Eclipse!

We made the decision that, despite the potential crowds

and traffic congestion, that Dixie Butte, east of Prairie City, OR 

would be the best place to view the eclipse. 

At 7500 ft. elevation, it's the highest

point for many miles, and the 360° view would allow

us to see the shadow approach and recede and get

the full effect of the sunrise/sunset all around the horizon.

This was the beautiful base camp, about a 3 mile hike from 

the top, on the evening before.

The crowds weren't a problem at all. To the contrary, 

these were only the most committed ecliptomaniacs.

Nerdstock!

Totalitarians!

The temperature dropped, the coyotes howled, 

the stars came out. We laughed; we cried; we cheered.

I stared directly at the sun! Through binoculars!

This is what I saw:

And so it passed.