The Eclipse

We shouldn't have gotten up so early. In the morning we spent some time inspecting maps to try to find a place away from crowds and traffic where we would have a clear view of the eclipse in the path of totality and Amanda found a CCC park by Lavon Lake called Ticky Creek. Admission was free, and it was empty when we arrived. Along the way we made a brief stop to pick up donuts and 'ultimate perogis'.

With 5 hours to kill before totality, Joy took a nap and Amanda and I walked the perimeter of the park. Away from the cut grass, the park was strewn with trash, gathered in big heaps and scattered deep into the underbrush. Everything was festooned with spiderwebs and large fat bodied orb weavers. We had to clear the awning over the camp table before we could sit.

Apparently fishermen would cast out nets to collect chub and then use this as bait for catching larger fish. We found abandoned nets filled with dead fish. After exploring the small park, we decided to walk back down the road to continue birding. I found a metal lawn chair that someone tossed into a rubbish heap over the side of the cliff and I climbed down to retrieve it. It was a nice chair and I carried it back to our camp site. We nearly brought it back to Mike and Joann.

The sky was overcast in the time leading up to and during the eclipse, but we saw most of the 4 minutes of totality. A half hour after the event, it cleared completely.

There wasn't a rush of wind like we experienced in Idaho, but people started shooting off fireworks when it got dark.

Instead of driving straight back or visiting another park, I suggested we drive into downtown McKinney to look for a place you can walk in Texas. We found the McKinney square and we wandered around. Amanda bought coffee from a tea shop and gifts for Bethany and Rahil from a weird occult store. The record store didn't have anything I wanted, and the comic book store was closed on Mondays.

On the way back to Denton we stopped at a 7-11 for some iced drinks and I documented the mysteries found within. I never visit convenience stores and the atmosphere is unique and overwhelming.

We got stuck in traffic on the way back, but I don't think it was due to the eclipse, it was just commuters.

That evening Mike and Joann had a roast with carrots and mashed potatoes waiting for us when we arrived. Mike boasted he about how he almost saw the complete eclipse from their backyard without any driving. It got me thinking about this cartoon.