Our First Total Eclipse... Sorta

The much anticipated event of the week was the spectacle of a total solar eclipse that was to sweep across North America Monday, traversing 15 states, from Texas to Maine, and although Montana was not in the path of totality, excitement still filled the air, especially in the elementary classes of Cascade Public Schools. The early morning looked promising, with lots of sun, as students in these classes learned about eclipses and about safety in watching them. According to reports, the eclipse would be visible in our area beginning about 12:40, so plans were made to go to the playground around 12:30 and greet the event of the year.

Well, this is Montana, and the weather changes by the minute. What started out as a sunny sky was replaced by dark clouds moving into the area. Not to be denied, the first graders in Mrs. Allen's class and Mrs. Culp's kindergartners came out, glasses in place, and sat in the little hill in the playground with their teachers, and waited, searching for a glimpse of the sun whenever there was a break in the clouds.

But it was not to be; not this year anyway. The good news, however, is there will be another total eclipse in the year 2044, in Montana! They'll be in their 20s. I think I'll miss that one, too!