Wednesday, April 12, 2017

Journey - Columbia and the Eclipse #atozchallenge

It has been almost forty years since I saw a total eclipse of the sun.

I've been fortunate enough to have seen two total solar eclipses in my life.  It's hard to explain, but seeing a total eclipse will change your life.  For many, it is a spiritual experience, which you can't fully understand until you see how animals behave as totality approaches, feel the cold wind that sweeps across, and feel the awe you will remember for the rest of your life.

This August, many in the United States will have that chance to have their lives changed, as an eclipse sweeps through the continental United States.

My spouse and I will view the eclipse in Columbia, South Carolina - finally, another  total eclipse of the sun.

A couple of years ago, we spent a few days in Columbia, which is the capital of South Carolina.  We weren't supposed to, but an infection caused us to change our plans, and there we were.

I'm a firm believer that, when life has other plans, you will end up, one day, benefiting from it.  So, when we visit in August, we know something of what we will see, besides the eclipse. (At least, we hope we will see the eclipse - nothing is ever guaranteed with the weather).  So, in keeping with my theme, I traveled through my phone and found these pictures.
There is the downtown, with some of its beautiful architecture.  This building, the Kress building, was built in 1934, in the Art Deco style.

Columbia Mills, now the South Carolina State Museum.  This museum was well worth the visit.  We hope to return again for the eclipse and possibly meet one of the few remaining astronauts who walked on the moon back in the 1970's.

Battle of Cowpens (our Revolutionary War) in the South Carolina capital building.

The Hampton-Preston mansion, which has been many things since it was built in 1818 including Union Headquarters during its occupation in the Civil War.  We didn't have a chance to tour it two years ago, but may this time.

Columbia, here I come.

Do you live in the path of totality?  Or, have you ever witnessed a total eclipse of the sun? How far would you journey to see one?

Thank you for reading me and welcome, again, to the Blogging from A to Z Challenge.  My theme: Traveling Through Time and Space.

8 comments:

  1. Hi Alana.
    Thanks for visiting my blog.
    Yes, like you, I do believe in life's grand plans. There are no co-incidences.
    I witnessed a solar eclipse when I was a kid and all that I remember is the fuss that was being made by the adults about protecting our eyes!
    Enjoy watching another in August.
    J is for JOYN

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  2. I remember making a box contraption in school to watch an eclipse. I tried to Google the date but had no luck whatsoever.

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  3. Well that was a different Columbia than the drug cartel one I was expecting! Lovely historical place Alana and definitely worth staying a few days there!
    Leanne | cresting the hill

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  4. I also saw a solar eclipse as a child, and all I remember of it is the fuss over my eyes, like Arti! J is for Journaling as you Build a Better Blog. #AtoZchallenge.

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  5. The only solor eclipse I saw was when I was in high school.
    Coffee is on

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  6. I'd like to see it. My father has planned a big trip this summer just so he can go. He's going up to Oregon. We won't get any of it in SoCal, sadly, but I may have to figure out how to make a trip of my own.

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  7. I didn't know a solar eclipse was coming this summer. Thanks for the tip. I've marked it on my calendar although sadly we'll only be getting a partial eclipse here in Maine. But, we're getting a full one in 2024 so yeah.
    WeekendsInMaine

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  8. Enjoy! Be sure to go by Sweet Cream Co on Main Street. You won't be disappointed ! (http://sweetcreamcompany.com/)

    My grandparents (now gone) lived in Columbia for as long as I can remember.

    Neat town. Enjoy your visit!

    @dSavannahCreate from
    dSavannahRambles
    (not writing for #AtoZ this year)

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