08/21/17 Total eclipse -- Time to get serious.
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19 members have voted
August 15th, 2017 at 8:08:29 AM
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The science channel will broadcast eclipse coverage.
see: TV coverage
Also, an app is available to view it on the NASA channel.
see: NASA channel
see: TV coverage
Also, an app is available to view it on the NASA channel.
see: NASA channel
"What, me worry?"
August 15th, 2017 at 8:35:41 AM
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Quote: MrVAny idea which TV channels will be carrying live eclipse coverage?
As already said, Science Channel is covering it (from noon to 3 PM Eastern, I think).
Also, ABC has announced an hour of coverage, but it appears to be "after the fact"; in San Francisco, the coverage starts at noon Pacific, which is about 15 minutes after the total eclipse moves over the Atlantic. (It enters Oregon at about 1:15 PM Eastern, and leaves South Carolina at about 2:45.)
More stations may cover it; I am a little surprised CNN hasn't said anything yet, as it is the kind of thing that usually gets "wall-to-wall" coverage.
August 15th, 2017 at 2:01:13 PM
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Quote: MrVAny idea which TV channels will be carrying live eclipse coverage?
CBS news said they would have live coverage. They have already done lots of pieces on it and seem excited about it.
"For with much wisdom comes much sorrow." -- Ecclesiastes 1:18 (NIV)
August 15th, 2017 at 3:25:13 PM
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California has issued a request that people refrain from using electricity during the eclipse, and unplug "vampires" (like phone chargers, or other electronics that draw a current, even with nothing plugged into them) to reduce the load on a grid that has come to rely more and more on solar power.
Simplicity is the ultimate sophistication - Leonardo da Vinci
August 15th, 2017 at 3:45:43 PM
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Quote: AyecarumbaCalifornia has issued a request that people refrain from using electricity during the eclipse, and unplug "vampires" (like phone chargers, or other electronics that draw a current, even with nothing plugged into them) to reduce the load on a grid that has come to rely more and more on solar power.
Do they do this on cloudy days too? I thought the electrical grid had lots of batteries to store up power for when consumption is high and supply is low.
"For with much wisdom comes much sorrow." -- Ecclesiastes 1:18 (NIV)
August 15th, 2017 at 3:48:35 PM
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Quote: IbeatyouracesI can wait until the 2024 one. Only have to drive a couple hours south for that.
We can meet up in Cleveland
Expect the worst and you will never be disappointed.
I AM NOT PART OF GWAE RADIO SHOW
August 15th, 2017 at 4:06:37 PM
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Quote: AyecarumbaCalifornia has issued a request that people refrain from using electricity during the eclipse, and unplug "vampires" (like phone chargers, or other electronics that draw a current, even with nothing plugged into them) to reduce the load on a grid that has come to rely more and more on solar power.
Good thing is not a total eclipse for them?
the next time Dame Fortune toys with your heart, your soul and your wallet, raise your glass and praise her thus: “Thanks for nothing, you cold-hearted, evil, damnable, nefarious, low-life, malicious monster from Hell!” She is, after all, stone deaf. ... Arnold Snyder
August 15th, 2017 at 5:02:27 PM
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I'm getting the feeling that the hysteria about the eclipse will prove to be misplaced, the same as was the Y2K hysteria.
"What, me worry?"
August 15th, 2017 at 5:30:40 PM
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Quote: WizardDo they do this on cloudy days too? I thought the electrical grid had lots of batteries to store up power for when consumption is high and supply is low.
I thought it would be saved up too, but apparently, it is cheaper to use the solar generated power immediately, than to store it in big, expensive batteries.
On cloudy days, or at night, the grid will bring power from other sources: natural gas, coal, hydroelectric, nuclear, etc. on-line to make up any shortages. These are potentially more expensive and harmful to the environment. There's an article here.
I think it is really a ploy by the power company to pad their bottom line. If they don't have to spend money buying power from other sources, they preserve their profits.
Simplicity is the ultimate sophistication - Leonardo da Vinci
August 15th, 2017 at 5:35:17 PM
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Quote: MrVI'm getting the feeling that the hysteria about the eclipse will prove to be misplaced, the same as was the Y2K hysteria.
The Y2K hysteria may have been misplaced. Clearly, folks spouting stuff like, "Get yer'self 6 months food and lotsa shotgun shells" were way off base. I had a "Y2K and You" weekly radio program, and there was no shortage of those folks. I expected something like a hurricane, where "stuff" was broken for a few days. But, once the engineers saw what wasn't working, it would (probably) be fixed quickly.
But, as someone very involved in Florida's state-government Y2K remediation, I can report we drove the bus very, VERY close to the cliff on that one. I had a ring-side seat watching how the Florida court system almost crashed big time. And, I was a featured Y2K presenter at conferences here and abroad where I learned many other states (and countries) were placing band-aids on broken bones as fast as they could find them. From my perspective, Y2K was one of the greatest technological accomplishments I saw in my 50-year professional career.
Of course, for those sitting in the back of the bus, nothing happened. So, what was all the fuss about? Yup. We dodged that bullet. So, it musta been nothing, right?
August 15th, 2017 at 5:40:55 PM
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Quote: AyecarumbaI thought it would be saved up too, but apparently, it is cheaper to use the solar generated power immediately, than to store it in big, expensive batteries.
I saw on a documentary that California actually pays Arizona to takes some of its power when it generates more than it can both use and store. With the boom in solar power, this happens frequently on sunny days.
"For with much wisdom comes much sorrow." -- Ecclesiastes 1:18 (NIV)
August 15th, 2017 at 5:43:28 PM
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Quote: odiousgambitGood thing is not a total eclipse for them?
I think it will be but hard to tell from this map:
At this point I plan to catch it in Texas, due to both its proximity and chances of clear skies.
That one will last about twice as long as the one this Monday. Maximum duration of 4 minutes, 28 seconds.
"For with much wisdom comes much sorrow." -- Ecclesiastes 1:18 (NIV)
August 15th, 2017 at 8:01:41 PM
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I live further north than you, in Denver. I'm going to literally sit on my roof and catch the eclipse at 90% totality rather than brave all the craziness that we've been hearing if you try to drive into Wyoming.
BEWARE: People have been selling fake protective glasses on EBay and Amazon. Make sure you're getting the right ones or you'll do permanent damage to your eyes and won't even feel it.
BEWARE: People have been selling fake protective glasses on EBay and Amazon. Make sure you're getting the right ones or you'll do permanent damage to your eyes and won't even feel it.
The Martingdale system always works perfectly until that one time that it doesn't.
August 15th, 2017 at 8:21:38 PM
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Will animals be effected? Let's say I have my dog at the park. Obviously he won't be looking at it, but do they react to the sudden darkness?
The older I get, the better I recall things that never happened
August 15th, 2017 at 8:25:25 PM
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It messes with their heads. Birds go up to the trees to sleep, amongst other things.
The Martingdale system always works perfectly until that one time that it doesn't.
August 15th, 2017 at 10:53:58 PM
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Just a note for those folks planning to gather at Harrah's Cherokee (NC) and perhaps view the eclipse in/around Andrews, NC:
(1) I have just received confirmation from rdw4potus that he and his wife will be joining us there.
(2) Odiousgambit has suggested that we make group dinner reservations for Sunday evening. We can probably make those reservations on Sunday afternoon, but advance planning might be better. We will need to get a count of attendees and an agreement on preferred time and destination. Although there are both higher-end and lower-end establishments available, as a compromise between those extremes, my wife and I often choose to have at least one dinner at the Brio Tuscan Grill, located two floors above the main casino, close to the poker room. I am flexible to consider other options.
(3) My wife and I expect to arrive in Cherokee around noon on Sunday and will likely have a cheap lunch either at a fast-food place in town or at the food court at Harrah's. I might call our hotel (Comfort Suites) to see whether we can check in earlier than the 3 pm specified on the reservation confirmation, but otherwise my plan is to be somewhere around a crap table (at the lowest minimum they are offering) for a fair amount of the afternoon.
(4) If we can't work out things in advance, we should try to agree on dinner plans as early in the afternoon as we can. By dinner time, we should have a fair idea of what kind of weather (and maybe even what kind of crowds) to expect on Monday. Then we can make final decisions on our target viewing spot. Andrews was my initial suggestion, since it is directly on the line of maximum totality, but the parking lot at the Cherokee Valley River Casino (13 miles farther away, between Andrews and Murphy but closer to Murphy) has also been suggested. That would assure us of access to bathrooms while we wait and at least the lower-tier restaurants that they have at that facility. Also, just in case there is a downpour from 2 to 3pm, there will be some other entertainment available. (Current forecasts are not encouraging for good visibility of the eclipse.)
(5) For those of us who will begin and end Monday in Cherokee, it has been suggested that we could carpool to the viewing location, both to reduce our impact on traffic and to add to the camaraderie. We can work that stuff out on Sunday evening also.
(6) I think several/most/all of those planning to be part of our group already have my cell phone number. If you don't have it, want it, and will be part of that group, send me a PM, and I will share it with you.
(1) I have just received confirmation from rdw4potus that he and his wife will be joining us there.
(2) Odiousgambit has suggested that we make group dinner reservations for Sunday evening. We can probably make those reservations on Sunday afternoon, but advance planning might be better. We will need to get a count of attendees and an agreement on preferred time and destination. Although there are both higher-end and lower-end establishments available, as a compromise between those extremes, my wife and I often choose to have at least one dinner at the Brio Tuscan Grill, located two floors above the main casino, close to the poker room. I am flexible to consider other options.
(3) My wife and I expect to arrive in Cherokee around noon on Sunday and will likely have a cheap lunch either at a fast-food place in town or at the food court at Harrah's. I might call our hotel (Comfort Suites) to see whether we can check in earlier than the 3 pm specified on the reservation confirmation, but otherwise my plan is to be somewhere around a crap table (at the lowest minimum they are offering) for a fair amount of the afternoon.
(4) If we can't work out things in advance, we should try to agree on dinner plans as early in the afternoon as we can. By dinner time, we should have a fair idea of what kind of weather (and maybe even what kind of crowds) to expect on Monday. Then we can make final decisions on our target viewing spot. Andrews was my initial suggestion, since it is directly on the line of maximum totality, but the parking lot at the Cherokee Valley River Casino (13 miles farther away, between Andrews and Murphy but closer to Murphy) has also been suggested. That would assure us of access to bathrooms while we wait and at least the lower-tier restaurants that they have at that facility. Also, just in case there is a downpour from 2 to 3pm, there will be some other entertainment available. (Current forecasts are not encouraging for good visibility of the eclipse.)
(5) For those of us who will begin and end Monday in Cherokee, it has been suggested that we could carpool to the viewing location, both to reduce our impact on traffic and to add to the camaraderie. We can work that stuff out on Sunday evening also.
(6) I think several/most/all of those planning to be part of our group already have my cell phone number. If you don't have it, want it, and will be part of that group, send me a PM, and I will share it with you.
August 16th, 2017 at 2:07:44 AM
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Good.Quote: Doc(1) I have just received confirmation from rdw4potus that he and his wife will be joining us there.
Brio Tuscan Grill sounds fine to me. A vote and a head-count soon for restaurant interest would be good.Quote:(2) group dinner reservations for Sunday evening.
Good, I can tell my wife I need to be there for more planning!Quote:(3) my plan is to be somewhere around a crap table (at the lowest minimum they are offering) for a fair amount of the afternoon.
I'll repeat that this gets my vote. I no longer think a Walmart lot or whatever is a good idea for me and the missus.Quote:(4) the parking lot at the Cherokee Valley River Casino
If it seems crazy on sunday, we may not want to try to get together for the eclipse. That'll be a decision to make. Otherwise I'm game for car-pooling.Quote:(5) For those of us who will begin and end Monday in Cherokee, it has been suggested that we could carpool to the viewing location, both to reduce our impact on traffic and to add to the camaraderie. We can work that stuff out on Sunday evening also.
Likewise.Quote:(6) I think several/most/all of those planning to be part of our group already have my cell phone number. If you don't have it, want it, and will be part of that group, send me a PM, and I will share it with you.
the next time Dame Fortune toys with your heart, your soul and your wallet, raise your glass and praise her thus: “Thanks for nothing, you cold-hearted, evil, damnable, nefarious, low-life, malicious monster from Hell!” She is, after all, stone deaf. ... Arnold Snyder
August 16th, 2017 at 6:16:30 AM
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I'm thinking that I'll be the first forum member to see the eclipse unfold, as my vantage point will be a stone's throw from the Pacific
ocean in Lincoln City, Oregon, and the eclipse travels from west to east, sweeping across the country.
Not that it matters worth a fig, but bragging rights are bragging rights.
ocean in Lincoln City, Oregon, and the eclipse travels from west to east, sweeping across the country.
Not that it matters worth a fig, but bragging rights are bragging rights.
"What, me worry?"
August 16th, 2017 at 6:50:26 AM
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Quote: MrVI'm thinking that I'll be the first forum member to see the eclipse unfold, as my vantage point will be a stone's throw from the Pacific
ocean in Lincoln City, Oregon, and the eclipse travels from west to east, sweeping across the country.
Do you get credit for seeing it first if its cloudy there and clear in eastern Oregon?
"For with much wisdom comes much sorrow." -- Ecclesiastes 1:18 (NIV)
August 16th, 2017 at 7:22:29 AM
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Quote: DocMy wife and I expect to arrive in Cherokee around noon on Sunday
Er, what time do you plan on leaving? I am still convinced that pretty much every road leading into any part of the path of totality is going to be mobbed for hours in advance.
OOPS - noon Sunday, you say? Never mind...
August 16th, 2017 at 7:30:09 AM
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Quote: WizardDo you get credit for seeing it first if its cloudy there and clear in eastern Oregon?
No, but if it's hazy and I can still see the bulk of it (just not the detail), then I'd say "Yes."
The weather on the Oregon coast is different than inland; typically if it is sunny inland there are often morning clouds / fog at the coast.
The forecoast for Monday is "morning fog."
Oh well, it's a gamble: hope I don't "seven out."
"What, me worry?"
August 16th, 2017 at 10:52:24 AM
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A client of mine is heading to Bend Oregon to watch and he has heard recommendations that people should find a place to park the day before and sleep in their car for the night because traffic backups may be up to 8 hours!!!!
August 16th, 2017 at 11:15:25 AM
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Quote: rsactuaryA client of mine is heading to Bend Oregon to watch and he has heard recommendations that people should find a place to park the day before and sleep in their car for the night because traffic backups may be up to 8 hours!!!!
I fear the worst for the people on the east coast. I would indeed car camp it the night before wherever you want to watch it, if I were planning to watch it anywhere on the east coast.
As for me, Huntington Oregon is a sparsely populated area with the best weather conditions on the path, but I'm worried that everybody on the west cost will be thinking exactly how I am and all converging on eastern Oregon.
"For with much wisdom comes much sorrow." -- Ecclesiastes 1:18 (NIV)
August 16th, 2017 at 11:22:55 AM
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What percent of Vegas gamblers and tourists do you think will pause for this?
The older I get, the better I recall things that never happened
August 16th, 2017 at 11:31:14 AM
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Quote: billryanWhat percent of Vegas gamblers and tourists do you think will pause for this?
0.1%.
A better question would be the same but of a casino on the totality path. The sun will be only 80% covered, at most, in Vegas.
"For with much wisdom comes much sorrow." -- Ecclesiastes 1:18 (NIV)
August 16th, 2017 at 11:36:06 AM
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It's still an event that rarely happens.
The older I get, the better I recall things that never happened
August 16th, 2017 at 11:57:08 AM
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Quote: billryanIt's still an event that rarely happens.
In Vegas, it's a partial eclipse, and you usually get at least one of those a year during daylight hours.
August 16th, 2017 at 1:01:47 PM
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The best way I think to see the total eclipse is to find a friend who lives on the totality zone or to have made a long term reservation along the path an d arrive early Sunday morning or Saturday night. Travel will be a nightmare on the day of, but I don't think it will be a worst case scenario as some people predict. I see that some people will make a value decision and just turn around and go home.
I'm staying out of it.
I'm staying out of it.
-----
You want the truth! You can't handle the truth!
August 16th, 2017 at 1:11:33 PM
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Quote: WizardI fear the worst for the people on the east coast.
Wiz,
Time Magazine has a story about traffic congestion associated with the eclipse. It includes detailed write-ups of four states: Oregon, Nebraska, Tennessee, and South Carolina:
Brace for a Traffic Nightmare
For example, Oregon highways usually have "tens of thousands" of cars traveling on them at any given time. But, up to one million are anticipated trying to drive to a good viewing location on eclipse day.
Required reading for folks planning to drive "from here to there" on eclipse day.
August 16th, 2017 at 2:43:42 PM
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Quote: LuckyPhowWiz,
Time Magazine has a story about traffic congestion associated with the eclipse. It includes detailed write-ups of four states: Oregon, Nebraska, Tennessee, and South Carolina:
Just read that. I'm considering taking the back roads and watching it on the Idaho side of the Snake River. However, if I'm thinking that, I worry that everyone else in south-west Idaho is thinking that too.
Isn't there a term of this -- Trying to outwit the masses but end up following them because they were trying to do the same thing. Often whenever I know there is an accident ahead of me on the highway I'll contact elaborate routes to get around it but in the end these routes are also packed and I estimate I would have saved both time and aggravation had I just stuck with plan A and stayed on the highway.
"For with much wisdom comes much sorrow." -- Ecclesiastes 1:18 (NIV)
August 16th, 2017 at 4:14:57 PM
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The more I have thought and read about this issue, the more I believe that I will stay at home with some cold brewskies and experience 1 minute 36 seconds of totality rather than drive to a spot midway between Knoxville and Chattanooga to get the extra 1 minute of totality.
So, I may be guilty of TUI - Totality under the Influence.
So, I may be guilty of TUI - Totality under the Influence.
So many better men, a few of them friends, are dead. And a thousand thousand slimy things live on, and so do I.
August 16th, 2017 at 4:29:42 PM
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Charter a helicopter or small plane.
The older I get, the better I recall things that never happened
August 16th, 2017 at 7:45:10 PM
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Just for laughs, I put in a search for a hotel room in Rexburg ID for Sunday night. The only two vacancies were:
Super 8: $710
Quality Inn: $995
If anyone pays these prices, it has got to set some kind of record.
If that isn't ridiculous, I put in Casper WY, which is right in the totality path:
Sterling Hotel (2 stars): $2100
Baymont Inn and Suites (2 stars): $2200
1st Interstate Motel (2 stars): $2500
Super 8: $710
Quality Inn: $995
If anyone pays these prices, it has got to set some kind of record.
If that isn't ridiculous, I put in Casper WY, which is right in the totality path:
Sterling Hotel (2 stars): $2100
Baymont Inn and Suites (2 stars): $2200
1st Interstate Motel (2 stars): $2500
"For with much wisdom comes much sorrow." -- Ecclesiastes 1:18 (NIV)
August 16th, 2017 at 11:05:33 PM
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Quote: WizardJust for laughs, I put in a search for a hotel room in Rexburg ID for Sunday night. The only two vacancies were:
Super 8: $710
Quality Inn: $995
If anyone pays these prices, it has got to set some kind of record.
If that isn't ridiculous, I put in Casper WY, which is right in the totality path:
Sterling Hotel (2 stars): $2100
Baymont Inn and Suites (2 stars): $2200
1st Interstate Motel (2 stars): $2500
There's a big astronomical society convention in Casper. I am not surprised prices are so high. I wonder how much the spot in a field to pitch a tent is going for? It was $200 a night two months ago.
Simplicity is the ultimate sophistication - Leonardo da Vinci
August 17th, 2017 at 12:03:28 AM
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Whoa.
I have an extra room available in our Lincoln City, Oregon house from Sat til Tues.
Let the bidding begin.
I have an extra room available in our Lincoln City, Oregon house from Sat til Tues.
Let the bidding begin.
"What, me worry?"
August 17th, 2017 at 12:34:27 AM
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Hopefully by the big day, I won't have to keep explaining how the sun will not hit the moon to my middle aged sister. I keep wondering how she isn't legally retarded.
I am a robot.
August 17th, 2017 at 2:24:34 AM
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Quote: onenickelmiracleHopefully by the big day, I won't have to keep explaining how the sun will not hit the moon to my middle aged sister. I keep wondering how she isn't legally retarded.
well, we'll all have a funny look on our faces if does happen!
the next time Dame Fortune toys with your heart, your soul and your wallet, raise your glass and praise her thus: “Thanks for nothing, you cold-hearted, evil, damnable, nefarious, low-life, malicious monster from Hell!” She is, after all, stone deaf. ... Arnold Snyder
August 17th, 2017 at 2:38:03 AM
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it is funnier thinking the light from the moon takes 1 second to reach us, the sun 8 minutes, so the eclipse happened 7 minutes and 59 seconds before it is seen.Quote: odiousgambitwell, we'll all have a funny look on our faces if does happen!
I am a robot.
August 17th, 2017 at 3:43:50 AM
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Why didn't I just buy 1000 eclipse glasses for $.50 each and open a stand off the highway down from Chicago? They're going for about $10 a pair now.
Anyway, I'm heading out tomorrow on our trip down to Southern Illinois. The top weatherman in Chicago (Tom Skilling) says the latest prediction was 32% cloud cover for Monday in Carbondale, IL. That's as good as I could ask for, I hope we get it.
I'm not sure if I'll be on this forum much after today, so good luck to everyone who is traveling.
Wizard, thanks for everything. Because of you I was ready for this, and had booked my rooms, and bought my glasses well in advance.
Have fun everyone!
Anyway, I'm heading out tomorrow on our trip down to Southern Illinois. The top weatherman in Chicago (Tom Skilling) says the latest prediction was 32% cloud cover for Monday in Carbondale, IL. That's as good as I could ask for, I hope we get it.
I'm not sure if I'll be on this forum much after today, so good luck to everyone who is traveling.
Wizard, thanks for everything. Because of you I was ready for this, and had booked my rooms, and bought my glasses well in advance.
Have fun everyone!
August 17th, 2017 at 5:32:48 AM
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Quote: onenickelmiracleit is funnier thinking the light from the moon takes 1 second to reach us, the sun 8 minutes, so the eclipse happened 7 minutes and 59 seconds before it is seen.
Not really
August 17th, 2017 at 7:42:30 AM
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Quote: WizardJust for laughs, I put in a search for a hotel room
I did a search for hotel rooms in Murphy, NC, using Hotels.com and it showed Cherokee Valley River Casino with rooms between $449 and $499 a night. It reported 113 other lodging establishments were "not available" during my travel dates (Sun & Mon nights).
August 17th, 2017 at 8:31:23 AM
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Here is the current list of TV coverage that I have found:
All times Eastern
Science Channel - noon to 3:00
NASA - noon to 4:00
C-SPAN will simulcast the NASA channel coverage
Discovery Channel - "about" 10:15 - 10:20
ABC - supposedly, 1:00 - 4:00, but the listings vary from station to station
NBC - again, "supposedly" 1:00 - 2:00
All times Eastern
Science Channel - noon to 3:00
NASA - noon to 4:00
C-SPAN will simulcast the NASA channel coverage
Discovery Channel - "about" 10:15 - 10:20
ABC - supposedly, 1:00 - 4:00, but the listings vary from station to station
NBC - again, "supposedly" 1:00 - 2:00
August 17th, 2017 at 9:50:04 AM
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Quote: onenickelmiracleHopefully by the big day, I won't have to keep explaining how the sun will not hit the moon to my middle aged sister. I keep wondering how she isn't legally retarded.
Don't be too hard on her. I would bet most American adults couldn't put in order of the distance from earth among the moon, sun, and stars.
Possible future waitress trivia bet.
Last edited by: Wizard on Aug 17, 2017
"For with much wisdom comes much sorrow." -- Ecclesiastes 1:18 (NIV)
August 17th, 2017 at 9:59:06 AM
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Total solar eclipses will become extinct in 620 million years.
https://www.google.com/amp/s/amp.businessinsider.com/why-total-solar-eclipses-will-end-2017-6
https://www.google.com/amp/s/amp.businessinsider.com/why-total-solar-eclipses-will-end-2017-6
DUHHIIIIIIIII HEARD THAT!
August 17th, 2017 at 10:50:30 AM
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Quote: WizardDon't be too hard on her. I would bet most American adults couldn't put in order of the distance from earth among the moon, sun, and stars.
Possible future waitress trivia bet.
Doesn't it depend on the time of day?
The older I get, the better I recall things that never happened
August 17th, 2017 at 10:57:58 AM
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Sorry if this is a repeat, but I'm not reading everything since I won't be in the totality :(
Total solar eclipse 2017: 6 bizarre things that will happen
Total solar eclipse 2017: 6 bizarre things that will happen
August 17th, 2017 at 11:25:56 AM
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I just logged onto the site to read this thread. Sorry I don't post much here anymore.
I too have been anticipating this eclipse for a while, mostly thanks to the Wizard's hyping of it in years past. Being in Ohio, I had a couple options. Of course, the first thing I did is check which casinos were located within the totality, and if I could get comped rooms there. I checked Harrah's Metropolis and Harrah's Cherokee, and of course the rates were sky-high. So that was out. A friend in Columbia, South Carolina made a very generous offer for me to stay at his house during eclipse time. This was tempting, since South Carolina is one of the few states I haven't been too. Concurrently, I booked a cheap hotel room in Louisville, Kentucky in case I needed a back-up plan -- Louisville is within two hours drive of the centerpoint of totality, with very good highway access.
In the end, though, I arranged something with my business partner where we will fly to Memphis, TN on Friday to meet up with another friend, with whom we can stay for free. On Monday, August 21, I reserved an SUV for $56 to take seven people from Memphis to Cape Girardeau, MO where we can see 1m48s of totality. All the driving is along I-55 so I don't anticipate traffic jams (hopefully!) Also, there are a bunch of events going on in Cape during eclipse time. And there is a casino there!
The only crapshoot is weather, of course. I'm praying for no clouds, though it looks like we will have to sweat it a bit. Very excited!
For anybody still looking to make a trip, I would suggest flying into a big city like Denver or St. Louis where flights, rental cars, and hotels are still fairly reasonable (they're expensive, but not *insanely* expensive). Don't fly into Nashville or Boise.
I too have been anticipating this eclipse for a while, mostly thanks to the Wizard's hyping of it in years past. Being in Ohio, I had a couple options. Of course, the first thing I did is check which casinos were located within the totality, and if I could get comped rooms there. I checked Harrah's Metropolis and Harrah's Cherokee, and of course the rates were sky-high. So that was out. A friend in Columbia, South Carolina made a very generous offer for me to stay at his house during eclipse time. This was tempting, since South Carolina is one of the few states I haven't been too. Concurrently, I booked a cheap hotel room in Louisville, Kentucky in case I needed a back-up plan -- Louisville is within two hours drive of the centerpoint of totality, with very good highway access.
In the end, though, I arranged something with my business partner where we will fly to Memphis, TN on Friday to meet up with another friend, with whom we can stay for free. On Monday, August 21, I reserved an SUV for $56 to take seven people from Memphis to Cape Girardeau, MO where we can see 1m48s of totality. All the driving is along I-55 so I don't anticipate traffic jams (hopefully!) Also, there are a bunch of events going on in Cape during eclipse time. And there is a casino there!
The only crapshoot is weather, of course. I'm praying for no clouds, though it looks like we will have to sweat it a bit. Very excited!
For anybody still looking to make a trip, I would suggest flying into a big city like Denver or St. Louis where flights, rental cars, and hotels are still fairly reasonable (they're expensive, but not *insanely* expensive). Don't fly into Nashville or Boise.
"Dice, verily, are armed with goads and driving-hooks, deceiving and tormenting, causing grievous woe." -Rig Veda 10.34.4
August 17th, 2017 at 3:28:00 PM
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It's begun.
One of the folks at my office showed me a video an acquaintance who lives in Prineville, Oregon sent to her, taken earlier today (Thursday).
Cars and RV's were stacked up bumper to bumper, for miles, on a major highway there.
By report bold squatters are occupying whatever land looks available.
Fred Meyer in Prineville is out of gas, and the shelves are emptying.
Whoa, I may want to revise our travel plans and head for the Oregon coast Friday night, not Saturday.
Oh, the humanity!
One of the folks at my office showed me a video an acquaintance who lives in Prineville, Oregon sent to her, taken earlier today (Thursday).
Cars and RV's were stacked up bumper to bumper, for miles, on a major highway there.
By report bold squatters are occupying whatever land looks available.
Fred Meyer in Prineville is out of gas, and the shelves are emptying.
Whoa, I may want to revise our travel plans and head for the Oregon coast Friday night, not Saturday.
Oh, the humanity!
Last edited by: MrV on Aug 17, 2017
"What, me worry?"
August 17th, 2017 at 3:28:04 PM
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Nice to see you back Teddy. Enjoy the eclipse!
"For with much wisdom comes much sorrow." -- Ecclesiastes 1:18 (NIV)
August 17th, 2017 at 4:09:16 PM
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Quote: MrVOh, the humanity!
omg, on a Thursday? this does not bode well
the next time Dame Fortune toys with your heart, your soul and your wallet, raise your glass and praise her thus: “Thanks for nothing, you cold-hearted, evil, damnable, nefarious, low-life, malicious monster from Hell!” She is, after all, stone deaf. ... Arnold Snyder
