Quote:
Originally Posted by Protiotype
Hmm I posted this in the other thread already, but will cross-post here too:
I just booked all of my flights (with window seats) last week! My first independent overseas trip too - just a wee bit excited now. 
I'll be arriving in Seattle on the 12th and departing from Portland on the 22nd. Would like to see it from Madras where the air is dry and elevation is high, but am unsure if traffic will be an issue (and I don't intend to be in the driver's seat). If so and the weather is CAVOK, Salem (around an hour or so south of Portland by train) could be a safer bet.
I was up in Cairns for 2012 but got clouded out during the crucial moments! I briefly considered 95% the way to the edge of the path for 2017, but I think 2 minutes of totality will work just fine for me, more or less a "first timer".
Will be cool to meet any IIS members while I'm over there! |
Ray,
Salem would be a very poor choice weatherwise. Salem is on the wrong side of the mountains. Cloudiness halves once you get on the east side of the mountains - eg Madras - Mitchell etc. Bring a sleeping bag and for less than the cost of a hotel room, you can buy a cheap tent and camping mat from a Walmart. Camp in one of the state rec areas near Madras or Mitchell or just sleep in the car.
In 22 years of eclipse chasing and 15 eclipses, I have never been caught in traffic. Even if you do happen to get caught in traffic, it is only 190km each way.
Cheers
Joe