Hobbs NM was a perfect spot for viewing. I got there right before first contact (a little after 9am) and there already was a small group of people in the public park I had chosen. Perfectly cloudless and not windy. Spirits were high and people were friendly. One person shared out their 12 pack of disposable eclipse glasses and I shared my gaffers tape and several of us made last minute cell phone solar filters. Mine didn’t work as well as Shawn’s (Sharon and Shawn, the only names I got and the only other ones to stay to the bitter end), but I got a few pics. I took 881 with the DSLR.
After the eclipse, I stopped in Roswell briefly but optimistically decided to try for White Dunes National Park.
Flew too close to the sun with that decision though (solar joke!). No camping there, most state campgrounds in the area are closed for the season, the only open camp was full, the KOA had no vacancies, and when the fifth choice RV park was a dark gravel lot and a sign saying ‘fill out the form and leave the fee in cash in the envelope, call this number for more info’ and there was no forms, no envelopes, and no phone number, I gave up and found a hotel room. For only $15 more than the sketchy-as-hell RV park, I have my own immaculate bathroom, a comfortable room, and a continental breakfast.
The pic doesn’t do it justice. It’s very Vegas. And I still get to see White Sands tomorrow. Apparently you can go tobogganing there? On the sand? Heading west slowly after that. Thinking of following the old Route 66 as a rough route. Shawn recommended a couple of places near Flagstaff, as well as the Petrified Forest. I’ll see how it goes.
2 Comments from Angela
10/16/2023 08:12:45 am You got some amazing pics of the eclipse!!
10/19/2023 09:02:51 am Oh wow, those pics are amazing. Can’t wait to see all the ones you got with your DSLR!
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