The Great Solar Eclipse of 2017 crossed the continent, from Oregon to South Carolina, and gave millions of people the chance to witness one of the most awe-inspiring events in the natural world.

But you had to be within the "path of totality", a narrow band across the earth's surface several thousand miles long but only about 70 miles wide. Outside that band you would only see a partial eclipse, not a total eclipse.

And there is no such thing as a "partial total eclipse", despite the impression blogs and the news media might give. I honestly think that's why so many people misunderstand the utter beauty of the spectacle; they may have seen a partial eclipse in the past that was total somewhere else, and even though they weren't in the path the news kept gushing about it being a total eclipse, so they assume they must have seen a total eclipse and just didn't find it all that impressive.


Posted by Dan 08/29/2017, revised 09/06/2017

In Fall 2000 Kim studied in London for a semester before returning to Willamette. With London as her base, she made the most of her semester abroad and explored many other parts of Europe.

Always one to try new things, Kim managed to squeeze a 2-week bartending course into 4 days while in San Francisco just before returning to Willamette! At the end of high school she became fascinated with belly dancing, and now is an accomplished belly dancer and trained bartender, to boot!

Meanwhile, Whitney is in her freshman year at College Park High School, where she plays high school volleyball and soccer. She also continues to play Class-I club soccer. After two successful years with the Lamorinda Wild Things Class-I team, she now plays with the Bay Oaks Blasters U-15 team.

Posted by 02/02/2001

After packing some camping gear on his bicycle and hitching a ride to British Columbia, Nik spent part of this summer riding his bicycle from Canada to California.

Nik still lives in Santa Cruz, where he spends time playing beach volleyball and going to school at Cabrillo College.
Posted by Dan 08/15/2007

Awww, why did I have to find my favorite place yet at the very end of my time in Colombia??

Salento is an incredible little pueblo in the breathtaking coffee region of Colombia. The climate is a mix of good solid downpours and rich, beautiful breaks in the clouds for the sun. Even when it rains, it can't be called "cold." Only "fresh." The hills and valleys all around are green green green, with wisps of white clouds drifting in about them, holding close to the earth.

The town itself is packed with color and artisan life. The main street is a gorgeous little narrow road lined on either side with tiny shops selling all sorts of great works of art - jewelery, woodwork, paintings (incredible paintings!), clothing, traditional Colombian sombreros, and lots of great little cafes that serve (of course) delicious coffee. I've found that many little pueblos of Colombia and Ecuador, while they have a nice small-town feel with friendly people, they lack in much character or culture as far as the town itself goes. They're just kind of bland. But this... this is an incredible mix of nature, culture, friendliness, liveliness, and relaxation-without-boredom.


The town of Salento, colorful and lively

Posted by Whitney 07/31/2011, revised 08/15/2011