There and Back Again - Total Solar Eclipse Edition

Not all who wander are lost

Once upon a time, in a land known as Middle Suburbia, there lived a hobbit family that included a mother, father, two sons, and two daughters. They were a simple and adventurous bunch, always seeking exciting journeys to embark upon. One day, they heard news of an upcoming celestial event - a grand eclipse that would paint the sky with wonders unimaginable.

Filled with curiosity and a sense of adventure, half the hobbit family decided to set out on a quest to witness this extraordinary spectacle. So the father and the youngest son and daughter prepared for their journey.

Their first stop was the main trail, where they began their trek towards the eclipse's path. They noticed that it was 11:11 as they hit the main trail, a number often associated with good omens. Taking it as a sign, they were confident that this adventure would be a memorable one. Along the way, they encountered a series of remarkable events. The youngest son, desperately needed to use the bathroom. However, it took them three stops to find a gas station that was open. Miraculously, he managed to hold it in without any accidents, much to everyone's relief.

Continuing their journey, they crossed paths with a mischievous fox. Little did they know, this encounter was far from ordinary. As their mother, who had stayed back at home, drifted into a peaceful slumber, she found herself in a dream world where the boundaries between reality and fantasy converged. In this dream, the fox appeared once again, revealing secrets of the eclipse that bridged the physical and metaphysical realms.

As they ventured further, the hobbit family stumbled upon a majestic tree, still aglow from a recent encounter with lightning. Its core shimmered like the menacing gaze of Sauron, the Dark Lord. A shiver ran down their spines as they hurried past, realizing the significance of their journey.

Approaching their destination, the father, pointed out a magnificent structure to the little ones - the Gateway Arch. It symbolized the gateway to the west, a path towards new beginnings and extraordinary experiences. The children listened intently, their eyes wide with wonder.

Finally, they arrived at Carbondale, Illinois, the place marked on the map as the spot for totality. Excitement filled the air as they joined fellow travelers in a park, eagerly awaiting the eclipse. The children couldn't contain their excitement and began playing, their laughter echoing through the park.

As the eclipse began, the hobbit family put on their special glasses and gazed up at the sky. Slowly, the sun disappeared, and a magnificent ring formed, reminiscent of the ring Bilbo had found. For four awe-inspiring minutes, the world fell silent. Birds ceased their chirping, and even humans held their breath in reverence.

The father, couldn't bear to keep this moment to himself. He quickly dialed his wife and children back home using FaceTime, eager to share the magic unfolding before his eyes. Each of them smiled at each other, reveling in the shared experience. While the mother showed them the 50% coverage back home, the father showcased the full coverage, the ring shining brightly in the sky.

In that moment, the father found himself at a loss for words to describe the beauty that surrounded them. The only comparison that came to mind was that of an archangel's radiant halo, a sight so breathtaking that it could only be witnessed in person.

As the eclipse came to an end, the hobbit family reluctantly left the park, only to find the road congested with other travelers. What should have been a two-hour journey turned into a frustrating five-hour ordeal. Exhausted but undeterred, they decided to seek refuge at the Landing Hub, where they would spend the night before continuing their journey home the next day.

Though their road was filled with unexpected obstacles, the hobbit family knew that the memories they had made and the sights they had witnessed were worth every moment of delay. As they settled into their accommodations, anticipation filled their hearts for the adventures that awaited them on their way back home.

And so, the hobbit family drifted off to sleep, dreaming of the wonders they had encountered and the tales they would share with their loved ones. For in their hearts, they knew that this journey, filled with challenges and marvels, would forever be etched in their memories as a time when they had come together as a family to witness the magic of the eclipse and the ring that symbolized their own extraordinary bond.

Hopefully this ring like Bilbos will give long life and the family can see the next long solar eclipse in 75 years together again. Who knows maybe a child or grandchild will write the follow up article! So don’t forget to subscribe and keep an eye out for that follow up notification in 75 years!