RVing to the eclipse?

[mama_sylvia]

If someone has already started a thread on this, I missed it.

Hoping to buy a motorhome this week and drive 100 miles to the center of the path of totality next month. So, apparently, are a million other people. Hotel spaces are long gone and the few RV spaces left are in the $300 and up range per night, 3-night minimum. (DH was actually just planning to drive up in a car for the few hours until I reminded him that most places along the path of totality, at least here in Wyoming, are tiny towns and he won't be able to count on finding food, fuel, or even a toilet to use!)

So I'm curious what others are planning. I compare it to boondocking in a traffic jam - I won't count on being able to buy anything and will expect to do a lot of sitting in traffic. I'm not ruling out switching to back roads, either, although since everyone has GPS they might not be any better. If we do find a motorhome and can nab an RV space for the one night, I plan to drive up the day before and hopefully not move again until the eclipse is over and traffic has thinned out. With air conditioning, a bed, food and drink, and a bathroom, that sounds quite comfortable. I figure a full gas tank should handle a 200-mile round trip and powering the generator for 8-12 hours. I would rather not carry spare gasoline if possible.

Would love to hear thoughts and plans of other people. I'm not new to RVing but I don't know everything, and if I am missing something, I'd rather know about it now while I have plenty of time to alter my plans.

[Hammerboy]

No way would I pay top dollar for a site and deal with the craziness to watch an eclipse. I'm sure they will have news coverage which is good enough for me. Gonna suck for those who planned and payed then get stuck under bad weather.

Dan

[packnrat]

i am riding up on my klr 650 ( 500 miles -one way).
it is going to be a zoo everywhere on the " line".
close in towns. will be swamped.

be there at lest by sat, and stay till wed. ( traffic).

[cblakely39]

if anyone needs space to camp for the eclipse in tn i may be able to help

[ghiotom]

We're staying in Victoria Bryant State Park in Georgia and then driving into South Carolina on the day of the eclipse. The park sits just inside the zone of totality, but we'll do a short drive to enhance the trip. The only problem is the eclipse occurs later in the day in SC and the chance of clouds/rain are increased.

[trafficmaker]

Gonna sleep in, then when the action starts, step outside and view from my yard which is only 3.6 miles off center of the path of totality.

[packnrat]

i would like to go and see this. would mix in "other" activities with it.
but thinking more in the line of riding up. only some 400 miles..

.

[Ivylog]

Considering the next will be in April 2024 from TX to NY I have to agree...What's the big deal. Fortunately this one crosses northern GA so I can stay home to see it as I would not travel to see one.

[TurnThePage]

I do believe that if you are in the area of totality, it will be MUCH different than if you're even a mere 50 miles away. And to answer another poster, I also believe you can look at it with your bare naked eye balls during that minute or two of totality. You will get to see the corona, and stars, and, and...

[paddykernahan]

I thought about driving to the path from Michigan and just find a country road to watch.
May have to work Sunday.
Get of work and head in south, wallydock when tired.
Sleep and drive rest of the way Monday morning.
Watch eclipse and then head home.

[2oldman]

Mr.Mark wrote:
Am I the only one who doesn't see the hoopla?

No, but you're likely one of the few.

[djsamuel]

Mr.Mark wrote:
I can certainly see the interest of getting together with other RV'ers in any situation.

But, what is so interesting about an eclipse? You can't look directly at it. I would be afraid those that are taking the young kids/grandkids/nieces/nephews, etc., would try and look at it because of the excitement.

Am I the only one who doesn't see the hoopla?

Safe travels!
MM.

No you're not the only one, and astronomy is a hobby of mine. It seems like a lot of people believe that you have to be within the area of totality in order to see anything. The fact is, even outside of that area, it will still be quite an event for much of the country, just not a total eclipse.

last year I was considering camping up in Tennessee to see the eclipse but when I realized what a zoo it would be combined with the uncertainty of having clear weather, I decided to enjoy the partial eclipse here in Florida.

[Mr_Mark1]

I can certainly see the interest of getting together with other RV'ers in any situation.

But, what is so interesting about an eclipse? You can't look directly at it. I would be afraid those that are taking the young kids/grandkids/nieces/nephews, etc., would try and look at it because of the excitement.

Am I the only one who doesn't see the hoopla?

Safe travels!
MM.

[BizmarksMom]

I'm sharing a cabin in Stanley, ID with about 15 people. Sleeping quarters will be tight, but it should be a fun weekend.

[TurnThePage]

I think we'll be packing bicycles too. They might come in handy...