I have to admit. I did not get any spectacular 2024 Solar Eclipse photos.
But what I got—well, you can decide for yourself.
It has been one week after The Great American Eclipse has inspired us all. I did all my prep work with my photographic equipment the night before the big event. Then, I got up at 4 am and drove ninety minutes south to one of the most beautiful state parks in Northern Ohio on Lake Erie, right inside the path of totality. There, I was the first person inside this large park, searching for my spot with my headlamp switched to red light shining amongst the hundreds of deer feeding on the vast open spaces. I marveled that I could walk close to the deer with my red light leading my way without causing alarm to them. I was very alone in a very dark park on the shores of Lake Erie.
I soon found a picnic table and a children's playground next to an enormous field aimed in the right direction for the afternoon Eclipse. Thankfully, a row of porta-potties was nearby in anticipation of the large crowds later in the day. So all was good there. I had every resource needed to hang out all day. I did this all in total darkness. Then, I sat on the picnic bench and waited and watched a gorgeous sunrise develop.
After that beautiful sunrise, I then set up my tripod and camera and watched people stream in over the next nine hours in anticipation of this celestial event.
A bit later, my four grandchildren arrived with my daughter to spend the day to experience the solar event. Everyone was beyond excited. So was I!
My senses became alive! We hugged, ate, laughed, played, listened to music, took pictures of each other, tossed the football, played on the playground, and enjoyed our time together. We also pulled out four eclipse boxes from the car we made together on Sunday so that each child could see the event differently from their solar glasses and the back of my camera's viewfinder.
When the Eclipse started, I let my camera go on auto-pilot but moved it occasionally to re-align the sun and the moon's image when it passed out of my frame. I did not fret or worry about getting the best shot ever. Most importantly, I spent time and showed my grandchildren how to photograph the developing wonder.
But my focus was them and all the cool things we could experience together under the sun's total Eclipse. After all, it was them I was there for.
So, I didn't get that spectacular shot.
What I did get out of the event was unprecedented memories and a few good eclipse images. Still, I got excellent family time and beautiful memories of the Great American Eclipse that will stay with me forever.
My grandkids and daughter got that, too. All of them are still talking about it with much excitement. My oldest grandchild Ryan told me that when the next Eclipse comes on August 23, 2044, He wants me there with him. I'll be ninety years old, and he will be a young thirty-two.
It's my goal to be there!
Here’s a very funny video courtesy of my daughter Shannon.
Here’s my personal disclaimer.
All eight of our grandkids put the "grand" into living. I marvel with delight every time we do special time together.
Across the state in Michigan at his school, one of my other grandchildren Carson is experiencing the Eclipse on the other side of Michigan. He's the oldest of three. When he was picked up from school by my other daughter Annemarie, he promptly said,
"And Mom, I even looked at the sun once with no glasses, and I didn't even go blind."
It was an amazing day under the April sky. Historical events need to be shared and experienced with others. People of all ages and backgrounds seem united by the desire to experience this natural spectacle. This communal spirit fosters a feeling of camaraderie rarely felt in everyday life.
I can't wait until the next adventure!
Oh yes, here are my pictures.
