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 18th, 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
Looking towards Morgan Territory Road
Graveled road leads to the newly asphalted section
Moving over for a truck coming uphill
The damaged road is deep in the canyon
The rail fence on the left usually has vultures perched on the posts
Coming down towards Marsh Creek Road
A sign we pass on Ygnacio Valley Road during our walk
The honey bees are embedded in a walled fence
As seen through the drifting fog
The crescent is getting larger
Geese of heather Farms with eclipse onlookers
Good place to view the sun (homemade viewers)
Entrance to the detour from Marsh Creek Road