I have heard many eclipse stories over the past few days. Hank and his family saw 99.6 % totality from the top of Brundage mountain. Hank is not prone to exaggeration but said it was “awesome”. Katie and Holt celebrated their third wedding anniversary at Blackmare Lake in the Payette National Forest. They hiked over 11 miles in what they described as very strenuous terrain to get an eclipse view. The pictures are amazing. Karen and I stayed in McCall with the granddaughters and took them in the double stroller for a walk to experience the eclipse. I do not think they will remember, but the pictures above tell our story. As we were walking through the shadows of the trees in Pilgrim Cove suddenly every shadow took on the crescent moon shape. The little moons are the light shining through the tiny holes in Karen’s straw hat onto the stroller. As we marveled at the light show we noticed a distinct temperature drop–according to our phones over six degree in a very short time. It did not go dark but the world looked like it was being seen through a filter and it became totally quiet. We rounded the bend and Payette Lake was like glass, not a breath of wind. I am pretty sure, because my friend Dr. Dorn reminded me, that I will not see another full eclipse in my lifetime. Glad I experienced this one and have memories to share.
Idaho lost its own force of nature this week with the passing of Governor Cecil Andrus. So many of us admired “Cece”, he was a true gentleman–a diplomat, statesman, and role model for all of us. Idaho is a better place for his work on our behalf. “Cece” loved the outdoors and he would have appreciated the words of John Muir …”the blessings of one Mountain day; whatever his fate, long life, short life, stormy or calm, he is rich forever.” Please keep the Andrus family in your thoughts and prayers. My advice for today is take time to appreciate our remarkable planet and galaxy.
Enjoy the weekend.
Mike