What do we actually DO during the eclipse? Stand around and wait?
April 5, 2024 7:48 PM Subscribe
I'm going to Niagara falls for the eclipse with two older people, including one with mobility issues and a 6 year old. I don't have a good sense of what we're going to DO during all that time, especially the partiality. Like do we need to go out and take out a good spot and just sit there for hours? Cause that's going to generate some complaints. If you woke up in a hotel on the strip on Monday morning with two elderly people and a 6 year old, what would your itinerary look like?
Three things that worry me a little:
1. Weather. My mom is not a fan of cold.
2. Food: will the lines to get lunch be insane?
3. I saw an article that said they expect cell service might fail or be severely degraded due to the crazy crowds, which makes "I'll wait here and you let's call at x o'clock and coordinate joining up" kind of difficult.
p.s. I believe this will be my last eclipse question.
Three things that worry me a little:
1. Weather. My mom is not a fan of cold.
2. Food: will the lines to get lunch be insane?
3. I saw an article that said they expect cell service might fail or be severely degraded due to the crazy crowds, which makes "I'll wait here and you let's call at x o'clock and coordinate joining up" kind of difficult.
p.s. I believe this will be my last eclipse question.
I imagine that's what a lot of people are going to do. Try to find a grassy spot in a park or something, put out a picnic blanket and lounge around eating food and drinking drinks they brought instead of trying to find something at a cafe or something. Like a fireworks show or the cherry blossom viewing here in Japan. A park with a playground would give the 6yo something to do.
posted by ctmf at 3:11 AM on April 6 [4 favorites]
posted by ctmf at 3:11 AM on April 6 [4 favorites]
If it’s cloudy, just do the room service thing.
If it’s clear, I guarantee that even the grumpiest & most impatient person in your group will be awed by the experience, and thank you profusely for helping them to experience it. But, wait until like 15mins from 2nd contact before getting them all excited. Doesn’t matter where you are at that point. Just stop & look up.
posted by rd45 at 4:12 AM on April 6
If it’s clear, I guarantee that even the grumpiest & most impatient person in your group will be awed by the experience, and thank you profusely for helping them to experience it. But, wait until like 15mins from 2nd contact before getting them all excited. Doesn’t matter where you are at that point. Just stop & look up.
posted by rd45 at 4:12 AM on April 6
20 plus years ago I witnessed a total eclipse in Munich. And for the exact reasons you note, many hrs of anticipation with nothing to do, I chose to go to work and get paid for a very easy shift.
Watching people go a bit insane in anticipation was the best bit about the partial eclipse hrs. It started on my way to work when I observed an HGV driver almost take out a traffic light poll because he decided to get out his glasses to squint at the sun as opposed to watching where he was driving as he approached said traffic lights…
The actual eclipse was 2 mins and yes, we all stood outside the restaurant I was working at to watch that and I do have vivid memories of those two mins.
So, in answer to your actual question, try to come up with some low key activity you all would enjoy, far away from any official viewing spaces to avoid crowds. You can view the exciting bit from literally anywhere that affords you a view of the sky including any window.
posted by koahiatamadl at 4:17 AM on April 6
Watching people go a bit insane in anticipation was the best bit about the partial eclipse hrs. It started on my way to work when I observed an HGV driver almost take out a traffic light poll because he decided to get out his glasses to squint at the sun as opposed to watching where he was driving as he approached said traffic lights…
The actual eclipse was 2 mins and yes, we all stood outside the restaurant I was working at to watch that and I do have vivid memories of those two mins.
So, in answer to your actual question, try to come up with some low key activity you all would enjoy, far away from any official viewing spaces to avoid crowds. You can view the exciting bit from literally anywhere that affords you a view of the sky including any window.
posted by koahiatamadl at 4:17 AM on April 6
Forecast is low of 3, high of 14. (Celsius) For non-northerners that’s coat/hat/gloves weather in the morning, probably shed hat and gloves and unzip coat. For northerners that’s a hoodie, vest, half-gloves, shed as the day goes on.
In the morning Niagara Falls is trying to break the “most people dressed as the sun” world record. :) if i had a car I might leave the seniors to breakfast and take the kid to that because it’s so cute. Pack black and yellow :)
For me, I would drive or Uber to a grocery store and load up on picnic snacks (if it were my car I’d also have brought folding chairs and blankets and books and a badminton set or whatever my kid was into) and find a spot in a park with a washroom. (There’s a list under where to watch on that city page above - note the falls view parks are not there - that’s the Niagara Falls Parks commission. This is where the party/concert is at.) BUT there are road closures so take that into account.
Also we are parks people. Another spot might be the Victoria Street public library, if you don’t mind just going out on the street to watch, but no snacks in there.
If you’re event people, I imagine the most vibe will be on the strip and in the falls viewing area. I hate crowds, but if we decided that we wanted to take in the vibes of Modern Man Worshipping The Sun And Selfie Sticks I think I honestly would give up having a clear spot other than over my head, and have a big brunch early, then hang out in my hotel room until 15 minutes before, then just walk outside with few expectations, stand and watch the event, head back for a nap or swim in the pool.
Honestly I think you will enjoy the day the most if you keep it low key and a bit anthropological, like…you are going to get to see the eclipse and people’s responses to the eclipse because you picked a massive tourist attraction on a busy day, like a Disney parks sale day. Wear comfy shoes, hydrate, go with the flow.
posted by warriorqueen at 4:39 AM on April 6 [3 favorites]
In the morning Niagara Falls is trying to break the “most people dressed as the sun” world record. :) if i had a car I might leave the seniors to breakfast and take the kid to that because it’s so cute. Pack black and yellow :)
For me, I would drive or Uber to a grocery store and load up on picnic snacks (if it were my car I’d also have brought folding chairs and blankets and books and a badminton set or whatever my kid was into) and find a spot in a park with a washroom. (There’s a list under where to watch on that city page above - note the falls view parks are not there - that’s the Niagara Falls Parks commission. This is where the party/concert is at.) BUT there are road closures so take that into account.
Also we are parks people. Another spot might be the Victoria Street public library, if you don’t mind just going out on the street to watch, but no snacks in there.
If you’re event people, I imagine the most vibe will be on the strip and in the falls viewing area. I hate crowds, but if we decided that we wanted to take in the vibes of Modern Man Worshipping The Sun And Selfie Sticks I think I honestly would give up having a clear spot other than over my head, and have a big brunch early, then hang out in my hotel room until 15 minutes before, then just walk outside with few expectations, stand and watch the event, head back for a nap or swim in the pool.
Honestly I think you will enjoy the day the most if you keep it low key and a bit anthropological, like…you are going to get to see the eclipse and people’s responses to the eclipse because you picked a massive tourist attraction on a busy day, like a Disney parks sale day. Wear comfy shoes, hydrate, go with the flow.
posted by warriorqueen at 4:39 AM on April 6 [3 favorites]
20 plus years ago I witnessed a total eclipse in Munich.
That day I was on a ferry halfway between Sweden and Finland, so no fauna to go quiet, and actually very few people on deck to see their reactions. Also, that far from the path of the totality it was maybe 2/3rd, though still noticeable in the temperature drop. But there were two workers with one doing some welding, and they took turns taking a look through the welding mask.
posted by Stoneshop at 5:10 AM on April 6 [1 favorite]
That day I was on a ferry halfway between Sweden and Finland, so no fauna to go quiet, and actually very few people on deck to see their reactions. Also, that far from the path of the totality it was maybe 2/3rd, though still noticeable in the temperature drop. But there were two workers with one doing some welding, and they took turns taking a look through the welding mask.
posted by Stoneshop at 5:10 AM on April 6 [1 favorite]
As I said in an answer to another of your questions, what's cool about the eclipse is not just the sights but the sounds of bugs. So I agree with the idea of settling on a park - Buckhorn Island State Park is described as "marshy" so that sounds perfect. Devil's Hole State Park also looks like it will have adequate wildlife to make things interesting.
You don't need to spend hours outside though (but be prepared for traffic/competition for parking) - at some point approaching totality the air will get cooler and the light will seem a bit dim, but it's really only maybe 30min before totality that you'll absolutely want to be outside noticing things. So if you set up your picnic area near the car, those that feel too cold could use the car as a warm up area.
I definitely would not bother with buying prepared food during all of this - I'd load up on snacks, and then have a proper meal afterward.
posted by coffeecat at 6:04 AM on April 6
You don't need to spend hours outside though (but be prepared for traffic/competition for parking) - at some point approaching totality the air will get cooler and the light will seem a bit dim, but it's really only maybe 30min before totality that you'll absolutely want to be outside noticing things. So if you set up your picnic area near the car, those that feel too cold could use the car as a warm up area.
I definitely would not bother with buying prepared food during all of this - I'd load up on snacks, and then have a proper meal afterward.
posted by coffeecat at 6:04 AM on April 6
In 2017 we set up at a local park, had a picnic, and yes we waited. You can have a few people set up and the rest stay at the hotel until closer to totality.
We set up a viewer with a monocular on a tripod, someone else at the park had a telescope with a filter that people took turns using.
We probably set up about an hour before totality.
posted by muddgirl at 7:06 AM on April 6
We set up a viewer with a monocular on a tripod, someone else at the park had a telescope with a filter that people took turns using.
We probably set up about an hour before totality.
posted by muddgirl at 7:06 AM on April 6
The total eclipse itself is not long, much shorter than a lunar eclipse or the partial eclipse. The closer you are to the centerline, the shorter. Lots of waiting around, beforehand, so bring books and stuff, then Cool, Eclipse! and stuff to notice. We had an eclipse when my kid was in grade school, the eclipse glasses were widely shared. I hope you get great weather.
posted by theora55 at 10:26 AM on April 6
posted by theora55 at 10:26 AM on April 6
If you woke up in a hotel on the strip on Monday morning with two elderly people and a 6 year old, what would your itinerary look like?
First, I'd double check that I had safety glasses for everyone in my party, plus a few extra.
I'd consider whether an itinerary is needed. If you're already in the path of totality, then yeah, just stay home (or hotel) and step out when necessary. I'd find out what time totality is supposed to occur and scope out a good spot in the yard/courtyard/whatever to be to experience about an half or or so of time before totality hit.
If travel is necessary for totality, I would ask the elderly people if they really wanted to go. I would also ask, right now, if there was a friend who wanted to go, so there would more enjoyable company beyond a 6 year old who would no doubt be a 6 year old at times. Add in what sounds like uncomfortable elderly folks and you have a recipe who a generally unhappy and tense time.
Because you're headed to Niagara Falls for a major event and it is mostly likely going to be absolutely packed and stressful. A lot time will probably be spent waiting to get there, find parking, getting a spot, witness the event, get back to car and then navigate traffic to head back home. Let's not even get into the bathroom situation for everyone.
But if going, I'd pack drinks and a lunch and snacks, for all four people, along with extra toys for the kid. I'd make sure the gas tank was full and make sure there was a decent amount of cash on me. Bring lots of hand sanitizer. The crowds are supposed to be huge and the infrastructure isn't designed to handle the many people at once, so preparation is critical. One hopes everything goes well, but prepare in case it's not.
I'd double check that I had safety glasses for everyone in my party, plus a few extra.
Then I'd head to some other smaller and quieter and less crowded location, so I could experience the event and really soak it in. It would be a place I could just park the car and get out for the main event, since it'll probably be cold and nobody would want to be uncomfortable. Plus the temperature drops 10-20 degrees once totality hits, so extra blankets would be a good idea.
It should be a place with some sort of facilities for a bathroom break or two. Some place on the edge of forest or woods, so you could see the effect of the eclipse within the trees, which is pretty amazing.
I would bring some sort of device to record audio and video and set that up so it's focused on the me and the people I'm with. Trying to get a photo of the eclipse and/or people with the sun won't be important. What's important would be record the experience of me and the people I'm with and I say that as someone with a love of photography. Others will be spending the time capturing absolutely stunning photos and video and that's great.
But I would want to experience this once in a lifetime event and be in that moment, instead of a crowd of people handling in their own ways.
Lastly, I'd double check that I had safety glasses for everyone in my party, plus a few extra.
posted by Brandon Blatcher at 11:26 AM on April 6 [1 favorite]
First, I'd double check that I had safety glasses for everyone in my party, plus a few extra.
I'd consider whether an itinerary is needed. If you're already in the path of totality, then yeah, just stay home (or hotel) and step out when necessary. I'd find out what time totality is supposed to occur and scope out a good spot in the yard/courtyard/whatever to be to experience about an half or or so of time before totality hit.
If travel is necessary for totality, I would ask the elderly people if they really wanted to go. I would also ask, right now, if there was a friend who wanted to go, so there would more enjoyable company beyond a 6 year old who would no doubt be a 6 year old at times. Add in what sounds like uncomfortable elderly folks and you have a recipe who a generally unhappy and tense time.
Because you're headed to Niagara Falls for a major event and it is mostly likely going to be absolutely packed and stressful. A lot time will probably be spent waiting to get there, find parking, getting a spot, witness the event, get back to car and then navigate traffic to head back home. Let's not even get into the bathroom situation for everyone.
But if going, I'd pack drinks and a lunch and snacks, for all four people, along with extra toys for the kid. I'd make sure the gas tank was full and make sure there was a decent amount of cash on me. Bring lots of hand sanitizer. The crowds are supposed to be huge and the infrastructure isn't designed to handle the many people at once, so preparation is critical. One hopes everything goes well, but prepare in case it's not.
I'd double check that I had safety glasses for everyone in my party, plus a few extra.
Then I'd head to some other smaller and quieter and less crowded location, so I could experience the event and really soak it in. It would be a place I could just park the car and get out for the main event, since it'll probably be cold and nobody would want to be uncomfortable. Plus the temperature drops 10-20 degrees once totality hits, so extra blankets would be a good idea.
It should be a place with some sort of facilities for a bathroom break or two. Some place on the edge of forest or woods, so you could see the effect of the eclipse within the trees, which is pretty amazing.
I would bring some sort of device to record audio and video and set that up so it's focused on the me and the people I'm with. Trying to get a photo of the eclipse and/or people with the sun won't be important. What's important would be record the experience of me and the people I'm with and I say that as someone with a love of photography. Others will be spending the time capturing absolutely stunning photos and video and that's great.
But I would want to experience this once in a lifetime event and be in that moment, instead of a crowd of people handling in their own ways.
Lastly, I'd double check that I had safety glasses for everyone in my party, plus a few extra.
posted by Brandon Blatcher at 11:26 AM on April 6 [1 favorite]
I live within a stone's throw of the falls - it's walkable from my house - and two of my in-laws work in the downtown tourist sector, so I'm usually pretty up to speed on what's going on here but don't quote me. I know that all hotels already sold out a week ago (standard hotel rooms at the very centrally located hotel, where one in-law works, went for $1200 a night), and they've already started upcharging parking way beyond the normal price gouging this town loves to do. Vendors are already setting up pop-up tables on the sidewalk to sell eclipse t-shirts. Traffic will be gridlock hell. They are also predicting overcast weather.
I realize that I sound very negative, but I know this town and it's highly likely that it won't be pretty. I can't bring myself to sugarcoat it. Others here have made good suggestions, but if it was me (I hate crowds) I'd pack a cooler with snacks and sandwiches for the hotel, maybe order delivery pizza to my hotel room, and limit my outdoor time to just viewing the eclipse, a brief walk along the falls, maybe popping into some tourist shops if it's manageable. Those last two might be too ambitious. Anyway, this is just what I would do, but you are not me (of course) and everyone's threshold for crowds will be different. Bring plenty of things to keep yourself and your loved ones entertained during downtime.
posted by nightrecordings at 9:51 PM on April 6
I realize that I sound very negative, but I know this town and it's highly likely that it won't be pretty. I can't bring myself to sugarcoat it. Others here have made good suggestions, but if it was me (I hate crowds) I'd pack a cooler with snacks and sandwiches for the hotel, maybe order delivery pizza to my hotel room, and limit my outdoor time to just viewing the eclipse, a brief walk along the falls, maybe popping into some tourist shops if it's manageable. Those last two might be too ambitious. Anyway, this is just what I would do, but you are not me (of course) and everyone's threshold for crowds will be different. Bring plenty of things to keep yourself and your loved ones entertained during downtime.
posted by nightrecordings at 9:51 PM on April 6
If you're planning to spend significant time hanging around in direct sun, take steps to prevent sunburn.
posted by heatherlogan at 5:00 AM on April 7
posted by heatherlogan at 5:00 AM on April 7
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If the stay-in-and-get-room-service option that alchemist suggests isn’t feasible, can you get something at a grocery store or a convenience store instead (or at a Walmart or the like)? Lines for lunch at a restaurant of any kind will probably be bad, but that’s because most people don’t stop and think ‘What if I bought a pre-packed sandwich or something else…?’
posted by macdara at 2:15 AM on April 6