Eclipse: What RVers Should Expect

Above, the 2017 Great American Eclipse. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

For all of you skywatchers, eclipse day is tomorrow. Depending upon where one is, the eclipse will take place between 1:00 to 4:00 PM eastern time.

Since I viewed the 2017 eclipse up in Idaho, I decided to sit this one out at home. I was considering traveling to where the path will cross over, but the weather reports aren't too encouraging. But those who want to take a chance to see it with clear skies (check the weather reports), do it.

Above, The Beast at the Idaho viewing area in 2017. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

I did manage to get a good view of last year's annular solar eclipse from my yard as my home was in its path.

RV Life has posted an article on what RVers should expect during the eclipse.

They begin with:

When I was in elementary school, a partial eclipse passed over New Orleans. It was an incredible event. I had never seen anything like it in my life. I remember the feeling of awe as all of the kids gathered on the playground to experience it. Our science teachers excitedly explained that the moon was passing in front of the sun. One of the teachers had obsidian glass where we could see the moon slowly pass in front of the sun. But the shadows were what astounded me the most. It was like being on another planet. This memory is what propelled me to pack up my family and our dog in 2017 and drive 14 hours to experience totality. Was it worth it? Absolutely. Do I recommend the eclipse experience for RVers? Of course I do!

To read more, go here. 

April 8 Solar Eclipse: Things To Do Now

Above, the April 8 eclipse path through Texas.

We're almost into March, but before we know it, we'll be in April.

The big event coming on April 8 is the solar eclipse that will cut across North America. People have already made travel plans to view it.

Above, 2024 U.S. eclipse path.

I was lucky enough to live in the path of the annular solar eclipse last year, so I didn't have to travel anywhere. I just sat out in the yard.

In 2017, I drove up to Idaho to view the Great American Eclipse. I made a vacation out of the trip and also visited Crater Lake National Park in Oregon and Lassen Volcanic National Park in Northern California. 

Above, the 2017 Great American Eclipse in totality. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

The only thing that wasn't fun was spending several hours in bumper-to-bumper traffic immediately following the eclipse. I had a campsite at a KOA Kampground in Lava Hot Springs, Idaho to get to. I made my reservations months in advance. 

Still, it was a great event to experience.

The Points Guy has posted an article things to do now if one wants to watch the April 8 eclipse.

It begins with:

On April 8, the moon will pass directly before the sun, darkening the afternoon sky with a rare, total solar eclipse. For those along the path of totality, the solar eclipse will last around four minutes. With so many people clamoring to see this rare celestial spectacle, you'll need a plan if you want to be among them.

Whether you plan to watch the solar eclipse from home, on the road or even from the sky, here are the things you should be doing now to prepare. 

To read more, go here. 

2023 Highlights

Above, at the Crystal Palace Saloon in Tombstone, Arizona
 during the Lost Dutchman Chapter's Spring Clampout.

As we're only days away from 2014, I thought I would take a look back on 2023.

The year wasn't too bad for me personally. Health and general living were fine and dandy, but I do have to keep watch on my blood pressure. My cardiologist says the best thing to do is to keep active and exercise (a lot of walking).

Above, Mitch Geriminsky and I with U.S. Mint Director Ventris
 C. Gibson at the National Money Show in Phoenix, Arizona.

The first quarter's highlight was going to the American Numismatic Association's National Money Show in Phoenix, Arizona. I flew to Phoenix and met Mitch Geriminsky there. I was amazed at how big the city of Phoenix had grown. We had a good time perusing the dealers's displays of coins. We met U.S. Mint Director Ventris C. Gibson at the show. I joined the American Numismatic Association while there. 

The second quarter's highlight was the Spring Clampout of the Lost Dutchman Chapter of E Clampus Vitus in Tombstone, Arizona. Over 300 clampers attended. On the way there, I stopped by John Wayne's former ranch, the 26 Bar Ranch in Eagar. It was a nice drive along the eastern third of Arizona. The clampout was enjoyable and I took part in the ritual of the initiation rites. I hadn't been to Tombstone since the late 1980s, so it was nice to be back. The plaque dedication was at Boot Hill Graveyard. 

Above, yours truly at Old Tucson Studios.

After the clampout, I headed to Tucson to pay a visit to Saguaro National Park and Old Tucson Studios. I had never been to either before, so it was a good opportunity to see both.

I attened the Lions Club Rodeo in June.

Above, cousin Maria and Fred stopped by for a quick visit at the Flying J in July.

In August, the Gallup Gun Show returned to Gallup for the first time since before the pandemic. I attended the Gallup Inter-Tribal Indian Ceremonial at Red Rock Park, including its rodeo. 

Above, Ethan Wayne, John Wayne's youngest son, and I with my donation
check to the John Wayne Cancer Foundation near Ridgway, Colorado.

In September, I returned to Ridgway, Colorado for the John Wayne Cancer Foundation "Grit Series" marathons. This time I volunteered to help man a water station for the runners. The weather was a little brisk and my allergies were giving me fits, but I toughed it out. Before leaving after the marathons were over, I handed Ethan Wayne a donation to the cancer foundation. 

Above, Mitch Geriminsky and I with the birthday present
 painting by Asya Lipovetckaia. Photo by Dwight Kuntz.

In October, the annular eclipse's path went directly over my home in Jamestown, New Mexico. I took some photos of it from Barking Spider Acre.

Above, waiting for the annular solar eclipse to start.

Also in October, I attended friend Mitch Geriminsky's 70th birthday party in Lake Havasu. I gave him a commissioned painting by Asya Lipovetckaia, which he and the other attendees loved. While in Lake Havasu, I shot skeet for the first time and enjoyed it. Afterwards, I bought a Remington 870 Express shotgun in Lake Havasu.

Above, yours truly with the new shotgun.

I wasn't done with Lake Havasu. I went back for Christmas with the Geriminskys and did some more skeet shooting with the new shotgun. 

Hopefully, 2024 will also be a good year. 

Upcoming This Week

Above, Mitch's present wrapped and ready to go. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Now that the annular eclipse is over and done with, there's something else to look forward to.

Friend Mitch Geriminsky will be turning the ripe old age of 70 on October 25, but the birthday party will be this week in Lake Havasu, Arizona. I will heading there at the end of this week with Sierra.

Above, yesterday, just before the eclipse began. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

I have already bought his birthday present and it'll be presented at the party. 

This will likely be the last camping trip with The Beast this year. Winter is fast approaching and it is already cold at night here in Jamestown, New Mexico. At least I'll be enjoying temperatures of around 100° while in Lake Havasu.

It is kind of mind-boggling to think that someone I've known since we were 14 years old is turning 70. 

"Ring of Fire" Eclipse

Above, the Ring of Fire eclipse. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

The "Ring of Fire" annular eclipse of today is now history.

It was an interesting diversion. Unfortunately, my Canon camera didn't exactly cooperate today. Only a few photos at the beginning of the eclipse are somewhat recognizable. The others were total washouts.

Above, outside eclipse viewing.

It dawned on me afterwards that I didn't have a lens filter on. I completely forgot about it. I later remembered that I had trouble putting on a lens shade on the lens as the filter was in its way when I took my photos in 2017 of the Great American Eclipse.

However, today wasn't a total loss as I was able to get some photos with my cell phone camera. I put the solar shade glasses lens over the cell phone camera lens. That did the trick. 

The photos accompanying this blog post are all from my cell phone.  

After the eclipse watching, we gathered at Denny's at the Flying J for coffee and lunch. 

Above, the gang at Denny's. Photo courtesy of Russell Azbill.

Tribal Traditions During An Eclipse

Above, the Great American Eclipse of 2017. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

While those of us who are in the path of today's annular solar eclipse will be observing it, Native American tribes will be honoring the event in different ways.

As such, tribal parks such as Monument Valley Tribal Park will be closed during the duration of the eclipse.

From KFOR:

OKLAHOMA CITY (KFOR) – As the annular solar eclipse crosses over North America on Saturday, Oct. 14, tribal nations across the U.S. are using the occasion to pass down cultural teachings, share stories and ensure members, especially younger generations, learn sacred traditions.

Here are a few examples:

Since I live across Interstate 40 from parts of the Navajo Nation, here's what the Navajos will do during the eclipse:

Navajo

For the Diné, or Navajo, an eclipse is about solemnity — not spectacle. It marks the end of a cycle and the power of when the moon and sun are in alignment. When the sun is blocked, it is undergoing a rebirth. It also is seen as the moon and the sun embracing each other.

“There’s so many things we’re not supposed to do as Diné people compared to other tribes, where it’s OK for them to look at the eclipse or be out or do things,” said Krystal Curley, executive director of nonprofit Indigenous Life Ways.

Don’t: Look at the eclipse, eat, drink, sleep or engage in physical activity.

Do: Sit at home and reflect or pray during what’s considered an intimate, celestial moment.

Paul Begay, a Diné cultural adviser for guided hikes with Taadidiin Tours in Antelope Canyon, said he was taught from a young age that deities are responsible for creation starting with the first man and first woman, who traveled through four worlds.

Begay described an eclipse as a disturbance, or death of the sun, which is considered a father figure in Navajo culture. Out of respect, he said, all activity stops.

“It’s just a show of reverency, a show of being the way the holy people would want you to be,” Begay said. “Of course, the eclipse will subside in due time and activities go back to normalcy.”

To read more, go here. 

Eclipse Weather

Above, what the sky looks like now. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

It's a good thing that the annular solar eclipse isn't taking place now as it is a bit cold outside.

Right now, it is about 39° outside, but it is clear with a few wispy clouds. Viewing of the eclipse should be good here in Jamestown.

According to The Weather Channel app on my phone, the outside temperature during the eclipse will be around 55°. Not too bad. Definitely jacket weather.

Ready For The Eclipse

Above, what I'll be using along with a tripod. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

A friend asked me the other day what settings did I use on my digital camera when shooting the Great American Eclipse in 2017. I said I think it was Automatic, but wasn't sure (after all, it has been six years since I did it). Whatever settings I did use, I was very pleased at the results.

One of which is here:

However, that was wrong as I did some checking online on what settings to use for Saturday's annular eclipse. 

I found  a post from Photography Life to be the most useful. It is "How To Photograph A Solar Eclipse".

They begin it with:

When photographing a solar eclipse, there are a few very important considerations you have to keep in mind to avoid damage to your camera equipment or to your eyes. In this article, we will take a closer look at where you should physically be at the time of totality, what equipment you should have on hand, what safety precautions to take before, during and after the solar eclipse, and what framing and composition aspects to consider. Keep in mind that totality might only last a couple of minutes, so if you are not fully prepared, you might miss the opportunity to photograph this rare phenomenon.

Accordingly, I am setting my camera to their recommendations. After reading it, everything (somewhat) came back to me on the camera settings. I now remember spending some time setting the camera's Manual settings.

I got the solar shades (viewing glasses) and guide from 2017 out of the motorhome. I have 3 extra solar shades.

To read more, go here.

Annular Solar Eclipse Over Navajo County

Above, the Great American Eclipse of 2017. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Saturday's annular eclipse will pass directly over the Four Corners.

While it will also pass over Monument Valley Tribal Park, Canyon de Chelly National Monument and Navajo National Monument, those places will be closed during the time of the eclipse for tribal eclipse cultural beliefs.

The Navajo-Hopi Observer has posted an article on the eclipse which also includes detailed map of the eclipse over the Four Corners. The map shows that the city of Albuquerque will be about dead center in the path.

The article begins with:

On Saturday, Oct. 14, at 10:29 a.m. MDT, a solar eclipse will pass through the Four Corners region, starting in the northwest U.S. and making its way southeast to Texas. While just a sliver of northwest Arizona will be under the sun’s rays when it is partially blocked by the moon, the eclipse path goes diagonally through all of New Mexico.

For it’s brief 28 mile trek through Arizona, Kayenta and Chinle will be in its path, cutting northwest of Ganado. In New Mexico, the phenomenom will take place above Window Rock, Gallup, Crown Point, Shiprock and Farmington.

Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park (Tsé Biiʼ Ndzisgaii in), Canyon de Chelly National Monument, and Navajo National Monument will all be under the eclipse pathway, and will be closed from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. MDT to honor the Navajo cultural beliefs.

Though thousands of people across the country will be donning protective eyewear and gazing up into the sky for the rare astrological event, many Navajos will be inside, paying their respects privately.

To read more, go here. 

"Mostly Sunny" On Eclipse Day

Above, the Jeep last Thursday. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

The annular solar eclipse is only three days away.

Thus far, we are having sunny skies with some clouds in Jamestown, New Mexico. That also is the forecast for Saturday when the eclipse occurs. 

Hopefully, the clouds, if any, won't obscure the eclipse.

Looks like we'll have a very cold Thursday night with a low around 25°.

The forecast for the rest of with week from the National Weather Service:

Today

Sunny, with a high near 73. Windy, with a southwest wind 10 to 20 mph increasing to 20 to 30 mph in the afternoon. Winds could gust as high as 45 mph.

Tonight

Mostly clear, with a low around 38. Breezy, with a west wind 20 to 25 mph decreasing to 10 to 15 mph after midnight. Winds could gust as high as 40 mph.

Thursday

Sunny, with a high near 61. West wind 5 to 10 mph increasing to 15 to 20 mph in the afternoon. Winds could gust as high as 30 mph.

Thursday Night

Mostly clear, with a low around 25. Northwest wind 15 to 20 mph becoming light and variable after midnight.

Friday

Sunny, with a high near 64. South wind 5 to 10 mph becoming west in the afternoon.

Friday Night

Partly cloudy, with a low around 34.

Saturday

Mostly sunny, with a high near 70.

Gallup Eclipse Times

Above, the 2017 Great American Eclipse as seen from Roberts, Idaho. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

The annular solar eclipse time for Gallup, New Mexico is as follows:

 Eclipses in Gallup, New Mexico, USA

Global Event:	Annular Solar Eclipse
Begins:	Sat, Oct 14, 2023 at 9:11 am
Maximum:	Sat, Oct 14, 2023 at 10:34 am 0.949 Magnitude
Ends:	Sat, Oct 14, 2023 at 12:05 pm
Duration:	2 hours, 54 minutes

Eclipse Glasses and Merchandise

Merchandising for the upcoming annular solar eclipse in Gallup, New Mexico has already started.

Good ol' capitalism!

I saw a merchant offering Gallup-centric annular solar eclipse t-shirts at Amazon. I did get a t-shirt in Idaho in 2017 when the Great American Eclipse took place.

Here's a photo:

 

On the other hand, there are some merchants who are selling eclipse safety glasses. Walmart is one. I would presume that Gallup Walgreen's and supermarkets are selling them as well. I would recommend calling around and ask before going on a "wild goose chase" to get some. I already have some.

The University of New Mexico in Albuquerque is offering free eclipse glasses. Go here for more information.

10 "Weird" Things To Know About The "Ring of Fire" Solar Eclipse

Above, the start of the 2017 Great American Eclipse. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

We're only six days away from Saturday's "Ring of Fire" annular solar eclipse.

Since it is crossing directly over my home in Jamestown, New Mexico, all I have to do is step outside with my camera equipment. At least I won't have to travel anywhere to see it. I went to Roberts, Idaho to see the 2017 Great American Eclipse.

I have to remember to get my eclipse eyeglasses out of the motorhome. They are still good to use. I got them for the Great American Eclipse.

There are ten "weird" things about this eclipse that Forbes has posted. 

They start their list with:

When is the next solar eclipse? On Saturday, October 12, 2023 there will be a rare opportunity to witness a partial solar eclipse across North America—with 32 million Americans also able to glimpse a “ring of fire” for a few minutes.

Eclipse-chasers from all over the world will be traveling to Oregon, California, Nevada, Idaho, Utah, Arizona, Colorado, New Mexico and Texas to see the peak of what is an annular (ring-shaped) solar eclipse, though outside of the 125 miles wide path a partial eclipse will be seen.

Here are 10 things to know about this rare celestial event taking place across the U.S. and beyond:

 To read more, go here.

National Parks Remain Open Through Mid-November

Above, Yellowstone's Old Faithful Inn. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

The compromise funding agreement will allow the national parks to remain open, at least through mid-November.

According to National Parks Traveler:

An 11th-hour compromise Saturday averted a shutdown of the federal government for at least 45 days, allowing the National Park System to remain open through one of the most popular tourist seasons of the year.

With the agreement, reached by the House on Saturday afternoon, approved by the Senate that evening, and sent to President Biden for his signature, the Congress bought time to try to come to terms on government funding for Fiscal 2024, which opens October 1. As a result, the National Park System will remain open at least through mid-November, allowing for Fat Bear Week to run at Katmai National Park and Preserve in Alaska, enabling leaf-peepers to flock to the hardwood forests of Great Smoky Mountains, Shenandoah, and Acadia national parks to marvel at fall's vibrant coat of leaves, and allowing tens of thousands of sky gazers to flock to the National Park System from Oregon through Texas to catch the annular solar eclipse on October 14.

Just in case an agreement on the Continuing Resolution wasn't reached, officials in Utah and Arizona were prepared to keep national parks in their states open with state funding, and Colorado officials were working to do the same.

To read more, go here. 

Annular Solar Eclipse Safety Tips

Above, eclipse watchers during the 2017 Great American
Eclipse near Roberts, Idaho. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

For those planning to observe the annular solar eclipse on October 14, safety precautions must be taken to protect one's eyes from the damaging rays of the sun.

I have several pairs of solar glasses left over from the 2017 Great American Eclipse. They are still good to use. They have been safely put away in my motorhome.

From the American Academy of Ophthalmology:

The American Astronomical Society says modern eclipse glasses do not expire. If the glasses were compliant with the ISO 12312-2, and have no punctures, scratches or tears, and the filters/lenses remain attached to the frames, they will last.

Space.com has eight safety tips for observing the eclipse.

They begin with:

A solar eclipse will be visible across North, Central and South America on Oct. 14, and it promises to be a landmark event. 

Everyone in the U.S. will see a partial solar eclipse, with those farther west seeing a much larger chunk taken out of the sun.

Only from a path 125 miles (200 kilometers) wide running from Oregon through Texas — via California, Idaho, Nevada, Arizona, Utah, Colorado and New Mexico — will observers get to see a "ring of fire," as a slightly smaller-than-average new moon obscures about 90% of the sun for up to almost five minutes (annularity). Our annular solar eclipse 2023 guide tells you everything you need to know about North America's "ring of fire" eclipse. 

For some specific regions — notably the high-elevation Colorado Plateau, where many eclipse-chasers will head — there are some particular safety issues to be aware of. However, everyone in the continent needs to be aware of how to stay safe on eclipse day for an event that will take up to about three hours, depending on the exact location.

While this is an exciting and unique experience, it's crucial to prioritize safety when observing the eclipse. Here are eight tips to ensure safe and enjoyable viewing of this exciting and unique event, which won't happen again in the U.S. until June 21, 2039 in Alaska.  

 To read more, go here.

Government Shutdown Averted Until Nov. 17

Above, Mesa Verde National Park will be open for eclipse watchers. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

The impending government shutdown has been averted, at least for 45 days.

According to the Associated Press (via AOL):

WASHINGTON (AP) — The threat of a federal government shutdown suddenly lifted late Saturday as President Joe Biden signed a temporary funding bill to keep agencies open with little time to spare after Congress rushed to approve the bipartisan deal.

The package drops aid to Ukraine, a White House priority opposed by a growing number of GOP lawmakers, but increases federal disaster assistance by $16 billion, meeting Biden’s full request. The bill funds government until Nov. 17.

The national parks will remain open. Some, like Mesa Verde National Park, will be open for eclipse viewers on October 14.

To read more, go here. 

Mesa Verde Eclipse Viewing Information

Above, Cliff Palace at Mesa Verde National Park. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Since Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park will be closed due to tribal eclipse rituals, the next best place to view the annular eclipse on October 14 in the Four Corners would be Mesa Verde National Park in Colorado.

The path of the eclipse will take it over the park.

However, there's just one problem: if there's still a government shutdown on October 14, Mesa Verde National Park will be closed. That's unless the state of Colorado pays to keep it open.

In case there's no shutdown on that date, The Denver Post has an article on everything one needs to know about viewing it at Mesa Verde.

They begin it with:

NASA personnel will soon be in Colorado for a celestial event that hasn’t been visible from North America in more than a decade.

On Oct. 14, Mesa Verde National Park in Southwest Colorado will be almost directly in line with the annular solar eclipse. During this type of event, the moon comes between the Earth and the sun and blocks most of the light.

Because the moon will be at one of its furthest points away from the Earth, the moon will appear smaller than the sun and not block its light completely. Instead, the moon will appear as a black dot surrounded by what’s called a “ring of fire.”

It’s a stunning sight – one that can only be viewed safely with the aid of protective eyewear, according to NASA. That’s why Mesa Verde is expecting robust crowds during the otherwise sleepy shoulder season.

“This event might be pretty huge compared to an average October day,” said Eric Sainio, supervisory park ranger at Mesa Verde. “NASA has told us that in former annual eclipses, they’ve seen crowds something like a busy summer day plus 50%. For us, that might mean around 6,000 people.”

The last time an annular solar eclipse was visible from North America was in 2012. Here’s what you need to know if you’re thinking about making the trek to Mesa Verde to witness the event.

Note: These details may be affected by the federal government shutdown. Visit nps.gov for the latest information about park closures.

To read more, go here. 

All Navajo Tribal Parks To Be Closed During Annular Eclipse Oct. 14

Above, the start of the "diamond ring effect" of the 2017 Great American Eclipse. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

As I had guessed in my September 19 blog post of the closure of Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park during the October 14 annular solar eclipse, all other Navajo tribal parks will be closed during the event.

According to Space.com:

A solar eclipse will be visible across most of the Americas, including eight U.S. states from Oregon to Texas, in October, but you won't be able to see it from a few key places after all. 

While millions of people will be flocking to the path of annularity — the narrow strip from which the 'ring of fire' solar eclipse can be seen — there are some locations along this path that will be closed to the public during the annular solar eclipse on Oct. 14. 

This month, it was announced that all Navajo Tribal Parks would close from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. MDT on October 14, 2023, due to Navajo cultural beliefs surrounding the event. This includes Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park, Four Corners Monument Navajo Tribal Park and parts of the Tséyi’ Diné Heritage Area in Canyon de Chelly National Monument. Local businesses may also be closed.  

In Navajo culture, an eclipse is a new beginning. The Navajo word for a solar eclipse jóhonaa'éí daaztsą́ means "the death of the sun" according to Navajo Traditional Teachings. During a solar eclipse, many Navajo people will remain inside, fasting and praying.

To read more, go here.

2023 Annular Solar Eclipse

 

The annular solar eclipse, or "Ring of Fire" eclipse, will cross directly over the Four Corners of the Southwest U.S. 

That includes my home in Jamestown, New Mexico. Hopefully, it will be a clear day to be able to see it.

According to Space.com:

On Oct. 14, 2023, all of North America and Central America, and most of South America will experience a solar eclipse. For all of that region, the spectacle will be a partial solar eclipse of varying obscuration. Only within the path of annularity, which is 118 to 137 miles (190 to 220 kilometers) wide, will the ring of fire be visible. That path will stretch from Oregon through northern California, northeast Nevada, central Utah, northeast Arizona, southwest Colorado, central New Mexico and southern Texas. It will then move across the Gulf of Mexico and over Mexico, Guatemala, Belize, Honduras, Nicaragua, Costa Rica, Panama, Colombia and Brazil.

The most scenic places to see the ring of fire are in the U.S. Southwest and at the Mayan temple at Edzná on Mexico's Yucatán Peninsula. Here are some notable locations and cities that will see a ring of fire, together with the local time and duration of that event, according to Jubier. Note that all of these places will also see a long partial solar eclipse before and after the brief 'ring of fire; their closeness to the centerline of the path of annularity determines the duration of the ring of fire: 

• Oregon Dunes, Oregon: 9:15 a.m. PDT; 4 minutes, 29 seconds 
• Crater Lake National Park, Oregon: 9:17 a.m. PDT; 4 minutes, 19 seconds 
• Lava Beds National Monument, California: 9:19 a.m. PDT; 54 seconds 
• Great Basin National Park, Nevada: 9:24 a.m. PDT; 3 minutes, 46 seconds 
• Bryce Canyon National Park, Utah: 10:27 a.m. MDT; 2 minutes, 31 seconds 
• Capitol Reef National Park, Utah: 10:27 a.m. MDT; 4 minutes, 37 seconds 
• Canyonlands National Park, Utah: 10:29 a.m. MDT; 2 minutes, 24 seconds
• Natural Bridges National Monument, Utah: 10:29 a.m. MDT; 4 minutes, 29 seconds  
• Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park, Arizona: 10:29 a.m. MDT; 4 minutes, 16 seconds
• Mesa Verde National Park, Colorado: 10:31 a.m. MDT; 2 minutes, 57 seconds 
• Chaco Culture National Park, New Mexico: 10:32 a.m. MDT; 4 minutes, 42 seconds 
• Albuquerque, New Mexico: 10:34 a.m. MDT; 4 minutes, 42 seconds  
• San Antonio: 11:52 a.m. CDT; 4 minutes, 5 seconds
• Corpus Christi, Texas: 11:55 a.m. CDT; 4 minutes, 52 seconds
• Padre Island National Seashore, Texas: 11:56 a.m. CDT; 4 minutes, 52 seconds
• Edzná Maya archaeological site, Yucatán Peninsula, Mexico: 11:23 a.m. CST; 4 minutes, 32 seconds    

Although Monument Valley Tribal Park is listed, the park will be closed for Navajo eclipse cultural ceremonials. There may be other Native American places that will be also closed, but they haven't been announced yet.

To read more, go here. 

Monument Valley To Be Closed During "Ring of Fire" Eclipse

Above, the West and East Mittens and Merrick Butte in Monument Valley. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

The annular solar eclipse that will take place on October 14 will cross directly over Monument Valley Tribal Park.

Unfortunately, the park will be closed for five hours that day.

Forbes reported:

Will Monument Valley be open for the “ring of fire” solar eclipse on Oct. 14? No—the iconic destination within the Navajo Nation on the Arizona-Utah border will be closed for five hours over the “ring of fire” annular solar eclipse, it has been confirmed. 

A public notice dated Friday, Sept, 15 is now displayed on the website of the Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park that reads:

“Please Be Advised the Navajo Tribal Parks will be in observance of the Eclipse on October 14, 2023 in regards to cultural beliefs during the eclipse. Navajo Tribal Parks will be Closed from 8:00 am and will reopen at 1:00 pm.”

My home in Jamestown, New Mexico will be on the eclipse's path, so I don't have to drive anywhere to see it.

To read more go here.