My two grownup sons and I will be driving off from Melbourne on the morning of the 8th.
We have no booking in the area of the eclipse so we will have to be creative and try to drive in on the morning of the event.
We are also making a detour to Maralinga where we booked a one-day tour for the 11th. There are a few places left, I believe, if anyone is interested.
Having spent a good portion of my working life up that way and knowing that accommodation is limited in this instance, I decided to "Tivago" for the appropriate dates. I'd guess you'll probably need to get creative right now or sleep in the car. No openings in either Exmouth or Coral Bay far as I can see. Just Carnarvon or Onslow - and not much there. Both are about a 4 hour drive.
My preparations have been a little over the top, but as an after-thought I figured we needed a T-Shirt for the eclipse.
I looked on online and was not impressed with the drab offerings.
Having been on the whale shark dive at Ningaloo, I came with a design which I thought was quite fitting....
Well I don't know if design is your thin But if not, that's a very good first effort. If they were on offer in Exmouth I think they'd sell out in no time at all.
Well I don't know if design is your thin But if not, that's a very good first effort. If they were on offer in Exmouth I think they'd sell out in no time at all.
Ta.
I actually managed to get a fabric printing business to get some samples done
and will be curious to see while wearing them around Exmouth whether anyone asks me "Where'd you get your T-Shirt?"
My two grownup sons and I will be driving off from Melbourne on the morning of the 8th.
We have no booking in the area of the eclipse so we will have to be creative and try to drive in on the morning of the event.
We are also making a detour to Maralinga where we booked a one-day tour for the 11th. There are a few places left, I believe, if anyone is interested.
FYI, I got an email from the place I've booked at Coral Bay saying that Main Roads WA are planning to set up check points between 17 and 21 April along highway locations to Coral Bay and Exmouth, suggesting that you might need to produce evidence of a booking to stay the night(s) in order to proceed. If true that would be absolutely disgusting. I should be free to drive up from Geraldton or wherever, see the eclipse, stargaze the night and drive back the next day if I damn well please.
The email also stated that Coral Bay would be one of the best places to view the event from. Technically that might be true (remembering it's way better than London, for example), but I'll still try to get to the path of Totality thank you very much.
FYI, I got an email from the place I've booked at Coral Bay saying that Main Roads WA are planning to set up check points between 17 and 21 April along highway locations to Coral Bay and Exmouth, suggesting that you might need to produce evidence of a booking to stay the night(s) in order to proceed. If true that would be absolutely disgusting. I should be free to drive up from Geraldton or wherever, see the eclipse, stargaze the night and drive back the next day if I damn well please.
The email also stated that Coral Bay would be one of the best places to view the event from. Technically that might be true (remembering it's way better than London, for example), but I'll still try to get to the path of Totality thank you very much.
Just put down phone from chat with WA Main Rds in Carnarvon. No mention of checks on dates above. Only road closure is Maidstone Cres in town of Exmouth for the eclipse party. All other roads on the peninsula are open but expect congestion. BTW 5 cloudy days in a row for the town and nearby Learmonth has 6.5 such for the month. Better to get them out of the way early
FYI, I got an email from the place I've booked at Coral Bay saying that Main Roads WA are planning to set up check points between 17 and 21 April along highway locations to Coral Bay and Exmouth, suggesting that you might need to produce evidence of a booking to stay the night(s) in order to proceed. If true that would be absolutely disgusting. I should be free to drive up from Geraldton or wherever, see the eclipse, stargaze the night and drive back the next day if I damn well please.
The email also stated that Coral Bay would be one of the best places to view the event from. Technically that might be true (remembering it's way better than London, for example), but I'll still try to get to the path of Totality thank you very much.
We will try to get as close as possible and drive into Exmouth early on eclipse day and drive out straight after. Congestion is a possible problem.
Eclipse magnitudes of 99% or greater will allow photographs of at least some parts the solar corona, chromosphere and prominences. However, visual unfiltered observing is out of the question for anything less than 100%. The potential eye damage is not worth it.
I still remember the post-eclipse traffic jam on the Roxby Road in December 2002. Arriving and setting up had been a very relaxed affair.
By contrast, the Mulligan Hwy had very little traffic pre and post-totality in 2012, even though it had the best locations.
Anything could happen and nothing is guaranteed.
Just put down phone from chat with WA Main Rds in Carnarvon. No mention of checks on dates above. Only road closure is Maidstone Cres in town of Exmouth for the eclipse party. All other roads on the peninsula are open but expect congestion. BTW 5 cloudy days in a row for the town and nearby Learmonth has 6.5 such for the month. Better to get them out of the way early
Just came across this page on WA Main Roads site, it seems there could really be checks in place. https://www.mainroads.wa.gov.au/abou...solar-eclipse/
I've booked tickets for the official viewing site at ningalooeclipse.com but I'm wondering how that would work out. Would I still be able to drive in on the day of the eclipse?
I'm wondering how that would work out. Would I still be able to drive in on the day of the eclipse?
I suppose that will depend on a few things. Like where you drive in from; how many others decide to wing it & where they are driving from.
The biggie from that notice is......
*You will be asked about your food and fuel situation and, if you have not arranged accommodation, you could be turned-around."
.....and that could maybe be effected by how widespread and heavy is the rain depression that will likely follow Cyclone Ilsa and which path it takes after crossing (probably tonight or tomorrow).
So the take-away from that is; if you don't have bookings make sure you can show adequate food, water & fuel supplies. Good luck to all.
Currently looking at the weather maps (as one does). The satellite imagery of the cyclone is chilling. Hoping for those in its path to make it through safely.
So the take-away from that is; if you don't have bookings make sure you can show adequate food, water & fuel supplies. Good luck to all.
Yes indeed I clarified with Main Roads too and it seems the checkpoints will be there more for safety and emergencies. Wishing all a safe trip and a great time! I'll be making my way up and down with my self-built 10 inch dob so if you do see me at night please come by to say hi
Pirated from the ASV FB page
