Tag Archives: travel

The Eclipse

We left Ft. Collins at 4am. Our destination was Glendo, Wyoming, a small town on the path of totality for the Total Solar Eclipse. There were a lot of cars on the road but traffic moved pretty steadily. We got to Glendo around 6am and the line of cars into the town were backed up for about a mile on the freeway. We kept going, thinking there would be another exit into the town but no. About 5 miles later we arrived in Douglas and parked at a very crowded rest stop. It was where we decided to stay and see the eclipse. We spent the next five hours walking around, chatting with our fellow eclipse viewers (there were TONS of people there and they couldn’t have been nicer), napping in the car and eating the snacks we had packed the day before.

The great thing about this rest stop were the fields all around. We headed out to them about 20 minutes before totality. We looked up with our special glasses as the sun became a sliver of light. You could tell, as totality approached, that it was getting darker, it was like late afternoon before sunset. And then suddenly darkness approached very rapidly. When we turned our backs to the sun we saw the shadow approaching. It was wild! The sky was dark and you could see stars. Because of all the fields we were surrounded by a clear horizon that was orange then bright pink. It was beautiful and awesome and so very difficult to explain.

The reaction of the people all around us was cool and added to the moment. People were yelling in amazement. I was crying and laughing with joy. We were in a collective of wonderment.

It was dark for about 2 minutes and then the sunlight began to come back. That was when I wanted to look but of course you couldn’t. Before that the sun was like a black disc with a bright circle of light around it. When the light came back I felt this intense joy, I wanted to see it and be part of it but I couldn’t.

I like that this eclipse went from coast to coast. I like that it shined on red states. I like that people came from all over to see this, people who were curious and loved science. I loved seeing all the telescopes and equipment. I love that the sky went dark but like hope the light came back and it was more beautiful than ever. I like to think this is a turning point for America. I like to think of the eclipse as shinning light on those in the darkness. We will come back to our brilliance just like the sun. I love that the eclipse gave me hope.

Good Night Seattle, I Love You!

A week ago today I was on the Sound Transit light rail headed to downtown Seattle. When Jerry had an opportunity to work the Seattle PAX consumer show and said I could tag along I jumped at the chance. I’ve been up to the Seattle Washington area many times for work but I’ve never had a chance to spend time in the city. Last week was finally my chance.

The highlight of the trip was getting to have lunch with a longtime family friend and my hero, Patricia Levin. August has been my month of reunions and reflection and ending it with a get together with Pat was just what I needed.

I spent the rest of the weekend bopping around downtown Seattle.

My favorite place to walk was Pikes Public Market. I went there every morning for a cup of coffee and any other treat I could get my hands on. In the evenings when Jerry got off work we walked down here as well and had some fantastic dinners. Seattle is definitely a food town!

Public Market

I also took the monorail to Seattle Center. I admired the Space Needle but was too chicken to go up. It was pretty windy that day and I did not have the mental energy to get out of my comfort zone.

Space Needle

The labyrinth was more my pace.

Labryinth

When I saw this guy I knew it was time to head on back to the hotel.

Snake guy

Sunday I got tickets to the show thanks to some well connected friends.

Xbox paxcosplay 

I’m looking forward to future trips to Seattle to see more city sites and also touch base with friends. In the meantime, stay cool Seattle!

Stay cool seattle