LogicallyRight Loc: Chicago

The eclipse that is. Trouble getting out of Chicago put my trip in a bit of jeopardy. Renting a car and getting out of Chicago and a long drive to a location I picked out in Indiana. So I didn't make it to the center of the path and maximum time in darkness. Put I did get within the total eclipse window. Driving along I could see the clock ticking and it was getting close to 2:00. So I found a turnoff, in a forested area, and walked into the forest over by a ravine. Here I sat in nature and waited. The sky slowly darkened and then faster and faster. Not exactly night, but late evening. And the forest was silent. As the moon makes its pass, for a few seconds there it a bright flash of light covering part of the moon as it creeps over the last part of the sun. And just as suddenly, it is there. It finally happens and there was this black hole in the sky surrounded by the glowing corona. Able to see the differences around the circumference of the sun, and what was flaming out from solar storms. And I also spotter Jupiter and Venus between the branches of the trees. And all you can do is stare up at what you may never have seen before, of may ever see again. And then it is over. All to soon. That same flash of light and then it is just the sun again. You can see the dark shadow of the moon for quite some time yet, with those eclipse glasses as they slowly move apart. And it the quiet of the forest, it slowly starts getting light again. Five, ten minutes and we are sort of back to normal. And on the road above me, a traffic starts to pick up a bit. Funny thing was that even during totality there was an occasional vehicle. I had to wonder how someone would actually keep driving during that, and not pull over for a few minutes and gaze at such a rare and amazing event.

Then I went back to the nearby town of Rockville Ind, and walked around town for an hour watching the locals in the town square, still sitting there and watching or talking, etc. Stopped in the local main bar for some fish and chips and waited for the local traffic to bypass that area. Then I headed north on A US Highway to avoid the Interstate. Good move. Real good move. While a two lane road, there was a steady stream of cars, like a caravan, moving fast, but casual and no one passing. Just taking our time. When we hit a four lane highway further north, the traffic was getting thicker but I reached many sections of 80mph. We were moving. Meanwhile I listened to the radio and the traffic announcements. The Interstate had about a 75 mile moving road block with constant delays. I couldn't imagine that frustration after such a nice laid back day and event. Don't just follow the Internet directions or what you are getting on your cell phone. Think for yourself. Plan ahead.

Worth it all

Logically Right

Bruce123

Thanks for sharing.

F.D.R.

I seem to be alone but I just don't get the excitement about watching the eclipse. People have gone way out of their way and even traveled long distances to watch it get dark in the middle of the day for a few minutes when with just a little patience and no expense they could see it get dark every evening and it even stays dark for several hours all without special glasses. Same goes for 'New Years Eve', every day week and month is a new beginning so stay up till midnight tonight and make some resolutions for what you want to accomplish tomorrow.

LogicallyRight Loc: Chicago

I can't explain it to you. I traveled all day for the privilege and pleasure. I can't see the pleasure of seeing a new born baby. But if you do, great. I can't see the pleasure of paying outrageous sums for s sporting event to enrich those people. If I can't see it for free and a few commercials, screw 'em. Others do. I can't see the pleasures in an all inclusive cruse through the Caribbean or Greek isles. I'd get bored to death. Others do. I can't see the pleasures of sailing, or golf, or auto racing. Others do. Some climb mountains. I'd rather run through the valleys.

Do I need to go on? It is a very rare celestial event, seldom successfully seen due to cloud cover, or being anywhere near where you are. It is as simple as that, or as great as that.

Wonttakeitanymore

Nice description! Almost felt I was there enjoying the moment!!

LogicallyRight Loc: Chicago

Thanks

DAV

If you've seen one; you've seen them all.

LogicallyRight Loc: Chicago

That sounds like saying, if you've seen one beautiful woman, you've seen then all. If you've seen one (basketball football, baseball0 game, you've seen them all. I look forward to every one I see. Women and eclipses, championships, etc. Your's sounds like a boring life. But each to his own.

FallenOak Loc: St George Utah

You are very logical. Those who are disparaging you cannot be happy unless there is always something new to see or do. I feel so many children today think it is okay to say, “I am bored”. Seems like all people today need to rush from one event to another and rate each event against another. No one seems to be able to enjoy the moment they are living. The writer here who was not able to get to his chosen place seems to have been able to make and describe his adventure that was informative to all here. Vivere dies.

LogicallyRight Loc: Chicago

Thanks

LogicallyRight Loc: Chicago

I just noticed that your location is listed as St. George, Utah. I went to a St, George H. S. in Evanston, Il. The Dragons.

FallenOak Loc: St George Utah

Yes, it is St George, UT. We retired here in 2003 as my wife has relatives here. She also has ancestors who were sent here as original settlers. They left but she has now returned. I don't think the St George here refers to the Dragon slayer but your school and mascot sound interesting.