August 8th 2024 Eclipse: A Journey of Light and Connection
Ecclesiastes 11:4-10 reminds us, “Those who wait for perfect weather will never plant seeds; those who look at every cloud will never harvest crops. You don’t know where the wind will blow, and you don’t know how a baby grows inside the mother. In the same way, you don’t know what God is doing, or how he created everything.”
These words deeply resonated with our journey as we pondered the idea of a van trip to witness the total eclipse. Uncertainties and doubts clouded our minds. Would the weather cooperate? Would obstacles hinder our path? Yet, as I recalled this verse, it became clear—this was the perfect opportunity for a memorable van and e-bike adventure.
With faith in our hearts and a sense of determination, we packed up the van (minus coffee) and embarked on our journey. We chose not to bring coffee to avoid overpacking, trusting that we could find some at a nearby gas station. Alas, that plan fell through. However, serendipity smiled upon us as we parked beside a friendly couple with ‘ACTS 12, 13, 15’ on their camper. They graciously brought us coffee the next morning, a reminder that every cloud has a silver lining, and every journey offers unique challenges and rewards.
On the day of the eclipse, uncertainty loomed once again. Where would we park the adventure van for the eclipse? Driving through the forest, we noticed park rangers stationed by blocks leading to a hill. Curiosity piqued, we inquired and learned that only 45 cars were allowed on the dam, and we could be number 8. It was April 8th, a friend’s birthday, so I took it as a sign—this was our perfect spot. We drove up to the beautiful dam, parking next to a car with weights and an e-bike—my kind of people.
We struck up a conversation with James, who had a guitar and emanated a hippy vibe. Then, we met another group—science professors from a private high school in San Francisco. Naturally, we gravitated toward them, soaking in their wealth of information about the eclipse phases. While we had gleaned some knowledge from the trusty internet, their insights added depth to our understanding.
We knew we had some time until the total eclipse, so we seized the opportunity to hop on our trusty bikes and head down the dam. The warmth of the sun on our skin, the gentle breeze in our hair—it was the perfect day for a ride. In fact, that was one of the main reasons for embarking on this journey—to enjoy the simple pleasures of biking in beautiful weather. And at 83 degrees, it was a welcome change from the chill back home.
As we pedaled along, soaking in the scenery and relishing the freedom of the open road, we couldn’t help but feel a sense of joy and contentment. This was what adventure was all about—embracing the unexpected, savoring the moment, and creating memories to last a lifetime. And little did we know, our impromptu bike ride would lead to even more unexpected encounters and unforgettable experiences on this extraordinary day at the dam.
As we returned, the excitement among our newfound friends was as clear as the sky, each person eagerly anticipating the celestial show about to unfold. The science professors, with their infectious enthusiasm, exchanged high-fives and counted down the seconds with fervor. James, our newfound hippie buddy, was equally thrilled, his eyes sparkling with anticipation.
In the midst of it all, we encountered two more adventurers with e-bikes, their excitement matching ours as they eagerly planned future trail adventures. Sharing their campsite number, they added to the buzz of anticipation already in the air.
Amidst the anticipation, the children stood wide-eyed, their gaze fixed on the sky as they counted down with bated breath. The thrill of the unknown filled the air, intensified by the majestic sight of three eagles soaring gracefully overhead, as if heralding the imminent spectacle.
When the moon started covering the sun, it was like a sudden burst of light piercing through the darkness. The sight was so surreal and incredible that we couldn’t help but let out shouts of excitement! And we weren’t the only ones; everyone at the dam, all the folks gathered there to watch the solar eclipse, joined in with cheers and yells of amazement. It was like a wave of energy passing through us, connecting us all in that electrifying moment.
As the moon continued its journey, everything around us seemed to change. The sky, once a clear blue canvas, now took on this mystical, enchanting glow. The sun, partially hidden by the moon, appeared to dance and shimmer in the heavens, creating a scene unlike anything we had ever seen before.
But what really made the experience unforgettable was the atmosphere around us. It was as if the whole world was holding its breath, waiting in anticipation for something incredible to unfold. Even the kids nearby couldn’t contain their excitement, shouting with joy and disbelief. It was a moment that brought us all together, turning strangers into friends as we shared in the wonder of the celestial spectacle before us.
And then, just when we thought it couldn’t get any more magical, the horizon lit up with a 360-degree sunrise, bathing us in a kaleidoscope of colors. It was the perfect ending to an unforgettable experience, leaving us with memories that would last a lifetime.
As the excitement of the eclipse began to wane, we decided to head back down to the fishermen at the bottom of the dam. With eager anticipation, we approached, expecting to see them holding a bounty full of fish—after all, isn’t that what happens in all the best fishing stories? But alas, as we reached the water’s edge, we were greeted with empty hands and hearty laughter.
Turns out, the fish weren’t as excited about the eclipse and potential apocalypse as we were. They must’ve been too busy listening to their teacher’s lecture about celestial events and decided to stay put in their underwater classroom, away from all the commotion. Who knew fish could be so studious?
So, with smiles and a shared sense of camaraderie, we bid farewell to our fishy friends, knowing that even if we didn’t catch any fish, we caught memories that would last a lifetime. And as we made our way back up to the van, we couldn’t help but chuckle at the whimsical notion of fish attending eclipse lectures. Ah, the mysteries of the natural world never cease to amaze!
As we reflect on this incredible journey, we’re reminded of Psalm 32:8, “I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you with my loving eye on you.” Truly, our adventure has been guided by divine wisdom and love every step of the way.
Our van trip to watch the total eclipse was not just about witnessing a celestial event—it was about embracing the journey, no matter what the weather or the road ahead might bring. And in doing so, we discovered that sometimes, the most beautiful moments are found in the midst of uncertainty.
As we sat in our cozy kitchen with the hum of everyday life fading into the background we entertained this idea. The allure of witnessing the celestial spectacle firsthand filled the room, infusing us with a sense of wonder and anticipation.
But there was a twist to our plans. See, we weren’t just your average eclipse chasers. We were entrepreneurs, the proud owners of a thriving family owned business, and our trusty e-bikes were more than just a hobby—they were an integral part of our lives and our livelihood.
As we mulled over the idea of a van trip, visions of our e-bikes gliding through picturesque landscapes danced in our heads. With our business booming, finding time to escape the daily grind was rare, but the allure of the eclipse and the open road proved too tempting to resist.
With a shared glance, we knew that this was an opportunity not just for adventure, but for connection—to each other, to nature, and to the passion that drove us to start our business in the first place.
And so, with a nod and a smile, our decision was made. The van trip to watch the total eclipse would not only be a chance to witness a rare celestial event but also an opportunity to recharge, reconnect, and rediscover the joy of the open road—and maybe even drum up some new business along the way.
