How many of you were in a place to view the eclipse on Monday, either partial or in totality? I was, with hubby and the kids! We packed our snacks, our viewing glasses, blankets, and drinks and headed to the hills... well, a hill. To avoid the traffic mess we settled for a comfy place about 40 miles from the epi-center (ok, wrong scientific term...) where we could observe it in approximately 99% totality.
Watching the event take place through the special viewing glasses was amazing. Chunk by chunk, this big ball of fire was eaten away until it was G.O.N.E. gone! The temperature dropped significantly, the lights dimmed, and then, just as quickly, it was regurgitated shining just as brightly as ever. Neato!I will, somewhat sulkily admit I was disappointed. It didn't really get dark. I soooo wanted this experience for the kids! Not many opportunities like this will come about in their lifetimes, and I wanted it to get dark, darn it! (Did I mention I wanted it to get dark?)
And yet... See above. We talked about it, we researched it, we packed a picnic, took a hike, sat, talked some more, observed, and did a little group whining. Hours of unplugged time together, lots of discussion, some pretty incredible sights, and a shared disappointment to process.
All in all, I'd call it an epic success! (And nobody got their eye poked - er - burnt out!)