Solar Eclipse - 8/21/2017 - Page 13

shenrie · 08-23-2017, 10:59 AM

^^^ we watched that too day of the eclipse. other than repeating the first 15 or so minutes twice, it was great.

TomsBeast · 08-23-2017, 12:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gcvt

Sucked. Cleared right up about 1.5 hours later, which made it even worse.

I wound up driving to the top of Altamont Pass to get out the overcast

That welding helmet is older than me, I think!

gcvt · 08-23-2017, 02:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TomsBeast

I wound up driving to the top of Altamont Pass to get out the overcast

That welding helmet is older than me, I think!

Good move. I should have taken the day off and driven east.

There was a raceway there back in the day.

**macmcintire** · 08-26-2017, 04:09 PM

We watched the eclipse in Riverton, Wyoming. It was supposed to be the #2 spot for viewing the eclipse in clear weather. A few minutes before totality a cloud covered the sun. Had we continued 20 miles north the sky was clear. Afterwards, we went to Devil's Tower and Mount Rushmore.

Fitz · 08-29-2017, 06:46 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Fitz

But if you get in your vans and go see the eclipse you will be using your vans!!!!

Overall, a great experience, both for the path of totality eclipse viewing and for the follow-on trip.

Decided to stay away from Oregon and connected with a group from Northwest Overland who had access to property in Mesa ID. From door to camp, 665 miles.

Due to fire restriction only propane allowed, but it still made for a nice fire to sit around the night before.

Happy eclipse-viewers:

The eclipse was well worth the drive, a partial eclipse doesn't compare to being in the path of totality. The temperature dropped dramatically, a deer came out to browse in the adjacent field, stars came out and were visible, all-in-all a unique experience.

Crappy cell phone camera picture, it doesn't show the large dark circle in the center where the sun was obscured. You could look right at what was there, this picture was taken at totality and somewhat shows how dark the surroundings were.

From there, on with using the van! We had no plan and ended up as far east as Yellowstone, with many stops along the way including Hells Canyon NRA, Craters of the Moon, Virginia City and etc. All told, 2,509 miles door-to-door, a great use of the van! Ten days out with a total lodging expense of $10 for one NF campground along the way, success!