Annular Eclipse

I have seen several eclipses in my life, but none were as memorable as yesterday's annular eclipse. My dad suggested we have a picnic atop a local mountain, and we all eagerly agreed it was a wonderful idea. Mom even made her delicious apple dumplings. Unfortunately, slash burning was taking place on the next mountain over, so it was fairly hazy. But the views from each side of the mountain were stunning. It was also the first time we had all congregated up-top the mountain together. We set up food on dad's tailgate, sat in camping chairs, and ate and drank good stuff. It was a great time. We promised we would all get together at least once a year and picnic on our mountain. 

Natalie views the eclipse through one of Dad's welding masks.

Another lovely family portrait. *wink*

I admit I'm a little obsessed with jumping pictures. They're just so fun. 

Dad clicks his heels together!

A lizard spotted Hudson first and quickly retreated under this rock before he could get to it.

  

Dad spotted this beauty in the opposite lane driving back home. We stopped and jumped out to see if it was a rattler. Just a beautiful gopher snake with a hot temper. Dad got him off the road and into the safety of the grass. We like having reptiles like this around!