A peculiar and momentous energy permeated the morning of the eclipse. Or, maybe we were more open to the bizarre since anticipation filled the air. At breakfast, the tables were abuzz with conversations about where, what and there was a high expectation for amazement. Over and over, we heard “Do you have your eclipse glasses?” and “Where are you going to watch?” We ordered the hearty Cowboy Breakfast of eggs, bacon, yukon gold potatoes and toast in preparation for the eminent event.



As we rode our bikes along the meandering path out of town we encountered many fellow “eclipsers" lounging in lawn chairs and sporting the glasses. There was some loud music and a party atmosphere. If today was the end of the world, they would go out happy. Hoots and hollers were abundant along with friendly cheers and greetings. There was also some oddness - like the guy who passed us shouting an ominous warning, “Beware of the poodle with the purple ears!” Seconds later we turned the corner and were face to face with the "poodle à oreilles violet." Now the rather large, white canine did have purple ears which is a little strange but not exactly unique. Thankfully the dog didn’t do anything out of the ordinary as we rolled by. But …. this warning was perfect since the eclipse was heading our way.

We rode past a hill with a zigzag trail from bottom to top and noticed countless people, one following the other, solemnly marching to the summit. Was this simply a gathering of individuals searching for a shared and unique experience? Or were they on a lemming suicide walk? Or were these “humans" heading to the mother ship? There were no cars around so where did they come from?

Our trek continued to our pre-determined viewing location and the light shifted in an unfamiliar and foreign way. The flocks of Canadian geese were there along with the herd of contented cows grazing in the field. With our bikes propped against the fence (Would it hold if the animals suddenly went berserk?) separating us from the bovines, the eclipse commenced. The quality of the light changed slowly. Two other people were parked about 100 yards down the path. We chatted. They had their glasses. We did too. We were ready.

Totality