Solar Eclipse

[MITCHO]

Just wanted to invite any of our VRCC friends to come join us for the viewing of the solar eclipse on August 21.  Turns out that Crossville, TN will be along the path for some of the best viewing of this rare event.  We will have food and beverages available for anyone that feels like stopping by.  Please message me if you need our address and to let us know if you can attend.

Look forward to seeing all of you and the disappearing sun.

Mitch and Laura

[Rams]

Will definitely run this by the Spousal Unit.   Got room for an RV?

[MITCHO]

Ron,

There's certainly room for an RV, heck, even for a spousal unit if she's so inclined.

Mitch

[JimmyG]

Hey Mitch and Laura. How cool of an idea is that?  Who knows, we may get a day off and shoot up that way to visit.
 

[hubcapsc]

Hey Mitch and Laura!

That's a cool idea 

Here's my opinion about what the roads will be like that day, though -
like after the aliens got going good in the Tom Cruise version of
War of the Worlds, all the streets and Interstates tangled masses
of cars and pedestrians, trains on fire rolling empty down the tracks,
as all the kooks in the world converge on "the line" drawn
from Oregon to South Carolina... they're telling us here to "stock up"
like before an ice storm or something...

-Mike 

[Titan]

Hey Mitch and Laura!

That's a cool idea 

Here's my opinion about what the roads will be like that day, though -
like after the aliens got going good in the Tom Cruise version of
War of the Worlds, all the streets and Interstates tangled masses
of cars and pedestrians, trains on fire rolling empty down the tracks,
as all the kooks in the world converge on "the line" drawn
from Oregon to South Carolina... they're telling us here to "stock up"
like before an ice storm or something...

-Mike 

You're so right! An acquaintance asked me yesterday if I was "going anywhere" for the eclipse, as in to a gathering or something. I told him that I was going outside into my front yard and if I couldn't see what I need to see from there, I'd just miss it. It's my understanding that all hotel rooms are already booked in and around Columbia, SC and I've talked to folks who tell me that many private homes have rented rooms for the occasion. It's estimated that we'll have around 5,000,00 upwards to over 1.3 million visitors. Yeah, I'll be at the house. 

[scooperhsd]

If we can't go to Kansas City, it is likely I'll be heading down to Columbia SC to see the total. We do not plan on spending the night - just get up early have a lunch / drinks packed and head down. Afterwards, drive home...

Or, our area does get 93%+ - we may just go find a clear field and see what we can close to home.

[Smokinjoe-VRCCDS#0005]

That's a Monday .... Would love to join y'all but work will get in the way   

Guess I'll watch it from the road " wherever " I'm at   

[Titan]

If we can't go to Kansas City, it is likely I'll be heading down to Columbia SC to see the total. We do not plan on spending the night - just get up early have a lunch / drinks packed and head down. Afterwards, drive home...

Or, our area does get 93%+ - we may just go find a clear field and see what we can close to home.

According to everything I've read, if you aren't in a place to view the total eclipse, you won't really see anything.
http://www.eclipse2017.org/2017/viewing.HTM

[Rams]

Hey Mitch and Laura!

That's a cool idea 

Here's my opinion about what the roads will be like that day, though -
like after the aliens got going good in the Tom Cruise version of
War of the Worlds, all the streets and Interstates tangled masses
of cars and pedestrians, trains on fire rolling empty down the tracks,
as all the kooks in the world converge on "the line" drawn
from Oregon to South Carolina... they're telling us here to "stock up"
like before an ice storm or something...

-Mike 

You're so right! An acquaintance asked me yesterday if I was "going anywhere" for the eclipse, as in to a gathering or something. I told him that I was going outside into my front yard and if I couldn't see what I need to see from there, I'd just miss it. It's my understanding that all hotel rooms are already booked in and around Columbia, SC and I've talked to folks who tell me that many private homes have rented rooms for the occasion. It's estimated that we'll have around 5,000,00 upwards to over 1.3 million visitors. Yeah, I'll be at the house. 

Actually, I really don't care whether I see the eclipse or not but, it's a chance to get with Mitch and Laura and that's always fun.    Just gotta talk the Spousal Unit into taking a day off work.   

[Bigwolf]

  Plus 1  I don't have to go anywhere to see the eclipse.  I will be able to see it just fine from my own back yard.  Even so, I do like to hang out with Valkyrie folks so I will probably make the short ride to Crossville for this gathering.

Great idea Mitch! Thanks for the invite.  I will need that address.

Bigwolf (aka) Jerry

[George B]

No need to travel. It will be right overhead, here in Southern Illinois...People are coming from everywhere and every thing will be jammed.
 We get to sit in our back yard with a cooler of beer and enjoy.  

[Titan]

No need to travel. It will be right overhead, here in Southern Illinois...People are coming from everywhere and every thing will be jammed.
 We get to sit in our back yard with a cooler of beer and enjoy.  

The total eclipse is gonna last about 2 minutes and 30 seconds. You better have a lot of beer in that cooler! LMAO! 

 

[George B]

Just an excuse to drink beer.....

[Crackerborn]

Just an excuse to drink beer.....

You need an excuse???

[George B]

This whole eclipse thing has turned into a 3 day party event. Concerts with Ozzy Osborn headlining, every hotel booked solid. I 57 and 64 will be jammed and going out on the Valk will be near suicide. Just a good time to fire up the grill and hang out at home with the neighbors...  

If it rains....we are prepared for rioting....

[Titan]

Here's some advisory information being published in SC regarding what to expect for traffic conditions. I'm sure the same information is being circulated in other cities in the path. I expect the traffic will be bad for for the week prior.
I live in Lexington, SC (next door to Columbia) which is smack in the middle of the path and you can bet that I won't be leaving the house.   

http://www.thestate.com/news/local/article163572993.html

[scooperhsd]

Here's some advisory information being published in SC regarding what to expect for traffic conditions. I'm sure the same information is being circulated in other cities in the path. I expect the traffic will be bad for for the week prior.
I live in Lexington, SC (next door to Columbia) which is smack in the middle of the path and you can bet that I won't be leaving the house.   

http://www.thestate.com/news/local/article163572993.html

Thank you very much - will keep this in mind if we go down.

[art]

Commute is too much, darn. I'd love to attend. I'll have to take my chances in central Or.

[George B]

Here's some advisory information being published in SC regarding what to expect for traffic conditions. I'm sure the same information is being circulated in other cities in the path. I expect the traffic will be bad for for the week prior.
I live in Lexington, SC (next door to Columbia) which is smack in the middle of the path and you can bet that I won't be leaving the house.  

http://www.thestate.com/news/local/article163572993.html

Our local news just had a warning to not expect to be able to travel for 3 days and stock up on food and water ! This is getting out of hand 

[MITCHO]

Hey Mitch and Laura. How cool of an idea is that?  Who knows, we may get a day off and shoot up that way to visit.
 

Hey Jimmy, hope that you and Steph are able to come by, we'd love to see you.

Mitch & Laura

[MITCHO]

Hey Mitch and Laura!

That's a cool idea 

Here's my opinion about what the roads will be like that day, though -
like after the aliens got going good in the Tom Cruise version of
War of the Worlds, all the streets and Interstates tangled masses
of cars and pedestrians, trains on fire rolling empty down the tracks,
as all the kooks in the world converge on "the line" drawn
from Oregon to South Carolina... they're telling us here to "stock up"
like before an ice storm or something...

-Mike 

I learned from another newly 'Southernized' person, Reb, that if an ice storm is coming you have to buy milk, bread, and eggs.  We'll make sure to have beer too!  As long as Dakota Fanning doesn't start screaming we should be okay.

If we all come through this unscathed hope to see you soon.

Mitch & Laura

[MITCHO]

That's a Monday .... Would love to join y'all but work will get in the way   

Guess I'll watch it from the road " wherever " I'm at   

Joe, hate that you won't be able to join us but we appreciate your efforts in keeping our electric meter spinning.  It always makes a day better when the Wild Bunch shows up.

Be safe,

Mitch & Laura

[MITCHO]

Plus 1  I don't have to go anywhere to see the eclipse.  I will be able to see it just fine from my own back yard.  Even so, I do like to hang out with Valkyrie folks so I will probably make the short ride to Crossville for this gathering.

Great idea Mitch! Thanks for the invite.  I will need that address.

Bigwolf (aka) Jerry

Jerry, we'd love to have you stop by anytime.  I'll message the information.

Mitch & Laura

[MITCHO]

Commute is too much, darn. I'd love to attend. I'll have to take my chances in central Or.

Art  we'd be pleased to have you stop by, but that is quite a commute. The only way I'd want to make it would be on a Valkyrie.  I was in your neck of the woods last month on my circuitous route to Inzane.  Beautiful country.

Ride safe,

Mitch

[MITCHO]

No need to travel. It will be right overhead, here in Southern Illinois...People are coming from everywhere and every thing will be jammed.
 We get to sit in our back yard with a cooler of beer and enjoy.  

George we'll honk when we drive by.  We still spend most of our time in Effingham, IL but will be heading down to the house in Crossville, TN as Effingham is too far North to view the eclipse.

Ride safe,

Mitch & Laura

[hal47]

Sounds like a party.

[MITCHO]

Sounds like a party.

If you're there it definitely will be. 

[0leman]

I was originally planning on heading north a bit to see the total eclipse here in Oregon.  Then got thinking on the traffic that would be on the roads.  So decided to stay here and watch it.  We will be getting about 94% of the effect.  So will just go outside in yard and enjoy it.

That is if the fires go out and the smoke goes away.

[Rams]

What time of the day is this eclipse supposed to occur in Crossville?   

I'd hate to miss it cause I overslept.

[vanagon40]

What time of the day is this eclipse supposed to occur in Crossville?   

I'd hate to miss it cause I overslept.

Starts at 1:02 p.m. Maximum eclipse is 2:32 p.m. End of eclipse is 3:57. All times Eastern Daylight Time (not sure if that is correct for Crossville).

You can check the times (and percent obstruction) of the eclipse for anywhere on this Interactive Google Map

[Ken Tarver]

Me and wife, daughter & hubby and 2 grands going to Grand Rivers, KY area (Land Between The Lakes).
Couldn't get rooms there but did get rooms in Dover, TN. for Sunday night. Won't be a bike trip though. 
Mmmm, maybe can make it a tax deductible trip for grands education...LOL

Ken

[BudMan]

We're taking the RV to Du Quoine IL for the "EVENT". We reserved a parking slot up there about 7 or 8 months ago.
We're traveling down to Carbondale IL for the actual eclipse. The University there has a full schedule of events focused on astronomy the entire weekend. They also have live links to NASA in case the weather is bad.
Funny thing is that I used to stay in Carbondale and drive to Du Quoine to see the flat track races years ago, now I'm doing it backwards!

[signart]

This whole eclipse thing has turned into a 3 day party event. Concerts with Ozzy Osborn headlining, every hotel booked solid. I 57 and 64 will be jammed and going out on the Valk will be near suicide. Just a good time to fire up the grill and hang out at home with the neighbors...  

If it rains....we are prepared for rioting....

I don't see why they don't just have the eclipse on Saturday, while most folks are off and kids are already out of school.

[Willow]

This whole eclipse thing has turned into a 3 day party event. Concerts with Ozzy Osborn headlining, every hotel booked solid. I 57 and 64 will be jammed and going out on the Valk will be near suicide. Just a good time to fire up the grill and hang out at home with the neighbors...  

If it rains....we are prepared for rioting....

I don't why they don't just have the eclipse on Saturday, while most folks are off and kids are already out of school.

Another case of really poor scheduling.   

[Rams]

This whole eclipse thing has turned into a 3 day party event. Concerts with Ozzy Osborn headlining, every hotel booked solid. I 57 and 64 will be jammed and going out on the Valk will be near suicide. Just a good time to fire up the grill and hang out at home with the neighbors...  

If it rains....we are prepared for rioting....

I don't why they don't just have the eclipse on Saturday, while most folks are off and kids are already out of school.

Another case of really poor scheduling.   

Precisely.

Just in case I don't make this one, I'm making reservations for the next........

[Willow]

Just in case I don't make this one, I'm making reservations for the next........

It looks like that'll be 2019 in Argentina, Ron.  That should be a good trip.  Will you be flying or riding?   

[Rams]

Just in case I don't make this one, I'm making reservations for the next........

It looks like that'll be 2019 in Argentina, Ron.  That should be a good trip.  Will you be flying or riding?   

Well, thanks for the information.   Of course, I'll be riding.........

But, I was talking about the next one in KY/TN.    I think I heard it was only 700/800 years from now.
I have no doubt the fat lady will still be running, me, I'm not so sure about................   

[..]

The safest way to view the eclipse is not to directly view it at all.
According to NASA and the American Astronomical Society, if you are going to view the eclipse, never do so without full time use of NASA.GOV approved solar eclipse glasses obtained directly from the list of approved manufacturers listed on the NASA.GOV website. These glasses contain both the ISO certification stamp and the name of the manufacturer clearly listed on the glasses. However, beware…fake glasses are being sold by many sources that even have the ISO and manufacturer’s name on the glasses. IF YOU ARE GOING TO VIEW THE ECLIPSE, ONLY DO SO USING SOLAR ECLIPSE GLASSES OBTAINED DIRECTLY FROM ONE OF THE APPROVED NASA.GOV MANUFACTURERS. Amazon is not a manufacturer.

It is NOT safe to directly look at the eclipse without proper eye protection…not even for a few seconds. Temporary, and sometimes permanent loss of vision may occur if we fail to take proper safety precautions. This damage will occur painlessly since the cells in the retina that are damaged during the eclipse do not have any pain receptors. So, in Atlanta, even though we will experience a 97% totality solar eclipse, do not directly view the eclipse without certified and properly obtained ISO (International Organization of Standardizations) eye protection. Even in areas that experience 100% totality, direct viewing without proper protection is potentially very dangerous.

Be sure to inspect your approved glasses to ensure that they are ISO and manufacturer stamped and inspect the lenses looking for any scratches or defects in the lenses. Do not use them if they are scratched, wrinkled or more than three years old or if you are not sure that they were obtained directly from an approved manufacturer.

It is NOT safe to view the eclipse directly with any of the following:
Regular sunglasses, no matter how dark they are and no matter how many pairs you put together.
Through any binoculars, telescopes or cameras (even cell phone cameras) without certified lenses that are approved and manufactured specifically for that device. It is NOT safe to view through these devices even if you are wearing approved direct viewing eclipse glasses. These approved direct viewing eclipse glasses are only safe to be used for direct viewing without looking through binoculars, telescopes or cameras.

It is NOT safe to view the eclipse directly through windows (car, home or office) as these windows do not block out the potentially damaging solar rays without using NASA.GOV approved and properly obtained eclipse glasses.
If you have any questions, please feel free to go to the NASA.GOV website

[trout dude]

Man i wish i could be there for this party but i can't so Y'all have a large time and i will here about it later.
 Dennis