Kathy, Clint, Michael and myself left home at 7:00 AM (stopped 10 minutes to get breakfast at McDonalds) and drove to Hurst IL the morning of the Eclipse.  The planned 2hr 30min drive was just 2hr 50min long, including the two stops (McD + Bathroom & gas).  Very small amount of traffic.

We were the first to arrive, followed in about an hour by two other families.  One drove in from the Edwardsville IL area, and the other flew in from Wisconsin, using Vernon Dury's private (grass) landing strip in front of his house .  I set up the 80mm f/5 refractor and the 8" SCT, including Baader solar filters for each.

We did not pack out for the drive home until after last contact (c4).  It took us right at 4hr 50min to get home.  Mostly averaging 10mph until we got to the Metro East and the I-64 traffic then parted in multiple directions.  It was worth it!