It seemed like everyone in the nation – and much of the rest of the world, apparently – was eagerly anticipating the Great Eclipse of 2017. I was among them. And I was fortunate that my granddaughter asked me to take her somewhere in the mountains where she could view it.

The Solar Eclipse of 2017 Nearing Totality

When I first heard about the eclipse a 6 or 8 months ago and checked the line of totality, my first reaction was to reserve a site at Indian Boundary Campground, a beautiful site just a few miles from the center line. Then I reconsidered, afraid that if I “committed” and the weather was bad, I wouldn’t have the flexibility to drive to good weather. So I didn’t reserve a site. Fast forward a few months, and Sydney asked if we could camp (she was hoping backpacking, but I’m getting too old for that) in the mountains in the line of totality. I checked back at Indian Boundary, and it was full, as anticipated. Tried Standing Indian Campground, state parks, everywhere within the totality – all were fully booked. Except I found 1 site for the night of the eclipse day at Ragland Bottom, so I grabbed it. Not really in the mountains, but a nice place anyway.

A few weeks later, about 10 days before the eclipse, I thought I’d check Indian Boundary again, just for kicks. Lo and behold! They must have had a cancellation (recent, or it would have been gone) because through the Lord’s providence, site 6 was available for Sunday thru Thursday! Perfect! I grabbed it, and cancelled my Ragland Bottom night. We knew where we’d be on Eclipse Day.

The traffic on the 99-mile drive to Indian Boundary wasn’t as bad as I thought it would be, but the campground was every bit as crowded as anticipated. Someone had even set up a tent on my site Sunday afternoon before our 5:30 arrival, but she, without much of an argument, packed up and left when I showed her my reservation papers. We set up, and enjoyed the afternoon.

Solar Eclipse Observers on Indian Boundary Beach – Waiting on Totality

The crowded park was pretty noisy Sunday night, and I could hear motorcycles roaring up Cherohala Skyway just a few miles away as late as 10 PM. Those motorcycle noises started again before 6 AM Monday, and the campground host reported 40 cars waiting at the gate for the recreation area when they opened it up for the day. About noon my daughter, granddaughter, and I headed down to the lake to claim our spot, and that was easier than I expected. A couple of gentlemen had set up large telescopes on the pier (they were kindly providing commentary and public viewing), but we found a good place at the end of the pier, and claimed our space, Sydney and I on the pier; Willa in the lake on her paddleboard.

Willa on her paddleboard on Indian Boundary Lake – Eclipse 2017

The overall experience, even with the crowds, was excellent. Experiencing the eclipse, even the partial-eclipse leadup to totality, was wondrous. But that two and a half minutes of Totality – that was worth every minute of time and penny put into making the trip! It was an amazing and strangely moving experience. One that I will not forget. Oh, and I did manage to get a “keeper” photo.

Ending of Totality – Diamond Ring (Baily’s Beads) – Eclipse 2017