I mentioned the general public's lack on interest of seeing an eclipse total. I spoke to someone in Florence, SC who is in an area where the eclipse is 90% total, but they don't plan to travel the distance to see it 100%. Can you believe it? What is wrong with people? I plan to travel 300-2000 miles!

I'll be on the west coast mid-August but plan to return to the east coast for the eclipse. It's the first eclipse since 1972 I've seen on dry land and I'd like to have my telescope to view it visually and perhaps photograph it as well.

Speaking of photographing the eclipse I'd like to stress this. So many people I've met who photograph it spend so much time fiddling with their equipment that they miss viewing it visually. I have photographed every eclipse I've witnessed but never miss taking the opportunity to look up at it as well.

Here's another important point. I remember every precious moment of every eclipse, it's embedded in my mind. How about my photographs? How important are they to me? I don't even know where most of the slides and prints are. I only look at the digital files of eclipses when showing someone what to expect at the next eclipse. It's an experience you will not forget until the day you die.

Kent Blackwell

Oh yea! I went on one total solar eclipse expedition in the Arctic Circle on a cruise ship. We were the only ship in the area for hundreds and hundreds of miles. All I could think is I hope we don't have mechanical issues with the ship, or worse because no one was anywhere nearby.

PS. It's the only eclipse out of 14 that I was clouded out. Ouch. But you know what? I had more fun than any others because I didn't have to worry about the weather anymore, or what exposure to shoot the eclipse. Just enjoy partying with others. I'm glad I had an inside cabin on that trip because even at midnight it was still daylight outside.