The Total Solar Eclipse – What I’m Doing and Packing
On August 21, 2017, a total solar eclipse will darken the sky in the United States from Oregon to South Carolina.
It will be 152 years before the next total solar eclipse crosses over Oregon again, according to the Oregonian. And, it will be the first total solar eclipse since 1776 where the path of totality stays in the United States, according to space.com.
So of course, I’m traveling to see it.
The minor league baseball team Salem-Keizer Volcanoes in Keizer, Oregon is hosting a special game on eclipse day. Keizer city lies in the path of totality and the stadium is conveniently located off the I-5 corridor, making it an ideal viewing destination.
Image of path of totality by eclipse2017.org
That’s where I’ll be at 10:17:21 AM (PDT) gazing up at the sky for one minute, 54 seconds.
The team plays the Hillsboro Hops with a game time of 9:35 AM. At the totality start, the game will pause, featuring the first ever "eclipse delay" in baseball history (per the team’s website).
The park opens at 5:00 AM with breakfast (for $10) served from 6:00 AM to 9:00 AM, featuring ham, eggs, biscuits and gravy, chocolate caramel pancakes, coffee and juice (yum!).
We’re unsure of our exact departure or arrival to Keizer but we have options.
Keizer’s neighbor and capital city Salem, Oregon, is permitting camping the night before the eclipse in any of its 13 public parks.
Pending traffic conditions, we stand ready and will camp if necessary. To be ready for anything, here’s what I’m packing.
My Packing List
A tent, sleeping bag and pad
Drinking and washing water
A cooler with dry ice and cold foods (all makings for sandwiches)
Shelf-stable foods like granola bars and chips
Sunscreen (I love this portable stick by Neutrogena)
Sunglasses
A large garbage bag for trash
A roll of toilet paper (in case sanitation stations run out)
Bug spray
A full tank of gas in the car
A change of clothing
Light, waterproof jacket
Games/MadLibs and a pen
Flashlights and headlamps
Ear plugs and earbuds
Sturdy shoes (good walking/tennis shoes) – expect to walk for parking
Daypack/backpack
I’ll report back next week after the eclipse and let you know how it goes.
What are you doing for the eclipse? Leave your travel plans in the comments below.
NOTE: There are still Volcanos game day packages available—as of 10:45 AM (PDT), August 18, if you are interested.
This post contains links to products on Amazon. There's still time to order today for your eclipse trip.