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The Experience of a Lifetime
When I started this page, it was solely about the eclipse, but now in the 7 days that have passed since the eclipse, I realized that I had experienced three unprecedented natural phenomena in the course of 6 days...snow, a total eclipse, and a hurricane. I decided to amend this page to include all three. Please read and enjoy, or if you just want to see the eclipse pictures, click on Eclipse above.
When I started this page, it was solely about the eclipse, but now in the 7 days that have passed since the eclipse, I realized that I had experienced three unprecedented natural phenomena in the course of 6 days...snow, a total eclipse, and a hurricane. I decided to amend this page to include all three. Please read and enjoy, or if you just want to see the eclipse pictures, click on Eclipse above.
I have no idea how long ago it was that I first learned about the 2017 eclipse, but I do remember searching the Internet for when the next total eclipse would be visible from the United States. NASA, among other websites, keeps a catalog of future solar eclipses, through the year 3000. When I saw there would be one in 2017, I knew I had to see it.
I have no idea how long ago it was that I first learned about the 2017 eclipse, but I do remember searching the Internet for when the next total eclipse would be visible from the United States. NASA, among other websites, keeps a catalog of future solar eclipses, through the year 3000. When I saw there would be one in 2017, I knew I had to see it.
This spring, I started researching the path of totality of the 2017 eclipse . My original plan was to travel to Northeastern Kansas to see it, near the border with Missouri. This would have been the closest point to home for me. I even looked into flights to Kansas City, as they were still reasonably priced. Flights and accommodations in Nashville, Tennessee, were already outrageously priced by the time I started planning my trip.
This spring, I started researching the path of totality of the 2017 eclipse . My original plan was to travel to Northeastern Kansas to see it, near the border with Missouri. This would have been the closest point to home for me. I even looked into flights to Kansas City, as they were still reasonably priced. Flights and accommodations in Nashville, Tennessee, were already outrageously priced by the time I started planning my trip.
Then it occurred to me that maybe I could combine a trip to take my daughter Lee back to college in Denver with a trip to see the eclipse. It would mean that Lee would have to stay with friends for a couple of weeks until the dorms open, but she was more than willing to make those plans. So it was settled, we would drive to Denver with Lee's belongings, unload them, then head to Eastern Wyoming to see the eclipse.
Then it occurred to me that maybe I could combine a trip to take my daughter Lee back to college in Denver with a trip to see the eclipse. It would mean that Lee would have to stay with friends for a couple of weeks until the dorms open, but she was more than willing to make those plans. So it was settled, we would drive to Denver with Lee's belongings, unload them, then head to Eastern Wyoming to see the eclipse.
With Lee's Jeep stuffed absolutely full, we set off on the 15-16 hour drive to Denver at 3:40 AM on Saturday, August 19th. We only stopped for gas, and of course to eat a steak at the Big Texan Steak Ranch in Amarillo, home of the free 72 oz sirloin steak. While this may be the tourist trap of all tourist traps on Route 66, their steaks are phenomenal, and their lunch prices are shockingly reasonable. And no, we didn't attempt to eat the 72 oz steak!
With Lee's Jeep stuffed absolutely full, we set off on the 15-16 hour drive to Denver at 3:40 AM on Saturday, August 19th. We only stopped for gas, and of course to eat a steak at the Big Texan Steak Ranch in Amarillo, home of the free 72 oz sirloin steak. While this may be the tourist trap of all tourist traps on Route 66, their steaks are phenomenal, and their lunch prices are shockingly reasonable. And no, we didn't attempt to eat the 72 oz steak!
Fifteen (ok sixteen) hours later, we arrived in Denver. If you've never made this drive, I will warn you....It takes around 10 HOURS TO GET OUT OF TEXAS. It feels like quite an accomplishment to get to Amarillo before noon, but then you still have 2 hours until you cross into New Mexico.
Fifteen (ok sixteen) hours later, we arrived in Denver. If you've never made this drive, I will warn you....It takes around 10 HOURS TO GET OUT OF TEXAS. It feels like quite an accomplishment to get to Amarillo before noon, but then you still have 2 hours until you cross into New Mexico.
Upon arrival in Denver, we checked into my Airbnb (a highly recommended and unique way to find accommodations) and then unloaded Lee's vehicle. After eating dinner, I left Lee and headed to the airport to pick up my friend George, who was joining us for the eclipse. It had been a looooong day for us!
Upon arrival in Denver, we checked into my Airbnb (a highly recommended and unique way to find accommodations) and then unloaded Lee's vehicle. After eating dinner, I left Lee and headed to the airport to pick up my friend George, who was joining us for the eclipse. It had been a looooong day for us!
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