to not look at the sun as I walked home from school.  I didn't remember when this took place till I looked it up today.  My first solar eclipse was in 1979, I was a first grader.  We didn't have fancy glasses then to view the sun and all I remember from that day is walking home staring at the sidewalk so I wouldn't look up.

Watching from the back deck

This afternoon the shadows slowly grew longer, there seemed to be a darkened haze in the sky, the temperature dropped, neighbors came out and the middle school near by erupted in teenage shouts. We had entered our 87% totality.  Watching the moon slowly cover the sun and then slip away is a bit magical. 

I got it!

I am in awe that I got to experience my third solar eclipse today.  Hopefully I can catch the next one in 2045 and spend an hour or so gazing up at the sun.

Breathtaking

Cutie E and Little Dude are getting to experience their first eclipse.  While they won't remember today, we will.  We get to carry the memories for them.  It was a wonderful day to observe nature at its best.

Its more fun to take the glasses off

USA Today 2024 Solar Eclipse Path