Portland, Oregon: Our house was in the 99% path of total coverage of the solar eclipse this morning. We could have traveled in a car less than one hour south to achieve 100% coverage, but we are weenies. Jet-lagged weenies. Many of our friends did travel to under the path of total coverage and reported an amazing experience - and total darkness for two minutes just after 10 o'clock this morning.
We did not have total darkness, but it grew very dark and very quiet. The birds stopped flying and chirping. Though the temperature rose to 91 degrees this afternoon, it was surprising the chill that came over us as the moon covered the sun. Reported later, a momentary 4 degree dip.
We sat in the driveway with our house sitter, outfitted with appropriate eye wear, and watched as the moon slowly ate away at the sun until all that was left was a very small sliver of light on the SW (our perspective) corner of the sun. At this point we saw amazing shadows on the ground and witnessed "snaking" or "shadow bands" on our driveway - a phenomenon where it looks like ripples from a swimming pools are reflecting and dancing across a plain surface (in this case, our driveway). Quite eerie.
Dave was able to keep watching the moon crawl across the sun, but it really creeped me out. The yellowish tinge flooding over our house and field was really strange as well. I did not like it one little bit.
Just like our cat (the amazing Spot) during the 1979 solar eclipse, I wanted to climb up the curtains and howl.
Darkness, with an eerie golden tinge, in the middle of the morning. There was not a cloud in the sky, so we were able to watch the eclipse without obstruction.Did any of you witness the eclipse? Please tell about your thoughts and experiences below.
Until my next update, I remain, your sunny correspondent.