If anybody is a fiction reader, I read a book from my library last week that featured a main character who traveled all over the world to see the various eclipses. The book was set in 2012 when there was an eclipse in Cornwall (I think) but the 2017 eclipse was mentioned as one that the character planned to go to. It’s called He Said/She Said and the author is Erin Kelly. I’d call it a suspense type book. It was just coincidence that I picked this book up at the library; I’m sure the author was banking on it being published right before this eclipse. 
We’ll be in Waynesville/Maggie Valley SC visiting w friends. I’m hoping for good weather. I got my glasses but I had a hard time finding them but eventually got some from my optometrist. Someone mentioned Lowe’s and I see they still have some on their website to buy and pick up at your local store. Nasa has a great website about the eclipse. https://eclipse2017.nasa.gov/
http://time.com/4882923/total-solar-eclipse-map-places-view/
Hope this link works! You put in your zip code…and it shows what the eclipse will look like where you are.
Do I need special glasses for that site?
I found glasses at Wal Mart for a dollar. They are made by American Paper Optics, which apparently is NASA approved for this kind of thing. They sort of resemble 3-d glasses.
Its about a 7-8 hour drive for me to reach nearest totality. And that is without traffic (which I expect will add a fair amount of time on the 21st to any drive). Not sure its worth it. Could fly to Nashville (airport is in totality). Hang out there a few hours and then fly home. Not looking to overnight anywhere. Where I live is in totality for 2024 eclipse.
But 2024 eclipse is in early April. What are weather prospects like where you are?
Me, I think it’s worth it. People pay thousands, tens of thousands of dollars to travel to see eclipses somewhere else in the world. This is cheap by comparison. But clouds could of course ruin the whole thing…
I ordered my first set of eclipse glasses from Amazon in early July before there was too much talk about counterfeit ones. After they arrived I realized they didn’t have the ISO number or were from the approved companies. I was going to send them back to Amazon, but was too lazy since they cost just $10 or so. This weekend I got an email from Amazon saying they realized these glasses were not protective and credited my account. I’m glad to see Amazon being proactive about this.
We are planning on driving to the totality band from Atlanta. Anyone have specific recommendations on where to watch this from, assuming a 2-3 hour drive from Atlanta? Current thought is Anderson, SC.
We were just at one of the prime Illinois spots this weekend. The excitement is building there-and a little hesitancy too based on the expected crowds. My D works in tourism and they will be putting in 12 hour days next weekend. Still not sure where we will be.
We leave for Wyoming tomorrow morning. We’ll be on a trip that does a few other things like Yellowstone, Grand Tetons before the eclipse in Sun Valley, Idaho. Wishing everyone good weather!
@arisamp, you should apply a 150%-200% normal drive time for trips made on Sunday or Monday per everything I am reading & hearing. I live in the totality band and my community college is a NASA viewing site. Some faculty live an hour away and they are being encouraged to come in 1-2 hours early because of concern for interstate traffic.
@2VU0609 - I completely agree. We are planning on leaving early, very early Monday morning and I was telling H that I hope we are not stuck on the road come eclipse time! I suspect most folks will be doing the same thing!
The first set of glasses I ordered turned out to not be ok, so I ordered a new set from the certified list. There were no more left at the library and I decided not to drive around town looking for glasses, so ordered on line. These were being sent from Germany (yes, they are legit) but had to pay expedited shipping that cost more than the glasses!! But, they arrived today. Will be going up to the mountains with friends and will stop somewhere in the zone of totality Monday on our way back. Hope the weather is good!
We are thinking about driving to somewhere in central Oregon (from Seattle). All campsites and hotels are totally sold out (except for a $2,000 room I saw at a Best Western…seriously). My husband is thinking about asking people if we can give them $50 and put a tent on their land, or just sleep in the car. Yikes! I wonder if thousands of people are going to do that.
Anyone have suggestions about where to view? I’m thinking near Salem, maybe, but I know it will be insane!!
Check weather forecasts as we get closer to the date.
There are Facebook groups about eclipse travel with lists of available campsites, including people making their front lawn available.
Make sure you have a full tank of gas, food, water, sun protection, TP, paper maps, and cash. Traffic to the band of totality will be bad. Traffic afterwards will be worse. Do not park on the side of a highway–it’s illegal and dangerous.
Be patient.
Thanks for that information, @SlitheyTove !
“We are thinking about driving to somewhere in central Oregon (from Seattle). All campsites and hotels are totally sold out (except for a $2,000 room I saw at a Best Western…seriously). My husband is thinking about asking people if we can give them $50 and put a tent on their land, or just sleep in the car. Yikes! I wonder if thousands of people are going to do that”.
The problem with central Oregon is that the two main highways in and out of there are just two-lane roads. No Freeways. You might be better off to try of Salem or some other place over in the Willamette Valley. That area is served by freeways.
Thanks,@Scipio. Now my husband mentioned it might not be great weather, so we’re going to have to follow it. Hate to do all that hassle for nothing.
In spite of all the warnings and the sales of millions of eclipse glasses, I expect thousands of people will damage their eyes by looking at the sun during the eclipse. Especially in the areas and times it is 90 - 98% covered there will be people who will sneak a peak… or just stare at it too long. Wife is pressing me to leave on Sunday rather than early Monday morning. Expecting gridlock. Ordered glasses from 2 reputable sources on 8/2, both arrived on 8/10 so we have 9 pairs. Ordered from Lunt via Amazon, and from Explore Scientific. I read an article that stated Amazon had recalled many, including from Lunt, but I have not received any recall notice. Also read that Amazon recalled many that vendors are certain are actually ok.