It was 7:45am and we hit the road to the Oregon backcountry. . . in search for the perfect viewing spot for the 2017 Solar Eclipse!  And after an easy 6 hour drive through rolling golden hills and cowboy towns we arrived near Painted Hills Oregon.  We joined our group and set up camp for the night.  This place was breathtaking, as you can see in these images, and our group was so fun! We ate yummy burgers and chatted the night away. Its been ages since I saw a night sky unaffected by the lights of a city and instead saw he milkyway and endless stars sparkling in the darkness.  Then it was time to hit the hay.  . .the sweet song of the crickets sang me to sleep.  Awaking earlier than normal we headed to a ridge overlooking our campsite to view the eclipse.  Words cannot explain what it was like to look through the safety glasses to view the stages of the moon and then totality!  The only word I can think of is surreal.  The climate became colder and the land became darker, you can see the change in the images!  Everyone was cheering and oooooooing and Ahhhhhing!  I was without connection to the rest of the world for 2 days and it felt strange but good!  Solar Eclipse 2017 was a moment we shared all eyes on the prize at the same time.  After a quick stop at Painted Hills (one of the seven wonders of Oregon, I was told by a new friend) we hit the gravel road home. . . 13 hours. . . but it was well worth the new friends and memories.  Enjoy!