Eclipse over Fairmont, Nebraska

A total solar eclipse is something to behold. I have seen partial solar eclipses and thought highly of them, especially if the foreground had some interesting objects or the sun's surface had sunspots. This was my first visit to the zone of totality. It brought me to Fairmont, Nebraska where about 5,000 other eclipse enthusiasts gathered on Monday, August 21 to view the event.

The morning leading up to the eclipse was filled with clouds from a passing thunderstorm with periods of open blue skies. At totality the sky near the sun was mostly cloud free, which only accented the most wondrous sky event that I have witnessed.

Photos, films and video cannot do the totality event justice because of all the rapidly changing sky conditions, the crowd's reaction, and the grandeur of the what is being witnessed. To see the solar corona develop as the moon completely covers the sun is spectacularly unforgettable.

Do yourself a favor and make plans to see a total solar eclipse in person. For the US, that would be on April 8, 2024. I still have more photos of this event that I will post soon - more of what was happening with the crowds.

Chilicothe's Old Canal Smoke House - BBQ Ohio Style

Found this BBQ place in Chillicothe, Ohio in October 2008. Liked it so much the 42N team went back a year later to the Old Canal Smoke House. A gap in time, an unconformity if you will then occurred. Returning on New Years day 2016, the team arrived yet again but at a different time of day and from the opposite direction. While the restaurant was closed early in the morning a few outward changes had occurred since we were last there seven years ago.

A bright pink pig car complete with Old Canal Smoke House advertising parked on the side street adjacent to East Water Street. Ok I get it - pig - pork - cute.

Besides the ribs, building and front door, I seem to remember this sign from the late Aughts. On both nights outward bound seven and eight years ago the Saturday night arrival guaranteed a full house, great Big Ten football on huge televisions and of course regionally famous BBQ. Check out the historic downtown if you come here to sample the ribs. Also there's a national or state park nearby that is focused on the ultimately cool Ohio River Mound Builders who were active in this area way back when.