"Treasures of Cruising the World" with Bill & Mary Ann: August 2017

Today began like any other summer day, except getting in and out of our area of Clayton has taken a detour since July 17^th. Out of our way by several miles, the journey does present a different view of Mt. Diablo and the valley we call "the morning side of the mountain". So all is not negative, as long as the tires and brakes hold up on our truck. As for the alignment and shocks, we are not sure that the many speed bumps will do a number on those.

Last Friday, the county finally was pressured to smooth out the dips and bumps on the detour road, and add a layer of asphalt. Hope it holds up with the mega trucks using the road. We do expect the work being done to repair Morgan Territory will be completed by October 18^th, or sooner, hopefully.

As you all know, we experienced a solar eclipse this morning. Wouldn't you know it, we had high fog today. We have not seen this intrusion for months now. Murphy's Law? Yes. But it may have been a good thing, because with a veil of fog, we did have the ability to see the moon's shadow proceeding to turn the sun into a moon-like vision. Yeah, we know that we were not supposed to look at the sun, but a quick glance worked while pointing the camera in the approximate direction.

The percentage of coverage was far less in our area, than further north such as in Oregon to the Carolinas. There was never total darkness, but we did notice a dimming effect, like dusk. Wild birds stopped flying overhead and perched on trees and wires, completely going silent.

It did bring out the best in fellow hikers on the trail we walk on Mondays in Walnut Creek. Most commented "Is that all there is?" We have to admit that while in Germany back in 1997, we witnessed a more complete eclipse at the Brandenburg Gates in Berlin. That was equally as awesome. Now if we want to see the same type of eclipse, we will need to go to either Mexico or Canada in 2024.

Turned out to be a great day indeed.

Bill & Mary Ann

Mt. Diablo and the North Peak as viewed from the detour road