April 8, 2024
On our bucket list was viewing the 2024 Solar Eclipse. Where to go to see it was the topic of many of our discussions – New Mexico, Texas, Arkansas. At the last minute, we decided to head to Paducah, Kentucky, which was in the path of totality. Land Between the Lakes (LBL) is a 45-minute drive south of Paducah, an unplanned surprise to wait for the day of the 2024 Solar Eclipse, April 8. (See 2024 – #2)
We packed lunches, pets and treats, cameras, and the solar glasses we purchased at the LBL Visitor Center on Solar Eclipse Day. An online report from NASA indicated that the path of totality had moved slightly westward. However, it included an interactive map where viewers could track their location, pinpointing the closest area of 100% totality. It was to begin at 12:30 p.m.
We followed the interactive map toward Lone Tree, Kentucky, south of Paducah. Along the way, I saw that Wickliffe, Kentucky, was supposed to be in the 100% range. Heading toward Wickliffe, Mike spotted the parking lot of a Presbyterian church, where a man was parked and setting up cameras.
By the time we turned around, several cars had gathered. People set up picnic lunches under the pavilion, and children played in the playground. We pulled in and asked if we needed permission from the church to wait for the solar eclipse there, too. They said it was an open spot they found. Their plan to see the Solar Eclipse from the Indian Mounds in Wickliffe was scrapped because it was packed. They caravaned from Alabama to Kentucky to see the eclipse.
Before long, more cars and passengers pulled into the parking lot. In addition to the group from Alabama, we met people from Connecticut, Atlanta, and even local people who attend this Presbyterian church.
We waited.
I’m sure that by the time I post this blog, there will be many pictures of the solar eclipse on the Internet. I encourage you to look at them because this event was truly a remarkable act of nature. The following photos are not like the professional ones on the Internet but rather a recording of our memories.
When we checked the sun through the solar glasses at 12:46 p.m., we could detect a bit of darkness overtaking the sun. We had to wear solar glasses to view the stages of the eclipse. During the totality period, when the moon completely hid the sun, we could take off the solar glasses and look directly at the sun.
We purchased a third pair of solar glasses to take camera pictures. Mike cut it in half and placed it over the camera lens. This is how he captured the images before totality, such as the one below.
And gradually grew larger about every 3-5 minutes.
We could see a plane passing overhead at 2:00. What did it look like sitting in that plane?
Like most things Mike and I have seen and experienced during our travels, our photos can’t reflect the emotions of seeing images firsthand.
I will remember seeing and feeling this extraordinary sight when I am very old!