We were nowhere near the path of totality. I think Santa Rosa, CA saw about 34 percent coverage. So I didn’t go into this endeavor with much focus. But it was a great excuse to get outside on a beautiful spring day.
We still had our solar eclipse kit from 2017. It included one pair of somewhat stylish glasses that I wore, plus plenty of cardboard-framed eye protectors, a solar filter for my camera, and a very handy booklet.
We had somewhat higher hopes this year than the August 2017 event because good weather was in the forecast. The previous eclipse was a total strikeout thanks to a persistent marine layer that just wouldn’t dissipate. I did get a cool shot of Theresa that day, however, with her eclipse glasses on.
This year we headed out to the same park to see what we could see. Even with just partial coverage, the lighting around us was different - kind of eerie, actually. We watched the moon’s shadow move along the edge of the sun. That was about it. I took a picture with my iPhone to memorialize the occasion.
After about 30 minutes, we walked back to my studio and watched CNN report from the locations that were seeing totality. Somehow this was more enjoyable after we had made our own attempt.
Someday, maybe I’ll see a total eclipse. And if I get that chance, I will definitely be more focused photographically. But until then, I still have my glasses for whatever intense brightness comes our way.
This Week’s TDS Podcast
The Irresistible Roadtrip
I’m heading out to Arizona for our Spring in Sedona Photography Workshop. Last year I flew to Phoenix and rented a car. This year I decided to drive to Sedona in my VW ID.4. That way I can take pictures along the way.
It’s been fun getting ready for the adventure. And this week’s TDS Podcast is all about those preparations.
Plus, I’m going to record next week’s show along the way. That way you can ride shotgun with me.
Roadtripping with the BODEGAcooler Mini 12V Portable Fridge/Freezer - A Review
One of the items I’m packing for the drive to Sedona is the BodegaCooler 12V Mini Fridge. It fits in the back of the ID.4, only draws 35 watts of power when the condenser is running, and it keeps everything at the temperature I set. And the best part is there’s no messing around with ice.
I’ve published a full review of the BodegaCooler Mini on TheDigital Story. And I’ll follow up with its longhaul performance in next week’s podcast.