Clouds part just in time for Central Oregonians to enjoy partial eclipse; others travel far to witness the marvel of totality

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) – While some Central Oregonians traveled thousands of miles for the awesome sight of a total solar eclipse, many others stayed closer to home and enjoyed watching the moon take a “bite” out of the sun for a while, as thin clouds parted just in time to bring it into view.

It was an overcast Monday morning as various astronomy clubs set up in Bend’s Old Mill District.

“We’re trying to look at the eclipse, if the weather would participate a little bit better,” said Bob Grossfeld, executive director of the Cascade Astronomy & Rocketry Academy. “But we've had some quick views and in and out, and getting people some glasses so they can enjoy the eclipse.”

A small crowd gathered around the telescopes, wearing their protective glasses and visors. Kids and dogs came in costume.

Many at the gathering shared stories of where they were during the 2017 eclipse, when the High Desert was in that path of totality.

And just as this partial eclipse reached its maximum for this area, the clouds cleared away, to the smiles and cheers of the onlookers.

And even though we only got a quarter of the full eclipse experience, there were still interesting things to see.

“We can see sunspots on the sun,” Grossfeld said. “We have a specialized telescope that allows us to look at storms on the edge of the sun, as long as the sun comes out and we get some good shadows.”

Meanwhile, Eagle Crest resident Andy Holderness traveled all the way to Dallas to see the total eclipse. And even months of advance planning didn’t make it a cheap trip.

“Plane tickets were absurdly expensive – and we booked six months ago,” he said. “Hotels were all gone. I couldn’t even find a rental care.”

But having seen the 2017 total eclipse, Holderness said he just had to see it again.

“It’s a religious experience!” he said. “It’s like nothing you’ve ever seen before. I can see why, you know, cavemen probably freaked out, right? I mean, I could see why.”

Gayle Buskuhl of Redmond also traveled far, to Ohio, to witness another eclipse, this time with extended family.

In 2017, she wasn’t sure if the eclipse was a big deal – before it happened. But this time, she wanted to spend it with her family.

“And it was 100 times better!” she said afterward. “Witnessing it with people made a big difference – especially people you love.”