Day 7, July 2nd, Eclipse Day!
We got up early and were excited to see blue sky overhead with just a few clouds on the horizon. It was going to be perfect for viewing the eclipse, after all! People were jolly at breakfast and preparing their spots on deck. The announcement came that viewing would start at 9 am off the starboard side, but that changed to port side as the maneuvering became frequent. We ran from side to side seeing blue sky and clouds over there. John saw 1st Contact when the moon takes the first bite out of the sun! Very exciting to know that we were in the exact location.
The wind was up, but cameras stayed put. People sighed a bit. Minutes ticked by as the sun grew smaller and smaller. But that’s when it got tough. Clouds from everywhere came our way. There was no where to go.
Finally, 15 minutes to go. 5, 4, 3…and at Totality, we were completely socked in. Probably the humidity combined with the temperature drop created a cloud machine. John mentioned it right away and the scientists agreed. We barely saw the sunset on the horizon. Someone said they saw three stars. I don’t know where. We just kept waiting. Then through a tiny crack came a few seconds of sun. It was after 3rd contact, but still with a flash and an effect like a diamond ring! That made me very happy. The sun was a sliver and Totality had ended, but it had happened above our heads. We were in the path and did experience total darkness, which was awesome!
At one point during all of this, a man dressed as a sun god was parading around the deck. Pretty funny. Everyone took pictures. Families and groups did lots of posing afterward, but there was a general air of consolation on board. In addition, it was very cold and windy. 60 degrees and 30 knots of wind. Almost no one came prepared for the weather.
John was the last to leave Deck 9. He stayed all the way through 4th Contact, photographing what he could. He says he has a perfect set of waxing and waning sun photos, with the cloud patch in the middle. Very nice!
Two more days to the islands now where we will try to enjoy. Everyone is ready to be warm!
