I did it! I witnessed Totality of the 2024 Solar Eclipse.
I know that some of you saw my IG story and wondered, what the heck? I had a old friend message me and ask if I was expecting a severe weather event. Another person texted my daughter and asked if I was okay.
Here is the story:
I had reserved 2 hotel rooms in Lancaster, NH for Sunday and Monday at a cost of around $3,000. As the time drew near my family was on the fence about going. What if it rained, what if the traffic is horrific, what if....? So I cancelled the rooms. Later the same rooms were being offered for $2,500 a night!
Around 4am on Sunday, I woke up and couldn't fall back asleep. I listened to a NPR podcast story about an eclipse chaser. After hearing his account of witnessing totality I decided I had to try and get there.
I studied the maps of the eclipse and decided to head to Burlington, VT. I know the area because of the Vermont Quilt Festival. I found an event at the Burlington Airport and actually bought a $100. ticket. It guaranteed that I would have parking, a shuttle to the airfield where there would be food trucks, bands, drinks and facilities.
After further consideration, I decided it would be difficult to get out of the parking garage with everyone else, and did I really want to share the event with day drinkers and kids (who were free?)......hhhmmmm. So it was an insurance ticket.
I set my sights on the Lowe's parking lot in South Burlington. It was large and set back from Rt. 7 and there was even a burger King I could walk to. Okay!
So I printed the directions (in case of cel interruption) and packed the car.
My intention was to be completely self sufficient; and I do mean completely.
Food, water, applique, cash, lawn chair, 2 quilts, pillow, chaise cusion, magazines, etc, etc.
The ride up was uneventful and I made good time. There was still snow in Vermont.
I would have over 3 minutes of totality in South Burlington.
A short video on my way.
I thought about going to to the Middlebury area, but the totality would only last 1 minute and 37 seconds.
Yay! I have arrived and there is a large clean bathroom. The parking lot was good, but there was a frontage road on the other side of those trees.
I walked over to the Burger King and had a hot lunch.
I moved over a frontage road and joined about 8 other cars. I met people from Massachusettes, Deleware and even Brussels. One man brought a telescope with a special filter and let us all take turns looking through it.
I had planned to take a nap, but the long slow show of the eclipse had begun.
I had planned to take a nap, but the long slow show of the eclipse had begun.
Here we go.
The moment of totality is so sudden and complete that it takes you quite by surprise when you're looking through the glasses. Then you lower them and try to take it all in.
Street lights are on and it's pretty eeeerie.
The moment of totality is so sudden and complete that it takes you quite by surprise when you're looking through the glasses. Then you lower them and try to take it all in.
Now let me say: I know that I sound like a total wackadoo. It is hard to describe why so many people, including professional newsmen, cry during an eclipse. So I am in good company.
I am slightly more composed in this next video. We were near enough to Burlington to hear crowds of people cheering. Our little group were all dabbing our eyes as we said our farewells. What a life affirming event to share with like minded strangers.
Our little group were all dabbing our eyes as we said our farewells. What a life affirming event to share with like minded strangers.
I left the area within about 5 minutes of the end of totality and it took me over 7 hours to get home. There were cars as far as the eye could see. There were so many cars, in fact, that peopled lined the overpasses to watch us.
It was a great migration.
I am very grateful I had this unique experience. Tuesday I spent the day mostly like Nutmeg.
No matter where you were, I hope you had a great eclipse experience too!
xo
