Total Eclipse, Sunflowers, and Wind Turbines

After missing all ten total solar eclipses in the U.S. over the course of my lifetime, I was determined not to miss another. So last week we headed into northern Spain where the Burgos region promised dry summer skies and clear views for the near-sunset eclipse.

We shared a large open plateau with wind turbines, serious photographers, several watch parties, and our friends Ed and Tancha Mc Knight.

As the sun settled in toward the western horizon, we waited in anticipation.

When the new moon edged across the face of the sun and finally covered it, an eerie dusk descended.

The wind turbines switched on their nighttime flashing red lights.

The temperature dropped. A quiet hush settled all around. And then, we all grew quiet.

With the gradual return of the sun, the sky brightened, the air warmed, and people began chatting and moving about again. Our little group remained quiet, holding onto that sense of awe and reverence for this beautiful existence we are experiencing.

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Photos L to R: Ed Mc Knight. From the internet. P. Eicher. "Eclipsed by the Hat"

Turning with Nature

Standing close to a wind turbine is humbling. These structures are massive. Every now and then one will emit a prolonged and ethereal groan as it turns with the wind. Sitting at the foot of this one made me feel very small.

Driving through northern Spain, we passed field after field of sunflowers, known for turning their faces towards the sun throughout the day. In Spanish, sunflower is girasol, literally «rotate-sun.»  I was puzzled, though, to see every flower turned away from the sun. It turns out (pun!) that once mature, sunflowers generally remain facing east. Another lesson from the road.

BONUS:  If you are still reading, here is big news: we are buying a house here! We hope to move by October. More details to come over the next few months.

As always, Imagine All the People... Love from Tim and Penelope