2017 Solar Eclipse

PCronin68 wrote:
I am thinking of heading down from Massachusetts for the August 21st solar eclipse. My son, age 13, is very interested in going to see this. I have seen a few websites with the course of the eclipse and see it goes though SC and tip of western NC. I have also read that Franklin, NC or Columbia, SC area might be good spots. Anyone have any suggestions or recommendations. Campgrounds or other thoughts

Thanks

Columbia, SC is the place to be for the eclipse.

I live in Columbia, SC and it's definitely the place to be for the eclipse. There's going to be 2 min and 36 seconds of totality–the longest period of totality for a metropolitan area on the east coast. http://totaleclipsecolumbiasc.com has a lot of great information on the events happening the weekend leading up to the eclipse and the eclipse itself (including tons of RV parking and camping opportunities). There's also a lot of tourism information on there about hotels, dining, etc.

It's a great place for city lovers and nature lovers alike. Lake Murray is about 20 minutes outside of the city, and there are some greats parks close by as well–my personal favorite is Congaree National Park, and I know they have an eclipse viewing event planned.

I have reservations at both Cumberland Mt State Park and Indian Boundary Campground in TN. Cumberland Mt is doubled their fees for the 4 nights, Fri through Tuesday which is why I made them at Indian Boundary.

If you are interested in the state park drop me a PM and I'll try and coordinate cancelling. Just looked and both are full other then a few handicap spots at the state park.

Going to be a bummer if it's cloudy.

Just received 2 pairs of these from Amazon for viewing the eclipse:

Eclipse Glasses

Each pair came with a fabric sleeve and also with 2 additional pairs of the paper framed lenses, I guess to give to friends. At least they are all safe for looking at the sun, but they are so dark that you can't see anything else with them. I like that they hug my face closely so that not much stray light get in to interfere with the sun.

All I could afford wrote:
I'm seriously considering making the 700 or so mile drive down to SC from New Jersey. Not bringing the TT, either staying in cheapest motels I can find, or using the "10 man" tent for me, wife, and 3 kids. I need to show these kids that there is more to this word than what u see on your phone!

I agree....my kids are spoiled and when my son asked about going from hearing it in his 7th grade class I felt compelled to go. I did mentioned to them that we are staying at a campground with no bells and whistles and plenty of nature (bring fishing poles). 19hr drive from MA to see a 2 1/2 minute eclipse my son keeps saying is a once in a lifetime thing. I booked Twin Lakes on Lake Hartwell near Clemson, SC

I'm seriously considering making the 700 or so mile drive down to SC from New Jersey. Not bringing the TT, either staying in cheapest motels I can find, or using the "10 man" tent for me, wife, and 3 kids. I need to show these kids that there is more to this word than what u see on your phone!

PCronin68 wrote:

Jframpey wrote:
I would try for any of several private or public campgrounds along Lake Hartwell, Lake Keowee, or Lake Jocassee. Also checkout Oconee county parks. Table Rock State Park (SC). I have a spot at a small private park picked out with water and electric... trrcc.org. Do a search along SC Hwy 11. It''s a scenic hwy along the Blue Ridge mountains.

Looks like I might reserve a spot at Twin Lakes on lake Hartwell

Nice campground, you will like it. We will be at Oconee Point. Still alot of sites available there if Twin Lakes is full.

Jframpey wrote:
I would try for any of several private or public campgrounds along Lake Hartwell, Lake Keowee, or Lake Jocassee. Also checkout Oconee county parks. Table Rock State Park (SC). I have a spot at a small private park picked out with water and electric... trrcc.org. Do a search along SC Hwy 11. It''s a scenic hwy along the Blue Ridge mountains.

Looks like I might reserve a spot at Twin Lakes on lake Hartwell

We are going to drive down I-65 to catch it just north of Nashville, TN. We will probably make a weekend out of it if I can get reservations down there.

I would try for any of several private or public campgrounds along Lake Hartwell, Lake Keowee, or Lake Jocassee. Also checkout Oconee county parks. Table Rock State Park (SC). I have a spot at a small private park picked out with water and electric... trrcc.org. Do a search along SC Hwy 11. It''s a scenic hwy along the Blue Ridge mountains.