August 21st-ECLIPSE DAY!!!

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So it officially has come and gone. The eclipse that was to pass through Oregon on the morning of August 21st passed through and people are now making travel plans for the next one in eight years. It was a very special morning at The Rock. I woke up early and was excited to see clear blue skies and the sun shining bright. As the staff got onto the beach it was a normal morning, with the same routine, same signs, and the animals were all acting completely normal; except this morning was special. Cindy-one of our wonderful environmental interpreters- was on the beach giving a huge demonstration about the eclipse and how it affects the tides and the birds. She was awesome! Visitors and other staff all enjoyed her presentation. There was two visitors that listened to her little presentation probably five times. They couldn't get enough, it was awesome!
As we reached the peak of the eclipse, it was magical! The small amount of people on the beach were all standing with their backs to the ocean looking up into the sky, no one's focus was on the Rock. Everyone was focused on the same thing, and was astonished by what they were seeing! Then very quickly the fog rolled in, it got really really cold, and then it got just a little bit darker. Dark enough where on of our interpreters thought she was going to be able to see a Rhinoceros Auklet-a type of nocturnal bird that nests at the Rock. Finally, as quickly as it began, it ended! The sun came back out in full force, it warmed back up, and the fog rolled back out to sea! Even though, we only had around 98% totality in Cannon Beach, the eclipse was still a completely magically event!!! Thanks to all who came out to watch it with us!!!!


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