Getting ready for an (eclipse) invasion

Stew

We happen to live in one of the best spots on the planet to watch the eclipse (Casper, WY). Some family members are coming to stay with us later in the week The festivities start this Wednesday. Should be fun.



On the other hand, our town has a population around 60k. They're expecting an additional 35-40k to show up this week. I really hope the town is prepared. Businesses, industries, even churches are hiring security, begging for volunteers, etc. Everyone is stocking up on essentials. It's going to be interesting to say the least.

tonyb

Good reason to party anyway. Personally I don't see what the hoopla is all about. Seen one myself, not a big deal and is over pretty quick.

Stew

I agree. It amazes me that so many people are spending a fortune to come here and watch this. People rented out houses, fields for tent sites, etc. for thousands. Hotel rooms were going for $900 a night at one point. I'll sit on the back porch and drink a beer when it happens but I wouldn't go out of my way.

Stew

No doubt. Nobody's really sure who all will show up. Tin foil hatters, people looking for an excuse to party, etc., etc. Hopefully not too many looking to cause trouble. Maybe I'll sit on the front porch like the two old guys from Second Hand Lions.

Msabot1

tonyb wrote: »

Good reason to party anyway. Personally I don't see what the hoopla is all about. Seen one myself, not a big deal and is over pretty quick.

Yea..the last time I was in one of those,I was on top of a big pyramid with a bunch of painted up guys wearing feathers...Dam thing saved my life though....

Stew

LOL. One of the campsites around here posted that sacrifices are prohibited during the eclipse.

F1nut

Stew wrote: »

LOL. One of the campsites around here posted that sacrifices are prohibited during the eclipse.

Where's the fun in that!?!

Stew

F1nut wrote: »

Where's the fun in that!?!

It only said "during."

Msabot1

Stew wrote: »

No doubt. Nobody's really sure who all will show up. Tin foil hatters, people looking for an excuse to party, etc., etc. Hopefully not too many looking to cause trouble. Maybe I'll sit on the front porch like the two old guys from Second Hand Lions.

Could be worse...Could be descended on by a throng that goes to BURNING MAN every year...now that would be interesting for ya wouldn't it?...LOL!..

Stew

That does look like an interesting crowd! Live in Reno?

msg

"This means something. This is important. We're gonna need more mashed potatoes."

Msabot1

Stew wrote: »

That does look like an interesting crowd! Live in Reno?

No..went to one about 98 or so..It's about 100 miles north in the Black Rock Desert...Like going to one of the early Grateful Dead concerts..LOL!..

msg

In all seriousness, I always enjoy neat stuff like this. $900 for a hotel room, though, makes me think I need to read up a little on what's actually expected to happen.

I wish Hale Bopp would come back. It was really neat seeing the comet around in the sky for a while. I couldn't afford the track suit, shoes, and trip at the time, though, so I missed the alien taxi.

Stew

We stocked up on food, etc. but d***it I forgot the mashed potatoes!

We had a spectacular view of the Perseids meteor shower in 1993 (beach near Charleston, SC). That's was fun to see but no alien taxi available yet.

This one is a total solar eclipse. We're right in the middle of the path of totality, in an area with easy access to lots of places without lights, and typically clear skies in summer and fall.

tonyb

Stew wrote: »

LOL. One of the campsites around here posted that sacrifices are prohibited during the eclipse.

.....but after the eclipse, all bets are off ? lol

I guess sacrificing a virgin or 2 never goes out of style. 9 months from now, look for an uptick in births, kids with weird star child names who have to wear sunglasses everywhere they go.

Legender

I'll be in Columbia Missouri for the big event. Not sure about the sacrificing thing. Just hoping the crowd does not overwhelm the eating establishments. Dang, I still need to get some eclipse glasses.

Stew

tonyb wrote: »

9 months from now, look for an uptick in births, kids with weird star child names who have to wear sunglasses everywhere they go.

Lol. Wife's in the health care business. I'm sure I'll hear plenty of good stories.

Stew

Legender wrote: »

I'll be in Columbia Missouri for the big event. Not sure about the sacrificing thing. Just hoping the crowd does not overwhelm the eating establishments. Dang, I still need to get some eclipse glasses.

There's supposed to be lots of food vendors but expecting the normal eating establishments here to be overwhelmed. We'll just stay home and sacrifice a cow to the Weber.

Legender

^^^Exactly... just thought about bringing the portable weber and avoiding the lines. Hope I can set it up in the hotel parking lot. I'm sure lots of rules will be broken during next weekend and Monday.

scubalab

I just don't get the hype... just because the path of totality crosses the entire CONUS doesn't make it look any different than any other total eclipse... Guess this downer didn't get his tin foil hat.

tonyb

If anything, still a great excuse to sell bottled water for 5 bucks a pop.

Stew

I don't get the hype either but the local economy should get a nice boost.

Mike Reeter

Legender wrote: »

I'll be in Columbia Missouri for the big event. Not sure about the sacrificing thing. Just hoping the crowd does not overwhelm the eating establishments. Dang, I still need to get some eclipse glasses.

Columbia is projected to be "Overwhelmed" with Eclipse Watchers. State Highway Patrol is bringing in a lot of extra help, and the City is doing their best in trying to prepare for the event.

Should be interesting, glad I live here so I can take all this in from my Lawn Chair parked in the Drive

mrbigbluelight

Mike, will Columbia be setting up "Safe Spaces" for the viewers ?

Eclipses are waaaaaay cool. Especially how everything gets so silent, temperature drops rapidly, ..... waaaaay cool.

Mike Reeter

mrbigbluelight wrote: »

Mike, will Columbia be setting up "Safe Spaces" for the viewers ?

Eclipses are waaaaaay cool. Especially how everything gets so silent, temperature drops rapidly, ..... waaaaay cool.

Oh yeah, Columbia is a Liberal town. We've got plenty of "Safe Spaces" now for all the "Easily Offended" and the Oppressed!

Looking forward to the event, I'll be having a cold one with Pink Floyd in the background

"All that you touch / And all that you see / All that you taste / All you feel / And all ..."

Stew

I've seen a partial eclipse but not a total. I'm sure it will be cool to see.

mrbiron

Stand in a overly crowded area. When the sun goes dark, grab as much tush as you can get your hands on. When the light comes back on, yell "Hey, someone grabbed my arse!" That way you aren't a suspect...

Stew

Lol. Better find a good spot before it goes dark. Location, location, location.

Legender

My buddy set this up months ago... I'm just going along for the ride. I've already got the hotel room so just need to find a parking place. I don't really like crowds so not my thing. Just hoping I survive.

Stew

I hate crowds too but bet you'll have fun. That's what beer is for.

DaveHo

mrbiron wrote: »

Stand in a overly crowded area. When the sun goes dark, grab as much tush as you can get your hands on. When the light comes back on, yell "Hey, someone grabbed my arse!" That way you aren't a suspect...

Just make sure it's not Taylor Swift.