Total Solar Eclipse Aug 21, 2017

Started with a primary goal of viewing Total Solar Eclipse from somewhere on the line of Totality in Idaho or Wyoming, this trip expanded to a 3000 mile National Park expedition from Aug 17 to Aug 23.  Given the distances, it only made sense to make stops along the way and enjoy nature and do some sightseeing. Day 1 - Visit Yosemite and Mono Lake, overnight at Tonopah, NV (420 miles) - Yosemite valley was smokey due to fires down in Mariposa.  Glacier point was closed due to fire danger, and although there was water in all waterfalls, it was nothing like the full glory earlier in the season. - Mono Lake is a beautiful looking lake that you should stay away from due to its salinity and acidity.  Tufas are worth a visit. Day 2 - Drive across rest of Nevada, visit Kolob/Zion and Cedar Breaks, overnight at Panguitch, UT (463 miles) - Although part of Zion NP, Kolob Canyons have a completely different feel to it. - If you haven't been to Bryce, you'd be impressed...

This is the day we have been waiting for! Our plan was to stay safe distance away from crazy hotel prices in the path of totality while avoiding traffic jams, and then to drive up to a spot on the line of totality depending on the weather and traffic conditions that day.  Ideal and most convenient place would be just below Rexburg, ID on US-20 on the way to Yellowstone, some 82 miles away.  Alternative plan was to continue on I-15N to someplace north of Roberts, ID. We checked the weather t he night before.  It was clear everywhere near Rexburg.  Without traffic, this 200+ mile trip from our hotel in Layton, UT - just north of Salt Lake City (SLC), would take nearly 3 hours.  I-15 has posted speed limits of 70-75-80 mph, making the trip shorter.  The question was how bad will the traffic be on Monday August 21 - no one knew. Coming up to SLC on Sunday August 20, freeway signs warned drivers to expect traffic delays and to plan accordingly.  ...