I rode to the Eclipse

[..]

Sunday I had thought this could be a secret viewing spot but the trees and brush had obscured the view of Nantahala Lake.



Left Robbinsville at 10am Monday morning after picking up lunch supplies from the grocery store.

Cheroahala Highway was a zoo so we 3 decided to head south from Tellico Plains to find a viewing area.



























Kinda headed towards Murphy and Andrews.

South of the Fields of the Wood we stopped to check our location with compass and realised we had stopped at exactly the right place. An out of business gas station. Shade for the bikes and a picnic table in the shade as well.





As the moon cut into the glare of the sun the insects stopped their noise and a nearby rooster started rooster- a- doodling.







No Moon Pie darn it.

Not so easily fooled the insects and rooster traded sound levels.

At about 75% of total eclipse the birds started their roosting calling ritual, the security light on the corner of the building lit up.





Leaf eclipse.

Then the insects stopped again and the rooster woke the "night" sky.

At total with no need for eye protection we could quite clearly see the full disc of the moon.







Eye lasering the sun reappeared, we quickly packed our stuff and headed home.

Only a couple of minor traffic tail backs. One due to eclipse traffic at a stop sign in McCaysville.



One due to road works and rush hour traffic at a 4 way stop.

[Rams]

Rode with two other Valkyrie enthusiasts to Crossville, TN to enjoy this event with some of our TN family.   Ran into some other Valkyrie riders I didn't know were meeting up there.   Had a simply wonderful time.   Thanks to our hosts Mitcho and Laura.   

Anyone would be blessed to have friends like them.   Special people........................

[threevalks]

             I am curious as to why so many headed to the Cherohala Highway and other high elevations to view the eclipse. Did being at a higher elevation really make that much difference. The sun is  92,955,807 miles from earth. I simply layed down in my front yard (elevation 900 ft.) and had a fine view. The sun is in the sky, so unless you live in a pine thicket you should be able to see the damn thing.

[..]

             I am curious as to why so many headed to the Cherohala Highway and other high elevations to view the eclipse. Did being at a higher elevation really make that much difference. The sun is  92,955,807 miles from earth. I simply layed down in my front yard (elevation 900 ft.) and had a fine view. The sun is in the sky, so unless you live in a pine thicket you should be able to see the damn thing.

I think those with telescopes wanted less air pollution.

Others wanted a view as I did.

[Firefighter]

 I simply layed down in my front yard (elevation 900 ft.) and had a fine view.

I don't know, my yard is at (36 feet elevation) and I couldn't see anything!

[hubcapsc]

If you get to a place where you can see big... you could see the shadow coming...

-Mike "I watched it in my yard..."

[Hook#3287]

Cool report   Thanks.

[Carl]

 Cool report and nice pics.  I am curious though.  Re: pic 17.  Did you take the shield down long enough to notice the lunar alien starring back at you?

[baldo]

             I am curious as to why so many headed to the Cherohala Highway and other high elevations to view the eclipse. Did being at a higher elevation really make that much difference. The sun is  92,955,807 miles from earth. I simply layed down in my front yard (elevation 900 ft.) and had a fine view. The sun is in the sky, so unless you live in a pine thicket you should be able to see the damn thing.

[The emperor has no clothes]

             I am curious as to why so many headed to the Cherohala Highway and other high elevations to view the eclipse. Did being at a higher elevation really make that much difference. The sun is  92,955,807 miles from earth. I simply layed down in my front yard (elevation 900 ft.) and had a fine view. The sun is in the sky, so unless you live in a pine thicket you should be able to see the damn thing.

Women do feel every extra inch counts. 

[..]

Cool report and nice pics.  I am curious though.  Re: pic 17.  Did you take the shield down long enough to notice the lunar alien starring back at you?

Mark kept showing us his photos as the moon crossed the sun pointing out the spaceship next to the sun. I sent him this photo telling him they wanted their souls back.

[Gavin_Sons]

Awesome pictures and report Britman