Cruise Passengers Wowed By Total Solar Eclipse

Above, 2017's Great American Eclipse. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Back in 2017, I drove up to Idaho to see the Great American Eclipse. Although the drive was long, it was well worth it to see.

On Wednesday, a total solar eclipse took place and cruise lines had special cruises for people to travel to areas of optimal views. 

According to Travel Pulse:

On Wednesday, a total solar eclipse swept across portions of the Northern Hemisphere, as the Moon passed directly between Earth and the Sun and briefly blocked the Sun’s disk. The path of totality stretched from the Arctic through Greenland and Iceland and across Spain, with the surrounding regions experiencing a partial eclipse. 

The event drew millions of skywatchers, including many who watched from cruise ships positioned along the eclipse’s path. With ships able to move into areas offering favorable views—and the open ocean providing an unobstructed horizon—cruising offered a particularly memorable way to experience the brief darkness of totality.

To read more, go here. 

In the U.S., here are the upcoming solar eclipses (source: CBS News):

The next solar eclipse visible in the United States will occur on March 30, 2033, but totality will be limited to Alaska. The next total eclipse over the contiguous U.S. will happen on August 22, 2044.

Favorite RV Trip

Above, parked near Interstate 15 in Idaho waiting for the solar eclipse. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

RV Travel posted a poll asking, "Do you have a favorite RV trip of all time?" 

That is a good question. Pretty much all my RV trips have been favorites. Two particularly come to mind: the 2016 trip to Metropolis, Illinois and the 2017 Great American Eclipse trip. I would give the eclipse trip a slight edge as being my favorite as it was without any mishaps. I hit a sharp-edge curb in St. Louis, Missouri and tore up two tires after swerving to avoid a collision with a driver who cut into my lane during the Metropolis trip. The eclipse trip was 100% fun.

An "honorable mention" is the trip to Yellowstone National Park with my daughter. That was a good trip.

Above, the Great American Eclipse in 2017. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Following the eclipse, I visited Crater Lake National Park and Lassen Volcanic National Park. All of the campgrounds were nice. 

Above, in Devastated Area in Lassen Volcanic National Park. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

The poll begins with:

Think back over alllll the miles you’ve traveled in your RV. The places you’ve seen, the campgrounds you’ve stayed in, the little moments that stuck with you long after the trip ended. For today’s poll, we want to know if you have a favorite RV trip of all time.

For some of you, the answer is an easy yes. One trip rises above the rest—maybe it was the destination, the people you were with, or just how everything seemed to fall into place. Perfect weather, great campsites, unforgettable views… the kind of trip you’re still talking about years later.

To read more and participate in the poll, go here.

Other Plans

Above, the El Rancho's Monument Valley enchiladas. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

While millions of people gather in today's solar eclipse umbra, I will be in Gallup having some Monument Valley enchiladas at the Silver Screen restaurant at the El Rancho Hotel.

The Gallup area will not be within the umbra (or path) of the eclipse (maybe we'll get a partial eclipse) anyway, so I will be enjoying a hearty breakfast and doing a little grocery shopping. I already made out my list. 

Some friends are now in Texas awaiting the celestial event. One posted a photo of himself and his wife at the Alamo in San Antonio. Maybe they're looking for the basement? At least if there's cloudy skies, they will take in some attractions in the Lone Star State to make the trip worthwhile. 

Eclipse: What RVers Should Expect

Above, the 2017 Great American Eclipse. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

For all of you skywatchers, eclipse day is tomorrow. Depending upon where one is, the eclipse will take place between 1:00 to 4:00 PM eastern time.

Since I viewed the 2017 eclipse up in Idaho, I decided to sit this one out at home. I was considering traveling to where the path will cross over, but the weather reports aren't too encouraging. But those who want to take a chance to see it with clear skies (check the weather reports), do it.

Above, The Beast at the Idaho viewing area in 2017. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

I did manage to get a good view of last year's annular solar eclipse from my yard as my home was in its path.

RV Life has posted an article on what RVers should expect during the eclipse.

They begin with:

When I was in elementary school, a partial eclipse passed over New Orleans. It was an incredible event. I had never seen anything like it in my life. I remember the feeling of awe as all of the kids gathered on the playground to experience it. Our science teachers excitedly explained that the moon was passing in front of the sun. One of the teachers had obsidian glass where we could see the moon slowly pass in front of the sun. But the shadows were what astounded me the most. It was like being on another planet. This memory is what propelled me to pack up my family and our dog in 2017 and drive 14 hours to experience totality. Was it worth it? Absolutely. Do I recommend the eclipse experience for RVers? Of course I do!

To read more, go here. 

A Visit With Tom & Melody Cotrel

Above, this morning at Denny's.

This morning, I had a nice visit with Tom and Melody Cotrel at Denny's in the Flying J. They are en route to Dallas, Texas to visit friends and to see the eclipse.

I've known Tom since the 1970s when we were in the Young Republicans in Los Angeles. He is a practicing attorney based in Burbank. Melody is happily retired.

They have never been to Texas before and I recommended a few attractions in the Dallas-Fort Worth area to see.

They've a long drive ahead of them. It was good visiting with them over coffee. 

Eclipse Weather Forecast

Above, the start of the "Diamond Ring Effect" in 2017. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

When the 2017 Great American Eclipse took place, it was in the middle of summer and the weather was not an issue for me when I viewed it near Roberts, Idaho. 

Since we're in the early spring, clouds and storms may hinder viewing for some.

Yahoo! News reported:

The total solar eclipse is now just three days away, and local forecasts in 13 states along the so-called path of totality suggest that viewing the highly anticipated celestial event may be a problem for some but less so for others.

In Austin, Texas — which is expecting an influx of more than 1 million tourists for the eclipse — forecasters are calling for mostly cloudy skies during the morning hours, followed by thunderstorms in the afternoon. According to Yahoo Weather, there is a 54% chance of rain on Monday.

Similar conditions are expected in Dallas, though the chance of precipitation (64%) is significantly higher.

To read more, go here. 

What To Know On Eclipse Viewing

Above, eclipse watchers setting up near Roberts, Idaho in 2017. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

During the 2017 solar eclipse, I stayed at a KOA Kampground in Lava Hot Springs, Idaho, but I went early in the morning to Roberts, Idaho (100 miles) to view it.

I got up early (around 4:00 in the morning) and drove to Roberts and went to an area where others were set up for eclipse viewing off Interstate 15.

Above, The Beast at the eclipse viewing area in 2017. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

I got to Roberts around 7:00 and made myself breakfast in my motorhome. 

The eclipse in totality was spectacular and I took many photographs of it. 

After it was over, I got on Interstate 15 to head back to Lava Hot Springs. Well, the traffic heading south was the worst I ever experienced. It took me over four hours to reach Lava Hot Springs. It seemed like half of Utah was on the Interstate heading back to Utah. Still, despite that, it was a worthwhile experience.

Above, eclipse viewers near Roberts, Idaho in 2017. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

More people are expected to hit this roads for Monday's eclipse. It is taking a different path than the one that took place in 2017. It will be over more populated areas. 

Friends from L.A. are now in Gallup resting while they head to Dallas, Texas to view the eclipse. We may be meeting up this morning.

MPR News has some tips for eclipse viewing and what to expect.

They begin with:

NASA says that roughly 31.6 million people live in the path of this year's total solar eclipse, and a little under half of the U.S. population lives within 200 miles driving distance of the path of totality.

That could mean many millions of Americans will hit the road to get a better view on Monday. If you're still pondering whether or not you want to make the journey, here's what to consider.

 To read more, go here.

Traveling To See The Total Solar Eclipse? It’ll Cost You… A Lot

Above, the 2017 Great American Eclipse in totality. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

April 8's solar eclipse is just four days away and prices of accommodations, travel and merchandise have risen to meet the demand.

People may have already started flocking to states that are in the path of totality. I remember that I left a few days before the August 2017 Great American Eclipse to reach Roberts, Idaho. I stayed at a KOA Kampground in Lava Hot Springs. The campground jacked up prices back then as well.

Above, at camp in Lava Hot Springs, Idaho in 2017. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

After the eclipse was over, it took me over four hours to drive back to Lava Hot Springs from Roberts due to massive traffic. It seemed at lease half of Utah was in Idaho that day.

For Monday's eclipse, I decided to sit it out at home in New Mexico. We will only have a partial eclipse at best. Weather reports aren't too encouraging. At least the 2017 eclipse was in the middle of summer.

Above, in the shadow of the 2017 eclipse. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

LAist has an article on what to expect this weekend for Monday's eclipse.

They start it with:

People from all across the U.S. have been flocking to Texas, Illinois, New York and nine other states for the best views of Monday’s total solar eclipse, but traveling into the path of totality isn’t cheap.

Hotels and vacation rentals are booked up, flights have skyrocketed, and that’s not even adding all the different merchandise you can pick up to prove you saw the moon’s shadow completely cover the sun.

From limited edition T-shirts, to creative eclipse glasses, and totality-branded bandanas for your pets — this natural phenomenon has sparked a booming industry.

To read more, go here. 

Snow Arriving Tomorrow

Above, a late March snow in 2021. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

As I mentioned in my previous post about Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire, we are expecting another snowstorm to come into the Gallup/Jamestown area tomorrow. 

I guess we can thank the good Lord for holding off the storm so I can enjoy an evening out to the movies and dinner yesterday.

As the solar eclipse is to arrive on April 8, it will be interesting to see if the weather conditions will be good enough for people in its path to experience it. We will have a partial eclipse here.

According to the National Weather Service, the forecast for Gallup/Jamestown is as follows:

Today

Sunny, with a high near 61. Breezy, with a southwest wind 10 to 15 mph increasing to 20 to 25 mph in the afternoon. Winds could gust as high as 35 mph.

Tonight

Mostly clear, with a low around 33. Breezy, with a south wind 20 to 25 mph decreasing to 10 to 15 mph after midnight. Winds could gust as high as 35 mph.

Sunday

A chance of rain and snow showers before 9am, then a chance of snow showers between 9am and noon, then rain and snow showers likely after noon. Partly sunny, with a high near 50. Breezy, with a south wind 10 to 15 mph increasing to 20 to 25 mph in the afternoon. Winds could gust as high as 35 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60%. Little or no snow accumulation expected.

Sunday Night

A chance of rain and snow showers before 9pm, then a chance of snow showers. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 28. Southwest wind 5 to 15 mph. Chance of precipitation is 50%.

Monday

Snow showers, mainly after noon. High near 43. West wind 5 to 15 mph. Chance of precipitation is 80%.

Monday Night

A 20 percent chance of snow showers before midnight. Partly cloudy, with a low around 26. 

Eclipse Viewing With RV Poll

Above, the 2017 Great American Eclipse in totality from Idaho. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

The April 8 solar eclipse is less than a month away.

If one hasn't done so already, time is getting short to plan to see it and, if going by RV, make campground reservations.

That's the topic of a poll in RV Travel.

It begins with:

On April 8, 2024, a rare phenomenon is scheduled to occur. On that Monday, the skies over much of North America will treat viewers to a total eclipse of the sun. You can see the pathway of the eclipse here. Click on the magnifying glass to the left of the map and enter a location to find the time and duration of the eclipse in various places across the United States, Canada, and Mexico. Or, just click on your location on the map for the information.

 To read more and answer the poll, go here.

April 8 Solar Eclipse: Things To Do Now

Above, the April 8 eclipse path through Texas.

We're almost into March, but before we know it, we'll be in April.

The big event coming on April 8 is the solar eclipse that will cut across North America. People have already made travel plans to view it.

Above, 2024 U.S. eclipse path.

I was lucky enough to live in the path of the annular solar eclipse last year, so I didn't have to travel anywhere. I just sat out in the yard.

In 2017, I drove up to Idaho to view the Great American Eclipse. I made a vacation out of the trip and also visited Crater Lake National Park in Oregon and Lassen Volcanic National Park in Northern California. 

Above, the 2017 Great American Eclipse in totality. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

The only thing that wasn't fun was spending several hours in bumper-to-bumper traffic immediately following the eclipse. I had a campsite at a KOA Kampground in Lava Hot Springs, Idaho to get to. I made my reservations months in advance. 

Still, it was a great event to experience.

The Points Guy has posted an article things to do now if one wants to watch the April 8 eclipse.

It begins with:

On April 8, the moon will pass directly before the sun, darkening the afternoon sky with a rare, total solar eclipse. For those along the path of totality, the solar eclipse will last around four minutes. With so many people clamoring to see this rare celestial spectacle, you'll need a plan if you want to be among them.

Whether you plan to watch the solar eclipse from home, on the road or even from the sky, here are the things you should be doing now to prepare. 

To read more, go here. 

Affordable Eclipse Adventure By RV

Above, at a KOA Kampground in Lava Hot Springs, Idaho
for the 2017 Great American Eclipse. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

We are almost two months away before the solar eclipse.

Already, hotels and campgrounds are being booked up by sky-watchers. Travel and Tour World has posted an article on which mode of travel for the event is more economical for the family budget.

They begin it with:

When it comes to enjoying the captivating sights and sounds of the upcoming total solar eclipse on April 8th without breaking the bank, many Americans are discovering that opting for an RV adventure and celebrating at one of the 5,000-plus campgrounds along the eclipse’s path is a more budget-friendly alternative to air travel and hotel stays. A recent survey by Priceline on flights and hotel rates in cities along the eclipse route revealed an average airfare of $587 per person and a nightly hotel rate of $238. In contrast, camping in picturesque parks or family-friendly campgrounds comes at a fraction of the cost, with many sites available for under $75. For those interested in renting an RV for the occasion, it’s possible to secure one that accommodates up to 8 people for less than $100 per night.

Above, at a viewing area in Roberts, Idaho just before the start of the Great American Eclipse. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

When the Great American Eclipse took place in August 2017, I booked my campsite months in advance at a KOA Kampground in Lava Hot Springs, Idaho. That was a memorable trip!

To read more, go here. 

Path of April 8 Solar Eclipse

Above, the 2017 Great American Eclipse in totality. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

The April 8 solar eclipse across North America is rapidly approaching.

The path of totality will be going south to north through Mexico and then the United States. 

If one is planning to go out and view the eclipse, planning ahead is essential as hotels, RV parks and campgrounds are beginning to be booked up.

I saw the Great American Eclipse from Roberts, Idaho in August 2017 and it was a memorable experience. The recent annular solar eclipse path took it directly over my home in New Mexico. All I had to do was to go out in the yard to see it.

The path of this year's solar eclipse is shown below:

Above, map provided by NASA's Scientific Visualization Studio.

Right now, I am considering either flying to Dallas-Fort Worth, Texas or driving the RV to Waco, Texas to view the eclipse. Since I had a great time in Fort Worth and Dallas in 2021, I wouldn't mind going there again and hang out at the Fort Worth Stockyards. I've been to Waco on a claims assignment back in 1992. So I have an idea of its terrain. It would be drive of over 700 miles from home. 

If I drive, I can also visit the LBJ Presidential Library and the LBJ Ranch during the trip. Both are around two hours away from Waco.

500% Spike In RV and Campground Bookings For Solar Eclipse

Above, my campsite at a Lava Hot Springs KOA during the
 2017 Great American Eclipse. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

April is not too far away. That means campsites along the path of totality of the April 8 solar eclipse are being gobbled up.

Now is the time (if one hasn't done so already) to reserve a campsite. 

Above, the solar eclipse in totality from Idaho in 2017. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

I went up to Idaho for the 2017 Great American Eclipse and it was an experience nobody should miss. The photos that accompany this blog post are from that trip.

According to Forbes, there's been a 500% spike in RV and campground bookings along the path of totality.

They posted an article that begins with:

If you’re yet to plan a trip to see North America’s total solar eclipse—the longest since 1806 and the last until 2033 in Alaska—it’s time to prepare.

On Monday, April 8, the rare sight of the sun’s corona around a new moon will be visible from a 115-mile wide path stretching from Mexico to Atlantic Canada via parts of 15 U.S. states. Everyone else on the continent will see just a regular partial solar eclipse.

You must get inside that path of totality—to not do so is to misunderstand how mind-blowing a totality solar eclipse is and its rarity. The experience of plummeting temperatures, wildlife going crazy, and the sight of the sun’s spiky white corona will leave you in disbelief at what you just saw. The next total solar eclipses in the U.S. are in Alaska in 2033, Canada, Montana/South Dakota in 2044 and coast-to-coast in the U.S. and beyond in 2045.

But hotels are now hard to come by—or else costly. The answer, of course, is to camp.

Above, my motorhome during the totality of the Great American Eclipse
from a viewing area near Roberts, Idaho. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

To read more, go here. 

Find A Campsite For The Total Solar Eclipse—Before It’s Too Late

Above, the Great American Eclipse in totality in 2016. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Back in August 2016, I drove up to Roberts, Idaho to view the Great American Eclipse. I stayed at a KOA in Lava Hot Springs while there. 

At the end of the eclipse, it seemed that half of Utah's population was in Idaho as it took over four hours to drive south from Roberts back to my campsite in Lava Hot Springs due to bumper-to-bumper traffic.

Above, my campsite at a KOA Kampground in Lava Hot Springs in 2016. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

This coming April, we should expect the same thing as another total solar eclipse is coming to cross the United States. Now is the time to book a campsite before it's too late.

Forbes has posted an article on just this topic.

They begin with:

If you're yet to plan a trip to experience the total solar eclipse occurring across North America on April 8, you have less than five months to make a plan—but it's not too late.

The rare sight of the sun's corona—its wispy outer atmosphere—will be visible from within a 125-mile wide path of totality stretching from the Pacific coast of northwestern Mexico to Atlantic Canada via 15 U.S. states.

Everyone else in the U.S. will see just a regular partial solar eclipse, which has caused thousands to make plans and book-up hotels, RV parks and campsites in the path.

If one has never experienced a total solar eclipse, it is well worth a trip to see it. 

To read more, go here. 

Upcoming This Week

Above, Mitch's present wrapped and ready to go. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Now that the annular eclipse is over and done with, there's something else to look forward to.

Friend Mitch Geriminsky will be turning the ripe old age of 70 on October 25, but the birthday party will be this week in Lake Havasu, Arizona. I will heading there at the end of this week with Sierra.

Above, yesterday, just before the eclipse began. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

I have already bought his birthday present and it'll be presented at the party. 

This will likely be the last camping trip with The Beast this year. Winter is fast approaching and it is already cold at night here in Jamestown, New Mexico. At least I'll be enjoying temperatures of around 100° while in Lake Havasu.

It is kind of mind-boggling to think that someone I've known since we were 14 years old is turning 70. 

"Ring of Fire" Eclipse

Above, the Ring of Fire eclipse. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

The "Ring of Fire" annular eclipse of today is now history.

It was an interesting diversion. Unfortunately, my Canon camera didn't exactly cooperate today. Only a few photos at the beginning of the eclipse are somewhat recognizable. The others were total washouts.

Above, outside eclipse viewing.

It dawned on me afterwards that I didn't have a lens filter on. I completely forgot about it. I later remembered that I had trouble putting on a lens shade on the lens as the filter was in its way when I took my photos in 2017 of the Great American Eclipse.

However, today wasn't a total loss as I was able to get some photos with my cell phone camera. I put the solar shade glasses lens over the cell phone camera lens. That did the trick. 

The photos accompanying this blog post are all from my cell phone.  

After the eclipse watching, we gathered at Denny's at the Flying J for coffee and lunch. 

Above, the gang at Denny's. Photo courtesy of Russell Azbill.

Tribal Traditions During An Eclipse

Above, the Great American Eclipse of 2017. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

While those of us who are in the path of today's annular solar eclipse will be observing it, Native American tribes will be honoring the event in different ways.

As such, tribal parks such as Monument Valley Tribal Park will be closed during the duration of the eclipse.

From KFOR:

OKLAHOMA CITY (KFOR) – As the annular solar eclipse crosses over North America on Saturday, Oct. 14, tribal nations across the U.S. are using the occasion to pass down cultural teachings, share stories and ensure members, especially younger generations, learn sacred traditions.

Here are a few examples:

Since I live across Interstate 40 from parts of the Navajo Nation, here's what the Navajos will do during the eclipse:

Navajo

For the Diné, or Navajo, an eclipse is about solemnity — not spectacle. It marks the end of a cycle and the power of when the moon and sun are in alignment. When the sun is blocked, it is undergoing a rebirth. It also is seen as the moon and the sun embracing each other.

“There’s so many things we’re not supposed to do as Diné people compared to other tribes, where it’s OK for them to look at the eclipse or be out or do things,” said Krystal Curley, executive director of nonprofit Indigenous Life Ways.

Don’t: Look at the eclipse, eat, drink, sleep or engage in physical activity.

Do: Sit at home and reflect or pray during what’s considered an intimate, celestial moment.

Paul Begay, a Diné cultural adviser for guided hikes with Taadidiin Tours in Antelope Canyon, said he was taught from a young age that deities are responsible for creation starting with the first man and first woman, who traveled through four worlds.

Begay described an eclipse as a disturbance, or death of the sun, which is considered a father figure in Navajo culture. Out of respect, he said, all activity stops.

“It’s just a show of reverency, a show of being the way the holy people would want you to be,” Begay said. “Of course, the eclipse will subside in due time and activities go back to normalcy.”

To read more, go here. 

Eclipse Weather

Above, what the sky looks like now. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

It's a good thing that the annular solar eclipse isn't taking place now as it is a bit cold outside.

Right now, it is about 39° outside, but it is clear with a few wispy clouds. Viewing of the eclipse should be good here in Jamestown.

According to The Weather Channel app on my phone, the outside temperature during the eclipse will be around 55°. Not too bad. Definitely jacket weather.

Ready For The Eclipse

Above, what I'll be using along with a tripod. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

A friend asked me the other day what settings did I use on my digital camera when shooting the Great American Eclipse in 2017. I said I think it was Automatic, but wasn't sure (after all, it has been six years since I did it). Whatever settings I did use, I was very pleased at the results.

One of which is here:

However, that was wrong as I did some checking online on what settings to use for Saturday's annular eclipse. 

I found  a post from Photography Life to be the most useful. It is "How To Photograph A Solar Eclipse".

They begin it with:

When photographing a solar eclipse, there are a few very important considerations you have to keep in mind to avoid damage to your camera equipment or to your eyes. In this article, we will take a closer look at where you should physically be at the time of totality, what equipment you should have on hand, what safety precautions to take before, during and after the solar eclipse, and what framing and composition aspects to consider. Keep in mind that totality might only last a couple of minutes, so if you are not fully prepared, you might miss the opportunity to photograph this rare phenomenon.

Accordingly, I am setting my camera to their recommendations. After reading it, everything (somewhat) came back to me on the camera settings. I now remember spending some time setting the camera's Manual settings.

I got the solar shades (viewing glasses) and guide from 2017 out of the motorhome. I have 3 extra solar shades.

To read more, go here.