Experiencing an eclipse is just that – an experience. Whether it is total or partial – or whether it is solar or moon. It is an interesting moment to experience on this Earth we live. Today, Monday, August 21, we will have a total eclipse to be viewed across most of North America. It has been anticipated, talked about and the crowds are lining up in different parts. Whitey and I have had a few viewings of eclipses in the past.
A more memorable solar view was when we were in the San Blas Islands (Kuna Yala), located on the Caribbean side of Panama. Years later we would spend more time there but this was our first visit to this beautiful archipelago with its indigenous indians. It was mid-July, 1991 and we had been there for about 2 months. This was way before internet and we did not have any access to any media or news. (Which is a good thing, most of the time.) We had plans to move our boat from the islands back to Portobello on the main land. Whitey went ashore the afternoon before to check out with the Port Captain which was necessary when departing the Kuna Yala. He said ‘But tomorrow is not a good day to go. An eclipse will be happening’. This conversation was in Spanish and took Whitey a minute to understand what he was saying. First thought through our heads is ‘How do they know (it will be an eclipse)?’ Second thought was ‘Why (can’t we leave tomorrow)?’
