Forum Discussion
- Remember Y2K. ;)
LS - Even more alarming -- I have just read several articles predicting (of course) heavy traffic on the highways and the forest roads by folks who are not familiar with wildlands and wildfires. Hot tailpipes, a cigarette, a "let's make a campfire" moment, and we have a new fire.
And the roads are clogged. The firefighters can't get to the fire. The hordes are trapped. The fire spreads.
I got dibs on the screenplay! ;) I see Dennis Quaid as the beleaguered rural fire chief and Meryl Streep as his brilliant, take-charge wife -- she guides the hordes to safety over a sketchy forest road driving her Tiger 4WD Class C. She helps someone get unstuck, etc. The eclipse happens, but it is just a pause in the action.
We give the whole thing a slight tilt toward AARP moviegoers, an underserved demographic. Streep and Quaid both win Oscars, but the screenplay does not. Tragic. - So, bad news. There is a lot of smoke all along the path of the eclipse out West. The eclipse should still be visible, but the smoke will cut down on our fun (such as hiking and biking on the days before and after the eclipse).
Here is a really interesting map that predicts where the smoke will go next:
WebSky
But I am not sure that I am willing to chase the prediction at almost the last minute to find clearer skies -- the traffic will be insane, and there might be clouds anyway, and who knows how good those predictions are?
We will probably just stay put and hope for the best. - I am about 150 miles from the path of totality and almost ready. I have a dry-camping reservation almost on the midline (longest experience of totality). I bought a motorhome (well, I've been wanting to buy another one anyway, it's a wonderful way to travel for someone with disabilities, this just moved my search into high gear) and I'm desperately hoping the mechanics will vet it as okay to use. (It was super cheap because of a lot of cosmetic issues, but I drove it 50 miles home with minimal problems and it has an appointment with the mechanics this week.) I bought Super 500mm/1000mm f/8 Mirror Telephoto Lens to shoot it with. Took some test shots of the moon last night and while focusing was a bit tricky, I got some lovely shots. (Those of you who just want to watch - more power to you. I want to shoot it.) I bought some solar film and I just bought the stuff I need to make a screw-on solar filter for my camera - under $20, not counting the solar film. Instructions are at http://www.instructables.com/id/Cheap-and-effective-filters-solar/ if anyone else wants them. We also have protective glasses. Poor rural Wyoming is expecting an onslaught of visitors (hundreds of thousands is the usual range) so I plan to negotiate with the landowner to drive the MH up the previous weekend and leave it there. DH and I will still have to fight the traffic on Sunday, but a Prius is much easier to maneuver in traffic than a motorhome! With a bathroom, a place to sleep and cook, air conditioning to climb into once the eclipse is over (I checked the generator and AC before I bought the motorhome!), and a camera to shoot it with, I think I will be all set. Just praying the weather will cooperate. I'm really excited, it is so close and won't happen again in my lifetime.
profdant139 wrote:
RedRocket, I have been advised not to fool around with my camera during the eclipse -- it is a very brief event, and I can look at other folks' pictures later! For once in my life, I am going to just be there, instead of looking at life through a viewfinder.
Oh well, had to try. :B
At least I'm probably correct in that we will get a chance to see other awesome photos from your trip and something I, and others, will be looking forward to.
On Monday, Aug 21st, I'll be on a trip myself but up in the CO mountains at 9,500 - 12,000 feet. We will be in the 82% eclipse area. I do envy those who will be seeing the eclipse at 100% but I don't envy sitting in the traffic and crowding to see it.
Have a great trip, wish for clear skies and enjoy this unique event!- I advise a simple piece of cardboard with a pinhole. Hold it above flat ground and watch a monster eat the sun.
- RedRocket, I have been advised not to fool around with my camera during the eclipse -- it is a very brief event, and I can look at other folks' pictures later! For once in my life, I am going to just be there, instead of looking at life through a viewfinder.
- We treated ourselves to a large new flat screen TV last year ... so we'll just watch the eclipse over and over on the various HD channels while sitting in our lounge chairs sipping drinks in air conditioned comfort. We'll probably be getting the RV ready for a September trip to Colorado and beyond in between the screenings.
That reminds me - I better pick up some of those special eclipse glasses for watching it on the new TV. :B - Whatever the case, we are assured to get some great pictures from profdant based on his experience.
Looking forward to the pictures... hint, hint :B - Ralph, if it's cloudy, some folks hop in the car and drive to clear skies. I am not going to do that -- if it is cloudy, too bad. I am not fighting that traffic.
And you are right -- drive a thousand miles for two minutes of darkness?? The experts say it is worthwhile, so that is what I am doing. If it's a waste of time, at least I am in the mountains of Idaho in August -- not a bad consolation prize. And then off to Montana and eventually the North Cascades of Washington.
