Witnessing Vermont’s Total Solar Eclipse
On a bright Monday afternoon in Burlington, Vermont, residents and tourists alike gathered at the Lake Champlain waterfront to witness the rare and spectacular event of a total solar eclipse. Seven Days reporters were dispatched across the state to capture the diverse ways in which people were observing this once-in-a-lifetime phenomenon.
A Unique Assignment
Reporter Derek Brouwer, along with his colleague Courtney Lamdin, were tasked with documenting the city festival at the waterfront. Initially underwhelmed by the assignment, Brouwer set out to find a unique angle to cover the eclipse. He decided to watch the eclipse with someone who was working during the festivities, giving him a different perspective on the event.
An Unconventional Viewing Spot
Brouwer’s quest led him to a group of flaggers directing traffic on the Burlington Beltline. Among them was David Faske, who agreed to watch the eclipse with Brouwer. Their viewing spot, near a Porta-Potty halfway down a hill, was far from picturesque. However, as totality approached, a small group assembled to witness the eclipse together, creating a memorable and unexpected experience for all involved.
Awe and Satisfaction
As the eclipse reached its peak and the sun reemerged, Brouwer and Faske returned to their respective duties, feeling a sense of awe and satisfaction from their impromptu viewing. Brouwer reflected on the adventure he had found in an unlikely setting and returned to the Seven Days office to put his experience into words, capturing the essence of the eclipse from a unique perspective.
In the midst of bustling city life and unexpected encounters, the total solar eclipse brought people together in unexpected ways, reminding us of the beauty and wonder of the natural world. As Brouwer’s story exemplifies, even in the most unconventional of places, moments of magic and connection can be found when we least expect them.
