Today, the United States saw a total eclipse of the sun from Oregon to South Carolina.

Here in Asheville, we are not on the path of totality, but we’re at about 99%, and my sister, Amy, and I chose to stay local, and spend the time at the North Carolina Arboretum.

It was a beautiful day and an amazing experience.  The sky this morning was clear and Carolina Blue, but as the day went on and the time of the eclipse came closer, the clouds started moving in.  We were worried that we wouldn’t be able to see the eclipse, but when it started, the clouds were there, but not blocking the sun.

Neither Amy nor I had ever seen a full eclipse before, and I don’t think that either of us will ever forget it.  As the moon began to cover the sun, I noticed that the birds and insects, usually very vocal at the Arboretum, became silent, and the world seemed, to me, to grow more peaceful with each second as the moon moved further across the sun.

For a few moments, twilight fell in the middle of the day, and the shadows became deeper and somehow more magical.  The animals went still in the forest and the gardens, the birds held their songs still, it was as if all nature stopped and, for that moment or two, just watched and waited.

From our location, there was just a sliver of sun left and it was one of the most beautiful things I have ever seen, that tiny slice of light trying to break away from the darkness.

As the moon moved off the sun, the light in the gardens seemed somehow different, almost ethereal, and tinged the leaves with a light such as I have never seen before.

It was truly an amazing experience.

The clouds moved in, and we were unable to see the moon’s retreat, but watching the eclipse is a moment I will cherish all my life.

Those of you who know me are, by now, well aware that I am photographer, and of course I took photographs today.

I hope you enjoy them.

Namaste,

Barbara

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Here’s a little something to welcome back the Sun after the Eclipse: