The 2024 total solar eclipse

Eclipses are supposed to be a once-in-a-lifetime experience, yet in 2024 I experienced my 4th eclipse.  It was my 2nd total eclipse and this time I had Debbie with me to experience my twice-in-a-lifetime eclipse.  Just like the 2017 eclipse, I ended up driving many miles to see it unobstructed.  Although San Antonio was on the eastern edge of totality, the forecast was for a 90% chance of cloud cover.  Not willing to risk it, I determined that far southern Illinois was the optimal spot.  And, also like 2017, it was a "game day decision".  We headed to a very good friend's house in Cape Girardeau with a 5am arrival time for a 1pm total eclipse. 

It was predictably awesome and I spent more time watching rather than filming.  That was made easier by having a telescope with mobile phone attached, plus two analog cameras, just in case.  Really amazing and totally worth the trip.