Just back in from 2 days in France to see the eclipse.
Yesterday we went from Rochester to Loan (just north of Reims), via Le
Touquet for customs, all at 1,400 just under the cloud base. Loan is a
lovely small grass strip, no landing fees and a beautiful town (with
cathederal) perched high on a hill and lying on the centre of the
eclipse path.
This morning we walked to the top of the hill to a remarkable carnival
setting, with bands, dancing and lots of other street entertainment.
Unfortunately the skies were mostly cloudy and allowed only brief
glimpses of the eclipse every few minutes. The darkness which fell
suddenly at the totality was stunning and to be on a hill watching the
light fading into the distance was spectacular. Similarly the change
back to light. 5 minutes after the eclipse the skies turned blue and we
had a lovely flight back to Rochester, this time via Amiens.
Dave Watts G-BXDY
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