Total eclipse delights despite some interference from clouds

Maria Colasante takes in views of the eclipse before totality set in. – Sue Capon photo

Perfect viewings of Monday afternoon’s total eclipse were marred in part by cloud obscuring the moments of totality, but the mid-day darkness, and stillness, followed by the quick return of light were a highlight for many who took in the rare occurrence.

Thousands of visitors and residents poured into Prince Edward County to witness the moon pass between the sun and earth – as the County was in the direct path of totality. It’s the first time it’s happened in southern Ontario in 400 years. And it won’t occur again for another 375 years.

For many, the rare event lived up to expectations even with clouded totality.

Ben and Ruth Romanchuk, of Sault Ste Marie, travelled to Bloomfield to watch the eclipse.

Ben and Ruth Romanchuk, of Sault Ste. Marie, travelled to Bloomfield hoping for the best location for the maximum amount of totality, within reason for travel. The last eclipse they witnessed was in 2017 in South Carolina.

“It was cloudy that day, too but at totality, the clouds just vanished,” said Ben, who hoped for a repeat performance during his second viewing of a total solar eclipse.

That didn’t happen in Bloomfield, but the couple were still pleased with their experience.

Partial eclipse. – Totality on the Bay live feed photo

“Most people don’t get a chance to see it in their lifetime so if you get a chance, you should see it,” said Ben.

“In 2017, all the birds stopped singing and the cicadas came out in force,” added Ruth. “All the animals react as it zips into twilight just like the end of the day.”

Darkness fell during the eclipse

The humans also reacted, expressing surprise at how fast darkness drew down. Several heard the sound of canon-like booms, (now widely being reported as sonic booms) in several areas of the County. Fireworks were also heard in Bloomfield.

As the sun re-appeared, the traffic also increased – to the point where several roads were clogged bumper-to-bumper for several hours.

Sandbanks beaches were reported to be a well attended site for viewing, as was Wellington Rotary Beach, which had to be closed due to vehicle capacity.

Cheryl Anderson, vice-president of the South Shore Joint Initiative, made her way to Point Petre ahead of the eclipse event.

Some of the traffic at Point Petre for the eclipse event. – Cheryl Anderson photo

“There were hundreds of cars and more coming all the way down Cty Rd 24 as I was on my way home. It will be a gong show after it is over. I went down and handed out a box of garbage bags to try and stem the tide a little bit.”

Soup Harbour. – Cheryl Anderson photo

While there were signs in several places prohibiting people from stopping during the eclipse, it was impossible to do so as bumper-to-bumper and back ups were still being reported at 6:30 p.m. – three hours after the total eclipse ended.

“It was good viewing between the clouds and the darkening of the sky was amazing,” said one participant in Bloomfield. “I am so glad to have taken the time to see it.”