Unsurprisingly I think we took the same route back. I also got detoured into Youngstown. I guess we’ll never know if that was Waze being smart or too smart for its own good. It did good getting me off 270 for the 4th lane closure of the day.
lessons for 2045 (writing these for myself) - cirrus clouds are fake - don’t worry about them. - probably want to spend the day before and the day after there - pre-eclipse traffic is fake. Post-eclipse traffic is more real - can watch from anywhere. Doesn’t matter where… just go - if you want to film a video to show others, try and avoid crying of awe in the background lol
3 minutes til partial and echo the low clouds - but still probably only 50/50 in coverage. Will be sketchy for a perfect totality but beggars can’t be choosers. Looks good off just eyeballing the sky to my SW - so here’s hoping.
I realize I said satellite looked “perfect” but don’t think there is anyway around the high clouds. Remember reading something on some weenie tweet that the eclipse might help dissipate some of those anyways. Regardless, not seeing any mid- or low- level clouds. Found my people in the Wal-Mart lot and am snacking on Takis
Satellite looks fantastic. Tempted to get a half hour further down the road to make coming back easier but would be mad if that somehow screwed me, so holding tight. Now just very antsy, if you can’t tell lol.
HOLD!! Time to window shop in Walmart for a bit before car rooftop camping. I’m sure the traffic will suck after totality but it’s nice to see the highway is running smoothly right now. Crossing my fingers that a lot of good options in Ohio means it’ll be OK.
Currently under the last little bit of clouds in my part of Ohio - but as others have pointed out, satellite looks pretty good downstream. Cautious optimism is slowing blooming into genuine optimism.
NWS seems to think it’ll be okay in DC, but that was my read of the satellite too. https://x.com/nws_baltwash/status/1777255878766514433?s=46&t=YRAxGyE8QLsoshMtJniktg
Satellite looks promising to me… question is whether the light cirrus gets in the way by 3 IMO. Can deal with that but obviously would rather not https://www.star.nesdis.noaa.gov/goes/sector_band.php?sat=G16§or=cgl&band=GEOCOLOR&length=24
I keep checking the forecast and pivot so fast between optimistic and very nervous for my spot. Would really rather not drive any further west if I can avoid it tomorrow morning - trying to get back to DC by no later than midnight. Also debating whether or not I care about having a cool place to view the eclipse from. Tempted by the Walmart next to the highway that will provide unlimited (but not free!) snacks and facilities - plus a crazy quick exit in the aftermath.
Made it to Mansfield. Near the hotel is not an idyllic spot, haha. Great view of the adult video store. Will do some research and try and find a park to post up in. Good luck!
Screw it - made a reservation for middle of the eclipse in Mansfield, OH. Very first city I started looking at. Can pivot a bit day of as needed. Let’s get it.
Pretty grim thread. It’ll work out somewhere in a reasonably drivable range, but starting to lean towards skip. https://x.com/burgwx/status/1776717735252443230?s=46&t=YRAxGyE8QLsoshMtJniktg