One thing that’s always been on my bucket list is to see a total solar eclipse, complete with the coronal flares. I’ve seen pictures of this event online, but it never seems to occur in North America, let alone where I live! Growing up in California, I’ve seen more than my share of partial eclipses, but it’s not the same. Finally, there’s going to be a total solar eclipse in North America, in the States, and the direct path is only about three hours from my home! Decision made. Come hell, or high water, we would be there! I booked a campsite for the event about nine-months prior to eclipse. My sister, Gretna, who has always had the same bucket list item,flew in to join us.
We drove up to Wyoming ahead of the eclipse and stayed at a very nice KOA. I’ve never stayed at a KOA before because I’ve always heard they were cramped. Word of advice, get the deluxe site. We did. Worth it! We had a nice patio and decent separation between us and the neighbors. This KOA also bordered a small creek (complete with snakes and fish), had a pool, videos/books/games to borrow, and a store. If RV camping isn’t your thing, they also had cabins! Gretna and I had fun walking around and noting from where everyone had traveled. Because we knew, the majority were in town for the eclipse, just like us. There were visitors from all over the country and several who came down from Canada!
Since we came north early, we played tourist and traveled to some historic sights. If you know me, you know my penchant for all things American history related. Our first stop was Fort Phil Kearney. I had recently read the book The Heart of Everything that Is and the events that folded around this Fort were fresh in my mind. Of course, it’s also slightly disappointing when the buildings of a fort, or other historic site have faded into the past, and all that’s left is an outline of where they once stood. That’s how it is at Fort P.K. That didn’t distract from it’s charms and history, however. Following our visit to the Fort, we traveled to the nearby sites of the Fetterman Massacre and the Wagon Box Fight before returning back to camp to relax and head to bed early.
Up before the sun, we headed south to Casper to stake our claim at Fort Caspar. This is where we planned to watch the eclipse and visit another historical site. This fort had rebuilt or preserved many buildings and artifacts. So much history at this museum! It’s a must visit, in my opinion. Part of the Fort grounds included a park with a playground, which made it an idea spot of sun gazing (with specialty glasses, of course, which were purchased MONTHS ahead of the eclipse). With our early arrive, we procured optimal parking and a coveted picnic table. As for the eclipse itself, it was spectacular and breath taking. All of the watch-fors were accurate, too. As the light faded from the sky, the street lights came on. The birds went to roost. Mosquitoes came out to play. Our shadows changed texture. And when the sun was completely obscured, we were able to observe the corona without the dark glasses. I’m not sure there are words that can accurately describe just how amazing is that sight! Our God is awesome! If you ever have the chance to see a total solar eclipse in person – DO IT! You won’t regret it! In 2045 there will be another solar eclipse, this time with the path running through Colorado. Assuming we’re still here then, you can find us hanging out at our mountain property, avoiding the crowds, and enjoying the spectacular sight!
Post eclipse – Casper, WY is about three hours north of Denver. We, like everyone else, headed home shortly after the end of totality. I would have preferred to stay another night and come back the next day, but work commitments and my sister’s flight disagreed with that objective. So we hung out with two-million other drivers and shuffled our way south for THIRTEEN HOURS!! Of course we planned ahead and anticipated this. 1) We brought extra fuel with us so no need to stop for gas, 2) we had the camper so access to food and bathrooms was no problem, and 3) we had ways to manage our time. Electronics, books, knitting, you name it. I even managed to finish a scarf whilst we poked our way south. Hindsight, would’ve told work to suck it and taking another day off. As it was, I called in late. Another hindsight thought was of an alternate route that was more out of the way but probably quicker. Alas, even with the worse traffic in the history of cars, WORTH IT. I would do it all again in a heartbeat!
The following picture is a panorama I took during totality. There are so many pictures from this trip. If you’re so inclined, you can sort through them all here.
