Totality

This year for the first time in my life, I saw a total solar eclipse.

Eclipse day dawned partly cloudy. As morning turned into afternoon, the cloud cover increased. People filtered down to the beach, milling about in small groups, frowning at the darkening sky.

Behind me a conch horn sounded as a family group settled in for the show. As they took up meditating, we wondered if they were pagan, new age, or druids.

The clouds thickened, rolling in from the ocean. The day darkened further. Now tortoise shell rattles played counterpoint to the waves. The women in the group read poems to mother nature then waded into the ocean to sing to creation. We doubted any eclipse viewing was in our future.

And then…. a few minutes before totality, a rip appeared in the clouds. We saw what looked like a crescent moon, but it was the sun.

The clouds parted, allowing a full view. Sunset ringed the horizon as night fell across the beach. I might have screamed when the corona burst into view, but so did everyone else. We stood, gawking until daylight returned.

On our way back home I felt refreshed and re-energized. The whole experience was amazing (and made so much better with the people behind us). I wanted to share this bit of wonder with you all.

Did you see the eclipse? Share your experience below!