[HELP NEEDED] New York to North Carolina Road Trip for the Great American Eclipse

On the 18th August 2017 I will be flying in to New York with my son (5) to see the Great American Eclipse which takes place 3 days later. Those of you familiar with the USA and the eclipse will immediately point out that the path of totality is a long way from New York.

We know:

The flights are booked, so there's no turning back now. Anyway, this is something I've been planning on doing for years, so I've gone all in hoping to sort out transport nearer to the date. I've never seen a total eclipse, despite being present at the 1999 Falmouth one (it was cloudy.) Having the opportunity to take my son along too, who loves Space is something I'm genuinely excited about.

This is where I need YOUR help.

Have a look at the map above and if you can, make a suggestion of what we can do on the journey. Bear in mind that we arrive on the 18th and the eclipse takes place in North Carolina between 2-3PM on the 21st. So we have to be there by then.

For those interested and nearby, this is a local map of where the eclipse is taking place:

So it's very much up in the air still at the moment. I've arranged the time off school and hope this will be something my little one's young and squidgy brain will soak up. I heard once that experiencing scientific events at an early age can lead to a better education through life. I'm not counting on it, but I do hope the eclipse will form as a core memory.

So, without further ado, here's a list of of things I'm still deciding and would be happy with advice:

• What mode of transport should we take? Hire car, train or plane?
• Is there anything on the journey that is too important to miss?
• Do you have any travel advice for the area? I assume it's all fairly safe.
• Are you a Steemian and would you like to arrange a meetup with me and Indigo (my son)?

If you have any comments or advice (positive or negative, it's ok) I will be grateful to receive them in the section below. I'll read every one and make sure I follow you all.

Here's a few snaps from the 2015 partial eclipse visible from Scotland:

Indigo looks through uncle Alan's telescope

Mummy and Indigo see the partial eclipse just visible through thick cloud

This is me with my son Indigo in Infra Red light

A shot of the partial eclipse I took

Thank you & see in you in the USA soon!

Sam.