This is the big day – the main purpose of the entire trip was to witness a total solar eclipse. Following breakfast, we went straight up to the secret location we had scouted out the previous day. Everyone had been told to go to the open deck at the stern of the ship for best viewing. However, we had found an accessible area at the bow on deck 14, which was hard to find since you must pass a private sign for the cabana rentals and only two elevators go there. We also timed it for when the astrophysicist was giving a talk, which we thought would distract most people. Unfortunately, lots of other people had the same idea and had bagged all the loungers and chairs by the time we arrived, but we managed to find a spot to set up camp and wait while sitting on the deck.
After a while we could see a nibble of the sun missing through our Holland America solar glasses. We passed the time talking to our neighbours who lived in the other Vancouver in Washington State. They were well travelled and interesting to talk to. Sitting under the full sun was hot. Gradually, more of the sun was obscured and it cooled down. I set up my phone on a small portable stand and took a series of photos. I was also using the “talking solar eclipse” app, which gave direction on the event timing.
Eventually, we got the countdown to the second contact (C2) of impending total eclipse and received directions to remove the glasses. This was just in time to witness the diamond ring. Alison was still wearing her glasses and I told her to take them off quickly just in time for her to see it too. There was cheering as we entered totality. I removed the filter from my phone and took a series of photos with different exposure settings. We were able to see two red prominences at ~2 o’clock and 4 o’clock on the disk. We also looked around to experience what seemed to be a sunset in all directions. As we approached C3, end of totality, I prepared to photograph the next diamond ring, which looked spectacular to the naked eye, and caught it with a couple of photos that really did not do it justice. Following totality, a lot of people left the area, but we stayed for the full experience all the way until C4, final contact.
Back on the Lido deck we had lunch and celebrated with two glasses of Chateau St. Michelle sparkling brut wine. After which, I was ready for a nap. Feeling in need for exercise, I walked the circuit on deck 3 again. It was hot on the deck, so I went to the Grand Dutch Cafe for a cold drink and realized it was close to dinner time. Alison joined me while I ran to the cabin to change for dinner. Alison had the dessert of an eclipse cheesecake.
Show time was packed again. There were no seats available by the time we arrived, and we realized we need to get there early to find a seat. We managed to find a space next to one of the pillars and I sat on the floor. The entertainment was a comedian by the name of Leland Klassen from Abbotsford. Often, I find comedians to be hit or miss. We find the English humour hilarious but usually don’t understand the American comedy. Having a Canadian comedian was refreshing, and I enjoyed it.
Later, our Amateur Radio friend, Peter Vogel VE7AFV, published an article in BC Catholic.
Chris's Wanderings 