Chasing the Eclipse April 2024

The total solar eclipse of April 2024 was a rare and breathtaking event and witnessing it from the perfect location took careful planning A group of 11 of us set out for Maine selecting a mountain peak that would provide an unmatched view of the eclipse.

With such a large group we had to book multiple Airbnbs to make sure everyone had a place to stay On the first night before the eclipse we feasted on chili refueling from the long trip and taking in the stillness of the snow-covered landscape As the night deepened we laid out on a blanket atop the snow beneath a perfectly clear sky watching the stars blaze overhead For the first time I saw comets streak across the darkness brief and fleeting yet unforgettable.

The next morning we set out for the summit facing a 3.5-mile uphill hike through snow pushing through steep terrain and icy conditions The journey was demanding but the payoff was beyond anything I had ever seen before As the eclipse began the world transformed Temperatures dropped shadows sharpened and the wind which had been present throughout the hike seemed to fade into complete stillness It was as if nature itself paused for the event When totality hit the sun’s corona burned against the darkened sky creating a sight that no screen or photo could ever truly capture.

To make the moment even more immersive I brought my telescope giving everyone the chance to see the eclipse up close after it passed Standing at the peak surrounded by friends who shared in the journey it became clear this wasn’t just about seeing an eclipse It was an unforgettable experience earned through effort planning and a deep appreciation for the rare beauty of the cosmos.

We spent another night together before setting out again in the morning taking time to reflect on everything we had just witnessed Four of us needed to depart but the remaining seven pressed onward to the second half of the trip crossing the border into Canada and making our way to Montreal. The shift from the snowy wilderness to the lively streets of Montreal was an abrupt but exhilarating contrast After days of hiking and skywatching the city’s energy felt electric Bustling cafés historic architecture and a completely different atmosphere added a new layer to the adventure The trip had transformed from an eclipse expedition into a full-fledged journey filled with discovery.

It turned into a space for creativity and celebration Recording scenes for a music video in that setting added an artistic energy that carried through the rest of the trip It was no longer just about witnessing the eclipse—it became a journey of discovery and collaboration