8/21/2017

I watched most of the total eclipse on C-Span today and it was really interesting, especially when day turned into night in many places along the route. I live about 3 hours from where I could have viewed it in person in South Carolina but decided to stay home and hope that I would at least get a partial view.

Our viewing time was 2:33 so, as it neared, I decided to get in my car and go in search of a good spot to watch. I traveled North-East a bit and pulled into a large Church parking lot with a sweeping expanse of sky in front of it. I was the only one there and as the time approached I saw no changes and couldn't help but wonder if I'd been wrong about the time. It was a lovely summer day with an extremely bright sun but no sign of a darkening sky. However, as soon as I put on my special glasses I saw what is pictured in the photo. 

But, here's the strange part. My son Matt lives about 20 minutes South-East of me and, since he is in his own business, he structured his day so that he could lie on his back lawn and view the sky. He saw what I did but he also experienced the day darkening enough to activate his outside garage lights. He said the temperature dropped too and all in all it was an exciting experience.  

Just a few miles apart but, like the line in Frost's “Road Less Traveled” I made my choice and it “made all the difference”. In 2024 I intend to listen to others !!