We were lucky enough to be in Cornwall at the time of the eclipse. Sue had booked a restaurant, Indidog (love the name) for the actual time of the eclipse. On realising this she got it moved to an hour or so later so that we could watch the start of the eclipse on Falmouth’s Gyddy beach , and they were also having an airshow. Then we would walk to the top of the hill as it approached is zenith and get the last of it’s effects whil being seated by the waterside at the restaurant. Quite the plan.
As we were staying at Karensa with Sue’s Mum and Dad we caught the bus to Falmouth. It is literally 100 yards from their house (and the return stop is even closer .. useful after a couple of beers). We were a bit early so we nipped into the local Lanner Stores for an ice cream. The bus duly arrived and we boarded it with the local youth and I got the feelng we were all going to watch the eclipse.
We got to Falmouth with quite a bit of time to spare so we had a light lunch at Sabzi. Then Sue wentaround the shops and I went to Beerwulf (2nd trip of the year).
Sue joined me a bit later and then we sauntered over to Gylly beach to find a spot (luckily in the shade) to wait for the eclipse.
On Gylly Beach
The beach was rammed. The promise of the eclipse and the upcoming air display was obviously a big draw. We managed to find some shade and watched the volley ball and had a sneaky cider while we waited.
As the start of the eclipse approach and also the air display the Lifeguards cleared the water with the threat that if people did not get out of the water then the display would not take place. The public dutifully obeyed……eventually.
We moved along the beach to where the path started to go up to the rocks and got a good vantage point. Sue got the “Eclipse Glasses” out and we prepared ourselves. for the start. The glasses were really useful as you could actually see the eclipse starting and trackk its progression. There were even filters for the phone camera which worked pretty well too.
The air show started. It was in 3 acts. The bi-planes with acrobats, the parachutists (who were a long way away) and a plane just zooming about. The bi-planes won! Off to Dinner
The Zenith
As the time approached to go to the Indidog restaurant we left the beach and climbed up the hill. We were at the top of the hill as the maximum sun obscuration occurred and I managed to get this shot.
There were some council workers also trying to get a shot of it so I lent them my phone filter! All very communal.
Indidog
We walked down the hill in the quiet slightly strange light. A lot of people complained about the lack of impact on the light. I think that is really that our eyes and brain adjust pretty quickly to low light and there would be no change in colour as the sun would still be relatively high.
We checked into the restaurant and got a lovely seat out on the deck. Our waitress was being trained and so we got double the attention from the staff. I am not sure we needed it.
I have to say the food was excellent. The crispy squid was so fresh and my duck leg was cooked to perfection. Sue was so impressed with her pea and edamame bean veg which accompanied her steak, that we have since had it at home.
