Totally Solo Solar Sojourn 2017

Totality with Prominences

Totality with red prominences at top and 1:30. I didn't expect those. I don't think many did. DW5D0093_1_demo_version_enhanced.jpg

Totality with Prominences

A slightly slower exposure of the prominences. DW5D0094_1_demo_version.JPG

Regulus

Slightly enhanced photo showing the solar corona to a larger extent. The red at left is a brief view of the Sun's chromosphere. To the lower left is the star system of Regulus (actually four stars), the brightest in the constellation of Leo. DW5D0082_1_done.jpg

Nebraska Google Map of the Eclipse Path of Totality

The red dot is where I was stationed for three days and two nights, in Hemingford, Nebraska.

Box Butte Co. Fairgrounds

One of the entrances to the Box Butte County Fairgrounds, which was to become my camping home for two and a half days, and the site I'd see the eclipse from. I had thought the bend in the sign was part of the design. No -- someone hit it with a truck. IMG_1941_1.JPG

Early Arrival

I arrived a full day early fearing crowded roads and sour dispositions among hurried drivers. Didn't hurt to do that, but I guess it wasn't really necessary. I also stayed over an extra night leaving the day after the eclipse. Turned out that really was a good idea, as all the roads, restaurants, gas stations and rest stops on I-80 were reported to be packed. Travel that next day afterward was completely uneventful as it was delightful. I took the back roads, old Hwy. 30, instead of Interstate 80. That was something I had always wanted to do. The small old towns along the way were charming. Really wished the Green Apple Cafe in Cozad was open the day I passed through coming back, but I caught them on the one day they were closed ;-( IMG_1936_1.JPG

Charged Up for the Eclipse

Not every RV camper site was full. I wondered if those RV power hookups were enabled -- and they were! Should I "borrow" some free electrons while I was there? Was this wrong? (I did pay for 2 days at the campground) IMG_1936_1.JPG

Camp Neighbors

Matt and Jen, from Council Bluffs, Iowa, with their pink flamingos George and Maxine. The clouds were rolling in just before the eclipse began. One of the flamingos was pointed towards the Sun; the other was facing north where the clouds were. I asked if they could point BOTH towards the clouds to steer them away. That worked, as the bad clouds just burned away just before they were overhead. Had they forgot to bring George and Maxine along with them, we might not have seen the eclipse at all. IMG_1940_1.JPG

Signs of the Eclipse

The town of Hemingford was all in on the eclipse supporting it's visitors. IMG_1933_1.JPG

Signs of the Eclipse

The town of Hemingford was all in on the eclipse supporting it's visitors. IMG_1934_1.JPG

TJ's in Hemmingford

No Trader Joe's in Hemingford? No, but they did sort of have a presence. IMG_1945_1.JPG

Sunset at the Fairgrounds

The sunset the evening following the eclipse was pretty awesome too. DW5D0161_1.JPG

Good Omen

View behind my hotel in the early morning as I left Lincoln, NE., a couple days before the eclipse. This looked to be a good omen. IMG_1909_1.JPG

Tumbleweed Treasures - Broadwater

Tumbleweed Treasures in Broadwater, NE., enroute to Hemingford, and again on the return. The light was slightly better on the journey home, and that's when I took this version of the old Tumbleweed building, and just in front of the fly infested old hotel, also pictured in this gallery. Lots of time spent standing across the street from this thing. Lots. IMG_1964_1_done.jpg

Old commercial building in Broadwater

Very weather worn old building. IMG_1923_1.JPG

Lazy-U Motel - Broadwater

The town of Broadwater, NE., has several dilapidated structures that drew me in. This old hotel is perhaps even more charming in the ruinous state it now finds itself in. Found on Google street view long before I drove out. IMG_1921_1.JPG

Mitchell's Guns and Ammo Church - Broadwater

I was struck by the irony of this Broadwater's guns and ammo business housed inside the old church. IMG_1926_1.JPG

Carhenge - Alliance, NE

Carhenge. This site attracted an insane number of 'eclipsers' the day and night before the 21st. It was worthwhile to visit on my way home on the 22nd, sans those insane crowds from the day before. There was a double sided bank of about 40 porta potties on one side of the park awaiting pick-up, used the day before. The eclipse was nationally televised from this site. My wife told me she watched the eclipse (on TV) from Carhenge. A day later, on the drive home, I made a quick decision to sight-see this place. IMG_1947_1.JPG

Carhenge - Alliance, NE

Carhenge IMG_1948_1.JPG

Carhenge - Alliance, NE

Carhenge IMG_1953_1.JPG