The Eclipse

Now we have reached our key destination, just outside Madras, OR, a prime eclipse viewing location.  For months there have been warnings of high traffic.  Locals have been advised to stock up on water and food.  Emergency agencies have warned of traffic jams, fires and other risks.  Local ranchers have rented port-a-pottys and set out signs welcoming recreational vehicles.  Well the horror stories and hype have had an effect.  We heard that one day the roads were heavily crowded due to a special four-day event.  Our experience has been “smooth sailing.”  No jams at all.  The fields we passed were mostly empty, only a couple had a few vehicles parked to stay.  We fear the people who looked to reap some financial benefit were disappointed.  But those of us who did come up here have been well rewarded by an easy drive and an event of a lifetime..

We joined decades-long friends Anne and Jerry at the campground.  They brought their two grandchildren.   Here they pose with their protective glasses.

 This is a very well provisioned campground with a pool, golf course, playground and hiking down to the Deschutes River. 

On Tuesday, August 21, we gathered outside about 9:30, put on our protective glasses and positioned ourselves to enjoy “the show.” 

Jerry had two cameras set up to capture the progression of the lunar shadow across the face of the sun.  The moon began its trip between 12 and 2 (if the sun’s face were a clock).  Jeff commented, “Leave it there, it’s cooler now” and the granddaughter said “It looks like a cookie with a big bite taken out.”   It took over an hour from the first “bite” to totality.

We watched as that “bite” got bigger and bigger until it consumed the sun.  Anne said it was “a bright glare at the break of totality.”    

A glow appeared on the horizon as the eclipse reached totality.  A cheer went up from the crowd as the corona gleamed with its unique beauty.  Though brief, this was truly a special moment and we are all glad we could experience it.

After our friends left for home (a trip that took three times longer than usual), we decided to drive into Madras.  That's where we found the long, long, long lines of vehicles creeping along as they tried to get home.  We also found the fields that were filled with tents and other vehicles.  So the crowd did show up, we had been lucky to duck them for a while but now we head toward Portland.  We shall see what the road holds for us.
.