|
I actually thought I was one of the few people who had figured this out. Others were spending thousands of dollars on various forms of transportation and hotels and housing. I would be spending less than $200.
I got on the Adirondack and it was full, sold out. And over 140 of them were planning to go to the tiny town of Port Henry. As the train made its way north we saw large numbers of cars pulled off to the side of the road.
After a short nap I headed for the café car where I usually stay when I take the train. There was a festive atmosphere on the train, with a large variety of people including many families. The train menu was surprisingly healthy a few years ago but it has gone downhill since then. It is still possible to find some healthy items such as oatmeal and fruit. But there is no longer a salad without chicken.
It was almost impossible to find the proper dark glasses on Long Island once I decided to go. But I eventually found 2 that came in a kit with a children’s book on the eclipse at the science museum in Port Washington. I brought the book with me and dozens of children and parents read the book on the train and passed it around.
The train took a while to unload at Port Henry. The was probably the biggest event there in a long time. Local people had set up tables with food and other goods in anticipation. There was a big hill behind the train station and people started spreading their blankets all the way up the hill.
After about an hour we saw through our glasses that the moon had begun its trip across the sun. The skies gradually began to darken and it was getting colder. Even when the moon had covered most of the sun it was still relatively light out. But when it was completely covered it got so dark the outside lights of the train station came on, and yes, you could see the stars. Everyone had their glasses on and could see the light outline of the sun, covered by the moon. There was silence. At that point you could look at the sun without the glasses. Then the was applause!
| 
