Where I am going for the total solar eclipse (8/21/2017)

Ok, so it's starting to make mainstream headlines, but I've been looking forward to this for over a year now. I'm not a huge astronomy buff or anything, but among all full solar eclipses the shadow doesn't pass right over the US all that often. Total solar eclipses aren't that rare, there will be another one on 7/2/2019, but it will mostly be over the Pacific and across Chile and Argentina. The experience won't be back across US soil again until 4/4/2024. There may be partial or annular eclipses before then, but from what I've read being in the band of totality is a sight beyond that of anything less.

I'm near the SF Bay area and will heading to Madras, OR. The city council there has made accommodations for an influx of thousands to experience almost 2 minutes of totality. Yep, just 2 minutes of seeing the ring of fire around the moon. The view will drastically change rapidly, and even the temperature drop will be noticeable, but I certainly think it'll be worth it to take the family to catch one of nature's most awe inspiring moments. This location will be good because it's on the center line of the shadow as well as has a decent amount of sunny days per year.

Here are some of the thoughts I had while planning where to go:

1. Travel to the center of the moon's shadow (umbra) for the best experience
2. Don't go to the coast or somewhere that is often overcast or cloudy, one recent news article suggested the Oregon coast, terrible suggestion due to likelihood of morning fog/overcast conditions blocking view of the eclipse
3. Didn't want to head way out into the desert or far from major roadways due to taking my wife and 4 kids 10 and younger
4. Someplace that still has accommodations remaining at a reasonable price, many hotels have been booked solid for months
5. Briefly though of going near Kentucky due to max duration of total coverage lasting nearly 2 minutes and 40 seconds compared to approx 2 minutes in Oregon, but even though the trip is worth it at 2 minutes the difference in travel costs isn't worth the time increase for totality
6. Closest location to my home will aid in convincing my brother to bring his family too since they're nearby

If you can't travel to the center of the band of totality, which is about 30 miles wide, then you'll still catch a pretty good partial eclipse.

One last thing not to forget is appropriate eye protection, but you may be able to skimp on the sunscreen. Right now they're pretty cheap online. A NASA website recommends a couple different manufacturers;

Rainbow Symphony - https://www.rainbowsymphony.com/eclipse-glasses/
American Paper Optics - http://www.3dglassesonline.com/

Just make sure they're ISO certified or have a #14 lens value. I have a welding hood, but those lenses are usually #10 or #12, so I won't be using it. Can't wait for this trip.

Roger