FYI...eclipse-related link:

http://www.sydneyobservatory.com.au/astronomy/upcoming_sky_events.asp

Not one of your more thoughtful posts RalphR.
How the hell would anyone know what the weather conditions are going to be in Cairns on the morning of Nov.13 2012!
Let alone if there is going to be any cloud cover during the eclipse.
How were you planning on viewing the eclipse any way, as I am sure you know it can permanently harm your vision if you look directly at an eclipse. The safest method of viewing an eclipse is to project the image on to something else & look at that.
No doubt it will be quite dark in the lead up & during the full eclipse & cloud cover won't affect this.

Webboe...read my post again, please. I asked "what are the CHANCES the sun will actually be visible....". I've never been to Cairns in Nov. I want to know if it is typically overcast at that time of year, at that time of day. A very reasonable question considering that Cairns is on the ocean (possibility for fog) and it is the start of the rainy season in the north. I suppose this sort of information is available on meteorology web sites, but I thought that one or two locals would have some general idea.

Ralph, no need to read your post again.
I have a question for you.
I don't know where you live but wherever that is, could you please tell me what the chances are that the sun will be visible, ie; not be cloudy just after dawn on November 13 2012?
I can't wait for your answer!

Not very good actually. Nov. is a gloomy time of year. You'd have a better chance in Sept. or early Oct or in May/June. Summer is bad because of morning sea fog, common that time of year.

That's the sort of input I'm looking for. I've been to Cairns in the dry season several times and know it's often clear and dry. Dont know what is typical for mid Nov.

Ok? Now go pick on someone else.

Yes but what are conditions going to be like on the morning of November 13 , 2012?
Your question not mine.
In mid November in Cairns it could be sunny, it could be cloudy, it could be raining, there might even be partial cloud cover, perhaps with some fluffy cumulo nimbus about. It definitely won't be snowing or hailing & there is little chance that there will be a cyclone or a tsunami.
I hope this helps you with your planning.

This is a pretty useful website that helps answer my question as to the chances of good weather mid-Nov

http://www.bom.gov.au/climate/averages/tables/cw_031011.shtml

http://www.bom.gov.au/weather/qld/cairns/climate_and_history.shtml

November is still a pretty good month when it comes to average number of clear days versus cloudy days and hours of daily sunshine. Not as good as Aug/Sept/Oct but way better than Dec-Mar. It doesn't look like the month is a washout, on average - better than I expected, which is good to know.

Ralph,
Thanks for posting this.
I live on the Atherton Tablelands where we often have clouds come across low in the early morning after the rising sun has released them from the escarpment where they catch overnight. I'll have to consider moving out to Chillago or Mareeba on the evening of the 12th Nov. 2012.

I find it amazing that people develop such little idea of probability.

Yes & that info tells you as much as what I did on the 27th April, which was;
In mid November in Cairns it could be sunny, it could be cloudy, it could be raining, there might even be partial cloud cover, perhaps with some fluffy cumulo nimbus about. It definitely won't be snowing or hailing & there is little chance that there will be a cyclone or a tsunami.
You can calculate probability all you like, you will not know what the weather is going to be like on the morning of the 13th November 2012, virtually until the day dawns.
And you shouldn't look directly at the eclipse anyway so why is the clarity of sky so important?
You will, to some degree, experience the effect of the eclipse wherever you are in the region.
Having experienced a number of eclipses, (1 total in 1976) I know that it will slowly get darker & that the light becomes quite eerie & then it slowly becomes light again.
Didn't change my life but I understand the interest.

Thanks Saltuarius, glad to hear from someone who gets the concept.

I've seen a couple of near-total eclipses in my lifetime. One was 99% (it was a total eclipse on Nantucket and Nova Scotia, as sung by Carly Simon in the 70's hit "You're So Vain"). More recently we had an annular eclipse where the moon was too far away to completely block the sun, leaving a bright ring around the edge. Both times I set up my telescope to project an image of the sun back onto a screen. It worked very well, sparing our eyes.

But total solar eclipses are very elusive - there isnt another one in North America until 2017. Sure, if it's cloudy, it will still get very dark, but if it's clear, one can see the things that can only be seen during a total eclipse - stars coming out in daytime, the sun's corona (observed indirectly of course, using my telescope projection) and "Baily's Beads" the eerie light phenomenon caused by mountains on the moon. Hope it's a nice day!

My last word on the concept of predicting the weather using probability.
NASA I assume would have the most sophisticated models available to mankind in order to predict the best possible weather conditions for the launches of the Space Shuttles.
How often do they cancel launches because of weather conditions?
If NASA can't predict the weather accurately then what hope do we have?

Webboe: It's a very simple concept. it's not about predicting the weather based on probability, it's about making good decisions based on probability.

Even with the best directions one can get lost if starting from a different point.

OK if this is the case then instead of relying on statistics that tell you, on average, how many sunny & clear days there are in a given month, shouldn't you be basing your decisions on more detailed data? Such as what the weather conditions have been like on 13/11, or at least the days either side? Or the week of?
This month eg; we have had 10 cloudy days with rain in the first 11 days of the month. So based on your reasoning of probability we will only get another 2 cloudy days with rain for the rest of the month. The probability of this occuring is remote.
Also the data you are making your 'good decisions' on does not state what the conditions have been like in the mornings, which is what you are wanting to know.
Your arguments about making a decision to travel to Cairns based on the info you have at hand, and your methods of calculating probability are flawed regardless of your starting point.

Perhaps I should have calculated what the probability was of receiving a reply to my last post?

IT WILL BE SUNNY! NO CLOUD! GAURANTEED!

Okay, I know this is an old thread, but susaweno brought it to the top so I read it. And it was one of the best giggles I had all night.

Happy planning Ralph!

Here's the relevant weather statistics for the Australia 2012 eclipse:

http://eclipser.ca/

In the 1990's there was a total solar eclipse a couple of hours' drive from my hometown but the weathermen said the odds for seeing it were maybe one in five, the biggest problem being its occurrence near the horizon. As expected we got clouded out but it was still impressive, very much worth the trouble.

Go for it Ralph!

jossi

That article is very good. True the November rain would more likely be near the mountains. To increase chance of clear weather stay away from the rainforest areas.

Actually Kriol I have to disagree with you despite your support on another thread. In November the rain is thunder storm related and often, but not always, comes from the north west. Areas to the west of the Atherton Tablelands often get storm rain before we do. The storm cell lines are usually developing in the afternoon.

Ralph, I suggest that you base ytourself somewhere on the Atherton Tablelands and be ready to move if necessary.

jossi....thanks very much for that useful link and for starting up a reasonable conversation on the topic. I'm planning to be there, though 2012 is still a long way off.

Oh come on now Ralph, I thought we had had a reasonable conversation. We just chose to disagree.
Yes 2012 is a long way off but don't forget to check what the weather is like on the morning of the 13th November in 2009, 2010 & 2011 so that your decision is more probability based.
You want to get it right now.
And take Saltuarius' idea & tackle it like one of those Storm Chaser's.
Follow the sun Ralph, follow the sun!

Webbo,

Not one of your most "thoughtful" or helpful responses.

Doesn't it stand to reason that someone with "an avid interest in astronomy" would know how to view an eclipse. I learnt how when I was five years old. It's not rocket science.

Further, Webbo, If you accept that RalphR knows they're dangerous then this acceptance of yours also acknowledges the 'how to' thing.

RalphR,

There was a total eclipse in the North Pacific on Asian side on the twenty second July (few weeks ago) it lasted several minutes. A mate of mine flew to Japan for several minutes of mid morning blackout.
You must have missed out while dialogueing with Webbo.

nevets

Hi Ralph

Here is a link to article. Maybe it will become a big event. Does sound like they will plan an event on the Tablelands.
http://www.cairns.com.au/article/2009/07/22/53211_local-business-news.html

nevets, Kriol...thanks! I was aware of the 22 July Asia eclipse, which was a very good one, longer duration than the one in NQ in 11/2012. Found out about it at the same I found out about the Cairns eclipse..figured I rather go to Australia instead, and didnt have much time to plan anyway.

Nevets. Nice of you to join us.
And I am pleased that your early education was fruitful.
You would have noticed I hope, that the discussion was more about the probability of weather conditions on the morning of the 13th November 2012.
Why not throw your two bobs worth in about the real subject instead of sniping about other matters.
Come on, can't wait to hear from you.

Webbo,

True, True.

There was however, the tangent of 'how to' which I picked up on. I was merely leaning toward some cyber support for RalphR.

RalphR,

The projected sunrise for Cairns on 13 November 2012 is a little before 5 am.

Using the Palm Cove (Cairns area) forecast for the next several days the probability of a sunny day is somewhat discouraging; Showers, Clearing Showers, Mostly cloudy, Mostly Sunny, Clearing Shower, Mostly Sunny, Mostly Sunny. It is however, a nice sunny day here in Sydney.

For a more in-depth forecast, for three and a half years in the future, we may have to consult a more mystical source. Perhaps someone who wears multi coloured light clothing and claims to see things emenating from crystal snow cones.

Can I suggest a more appropriate viewing platform for the eclipse. Raoul Island in the Pacific Ocean. It's about 1100 km's N N/E of New Zealand. According to NASA the apogee of the celestial event is in this vicinity.

Raoul Island is basically only a weather station and yatch's going past can radio in for a visit visa.

nevets

RalphR,

Sounds like nevets is giving you good information regarding alternative viewing sights.

As a relatively experienced eclipse viewer (8 total solar eclipses), I thought I might add information about safely viewing the eclipse.

During the partial phases of a total solar eclipse you should not view the sun without protection. You can use the projection method as you and others mention above. Or, you can purchase solar filters for your telescope. Safe eye protection is specially made eclipse viewing glasses or #14 welders glass. However, during totality (after 2nd contact or the 1st diamond ring) you want to view the eclipse with your naked eye or without any type of solar filter on your telescope. After totality you must again use protective filters on your telescope and while viewing with you eyes.

A great book for the novice eclipse viewer is Eclipse! The What, Where, When, Why & How Guide to Watching Solar & Lunar Eclipses by Philip S. Harrington.

View the November 2012 eclipse path at this NASA link: http://eclipse.gsfc.nasa.gov/SEgoogle/SEgoogle2001/SE2012Nov13Tgoogle.html

As the date gets closer you can check these travel websites to see what location they have chosen to view the eclipse. Both partner with skilled meterologists to evaluate the best weather prospects at various locations along the path of totality.

http://www.travelquesttours.com/ (7 of my 8 eclipse tours were with this group.)

http://www.wildernesstravel.com/trip/tahiti/eclipse-tahiti-2010-tour

Good luck on you eclipse viewing goal.

ElipseChaser

RalphR, apparently accommodation bookings in Cairns over the eclipse period are picking up already so don't leave it too long before confirming your accommodation.

"EclipseChaser"...thank you...like that NASA website!

Ralph

Cairns City will not be the best place to view the eclipse as the sun will rise behind a headland, try the northern beaches or nearer Port Douglas, more info http://www.visitcairns.com.au/cairns_eclipse_2012.htm

Hi guys - please note that the date of Nov 13th is not Oz time but universal time. So the eclipse is on Nov 14th starting jusr after dawn Cairns/Port Douglas time. Regards

Thanks Jeff...key information!

Ralph

No probs - I use an astronomy software program called Cybersky4 to check what's going on up there. You can download it for free at www.cybersky.com - I've been using a trial version for a few months and now have the full version. Check it out, it's really good.

Less than 2 years to go!

Hi guys - happy new year to all!
Need some info : I'm off from the UK, to sunny - and hot - Melbourne in mid february. Can any of you astronomy fans give me a few things to look out for in the southern skies?
Will I be able to see the magellanic clouds? Will I need binos? Is the southern cross easy to see and find? Anything else I should look out for?
Thanks in anticipation.

Jeff....obvious suggestion is to get well out of the city for a good look at the Southern Sky - you won't be able to see the Magellanic Clouds otherwise, as they are pretty diffuse, similar to the Milky Way. Binoculars not needed. The Southern Cross is easy to see and find, though it will be not far off the southern horizon at that time of year. It lies within the Milky Way - with a really clear, dark sky, you should be able to see the Coal Sack, a dark area of interstellar dust to one side of the Southern Cross. Constellations that we associate with winter in the Northern Hemisphere - Taurus, Orion, Gemini, Canis (Sirius) will be high in the sky.

Have fun. The Southern Sky is truly a thing of wonder on a clear, moonless, non-light polluted night.

Happy New Year!

Ralph

Jeff,
Happy New Year to you too.

This site is useful for not only star maps but for satellite passes.
http://www.heavens-above.com

Thanks Ralph & Saltuarius. A few good pointers for me. I'll let you know how I get on - cheers.

I just came across this site, and created an account, because of this thread.

RalphR, I have to compliment you on ignoring a troll. Intelligent folk understand the brilliance in utilizing the experiences of locals. Isn't that the point of this site? If anyone asked me what you could *likely* expect in Austin, TX, I could clue you in... as any local should be able to.

I'm not even going to comment on the ignorance of not knowing the safe ways to view an eclipse. Wow. Guess someone hasn't discovered google or wikipedia.

But, my actual curiosity is your trip to Cairns. I, too, am pondering a trip from the US to a far off place for the 11/12 eclipse -- it should be fun! Is Cairns the best destination?

Iao..from my research, it looks like North Queensland (Cairns and inland areas) will be the optimal place for viewing this particular eclipse. Apart from being a place to view the eclipse, Cairns is an excellent base for seeing one of Australia's most beautiful areas, including the Great Barrier Reef. Go for it! See you there....

Ralph

I am thinking that the Skybury Australian Coffee Plantation near Mareeba would be a good place to view the eclipse.

Hi Saltuarius - bit of info regarding Mareeba : the eclipse will be about 18 degrees to the right of east, at around 13 degrees above the horizon at totality. Looking at Google Earth, there's some hills that are over 2000 feet high between Mareeba and Cairns. You sure they won't be 'in the way'? Don't want anyone to miss the eclipse.

Found this great link (below) which analyzes in detail weather conditions and the probability of clear skies at various spots along the path of the 2012 eclipse. Well worth a look if you're serious about seeing it. I will be booking well in advance.

http://home.cc.umanitoba.ca/~jander/tot2012/tse12intro.htm

Twelve years ago I was in Cairns and north to Lakefield Nat'l Park. I'd took bus to Port Douglas (which I'd recommend for the eclipse), then found a local tour company (before leaving home on the web) to go up north to Lakefield for four or five days. Urge anyone to repeat that!

I am curious about cruising out of Auckland -- any ideas?

g'day!

Me again. Ralphie how's it look. Any thoughts about north of New Zealand -- nearer the mid-point, thus at a higher altitude.

the news paper today said it is getting booked up so the choice places to stay may already be gone so make a booking quickly.

I just returned from Cairns/Port Douglas, and I have my 2012 tour all planned. It will be available on the net very soon.
Port Douglas is the place to be, as Cairns will not see the sun rise around the harbor area because of local topography.

Just read this informative thread. I have on my bucket list to see a full solar eclipse and what do you know? - there's one next year and not that far away either.

Anyhoo, what do you think of the idea of chartering a boat and getting out onto the GT Barrier Reef? I've done some dive trips on the reef before from Cairns and Port Douglas and its got the advantage of being out of sight of land AND less chance of cloud than the coast. Tootle out to the reef the day before, get in some diving, then park up for the night and crack up early to watch it from the ocean?

Looking at the NASA map the centre of the path runs almost straight out from Cairns right where the dive boats go to.

I booked a spot on a 7-day dive boat trip that includes being out on the reef the morning of the eclipse. See you all there - pray for sunny weather!!!

Just booked accommodation in Port Douglas for the eclipse. Amazing, 18 months ahead of the event, accommodation is hard to come by.

Exactly one year away!

If the weather today is any indication, then there will hardly be a cloud in the sky, this time next year.

Good luck with it Ralph.

.....however, if the weather is more like todays' then you won't see a thing. No blue sky...just clouds all day.

Them's the breaks.

Good luck....still.

Mostly clear on the Tablelands but who can tell for next year.

I had a Golden Bowerbird sitting almost within arms reach today. What an experience. Eye to eye with a rare and beautiful creature.

@Alan - Jealous of you. Oh, and Steve just said he hates you. I don't think he really meant it though, I think he is jealous too.

If Steve will send me an email retracting the hate, I'll send him a picture of the bird. I am going out there again today after some volunteering at our tree planting organisation. Spent yesterday hunting Fernwren unsuccessfully but did come across a lot of Toothbill Bowerbirds and heard a Golden not far away but up a precipitous slope so left it alone.

As my mate Victor says: a bad day's birdwatching beats a good day in the office every time.

Anyone wanting to come for the November Solar Eclipse in North Queensland and not having booked yet, www.northern-explorer-tours.com offer a comprehensive 10 day eclipse tour with an itinerary of contrasting experiences and places pre and post eclipse, including Atherton Tablelands, Undara, Chillago Observatory, Quinkan Rock Paintings, Laura, Cooktown, Cairns, Kuranda, Daintree and the Barrier Reef. They have secured exclusive use of the Palmer Rimer Roadhouse along Mulligan Hwy, only a few kilometres away from the ideal viewing line, but far away from possible coastal rain and clouds. They have only two groups of each max 20 participants, one group with German and one with English speaking driver/guides. There are also professional astronomers in the group for advice.

November 2011 was rather cloudy and rainy in Cairns, whilst the outback was fairly clear. Palmer River Road House had 1.5 mm of rain on 6 November and 1 mm on 25 November. Most of the November days were clear. Although nobody can predict weather, the statistic chances for better conditions of viewing the eclipse are in the dry outback. Downside there is the lack of accommodation and infrastructure.

I live here in North Queensland -in Kuranda, and between 0544 and 0744 on November 14th this year there was a perfect unobstructed view from my glorious 5o acre property in the zone of totality.
Last year same date same time there were a few clouds around but you would have been very happy with what you saw. In point of fact there was a large cloud cover on the beaches on both of those days. We had people reporting from a variety of points and Amaroo was clearly the best vantage point in the area. Remember that in November there is a mist that rises off the sea and can cover the sunrise even on a clear day. A well known astronomer who has led many eclipse tours has said it is the best eclipse viewing spot he has ever seen. We are doing an upmarket camp on the property called AMAROO, so if you are interested check out www.solareclipsecairns.com. and how nice would it be to roll out of bed to a hot coffee and into your chair to watch the unfolding spectacle ...without being in the city, without having to drive on a crowded road and in a place that has a 360 degree unobstructed view and no lights !...

An other option or rather set of options would be http://www.smallworldjourneys.com.au/Eclipse2012/2012-eclipse.html

Dear Ralph,
I live in Cairns, so I can say November is the Rainy Season.
However it mostly rains around 4.00pm when the humid, tropical air builds up into lovely dark clouds, then reaches critical mass and drops in a sudden downpour.
So the mornings are a safer time (unless there is a cyclone)
I would think it is 90% probable that we will have fine weather for the dawn eclipse but of course, God may be in a different mood that day.
Plan your plane trip. This is Queensland. Please practice rounding your vowels.
Beautiful

Having seen both lunar and solar eclipses, my vote is for the first, as it is just as exciting but safe.

Sue - lunar eclipses (partial and total) are not rare and I have seen a number of them. Partial solar eclipses are also quite common and again, I have seen several. Total solar eclipses, however, are rare and have so far eluded me. Have you ever seen a total solar eclipse? By all reports, they are one of Nature's greatest spectacles.

Yes, I've seen a total solar eclipse. The one made famous by Carly Simon.

An update from the Sydney Morning Herald's weekend travel section -

http://www.smh.com.au/travel/beautiful-one-day-in-shade-the-next-20120412-1wunr.html

One month away - can't wait! Leaving for OZ in 2 weeks.

Safe travels, Ralph, and enjoy the eclipse. It should be an amazing event.

I will be in Cairns Nov 11-16 on my own. Where would you the experts, living there, suggest I base myself that morning.

Also do I have to prebook snorkeling trips to the outer reefs during that week or will I be safe once I get to Cairns?
I am looking for a smaller kind of operation not pontoons moored to the reef.

Can't believe it is already time Ralph. Have a wonderful trip! Wish we could be there for it.

With 50 000 people in town I would suggest you book. It is possible to do a reef trip with snorkeling after breakfast and the eclipse. Not sure you'll get any small groups during that time.

You can see the eclipse form Cairns. Our group are going to be at a beach but that area has sold out. If you send me an email, I'll let you know a good spot if you want to drive to the Tablelands. [To find me go to www.yungaburra.com and look for a wildlife tour run by Alan]

Ralph I know how long you've been planning this - my main wish for you is the we have clear perfect skies - number 2 is that you have an absolute fabo time Downunder!

Thanks stormbird, dotty and toucan!

Received my 5 pairs of eclipse proof viewing glasses today. (it was the samllest quantity one could order) Ralph I hope it is everything you want it to be and more. I leave tomorrow.

Nywoman have you found yourself a location yet. If not give me an email at alan at alanslwildlifetours punctuation mark com punctuation mark the code for Australia.

It is high tide on a tidal coast, never thought of it before. Many beaches north of Cairns will be under water. If you get on a northern beach, especially Ellis and North, including Port Douglas, take your spot above high tide mark.

With high tide at 0920 most people we be back in their hotels celebrating or drowning their sorrows.

Good luck and clear skies all.
Alan

Alan, It is a VERY high tide and at totality will be 2.3 metres.

Here is a good visual I found that suggests avoiding Oak Beach. Some beaches not so affected like Palm Cove. Port Douglas could be at debri line and at the actual tree line bt 9.00am.
http://joe-cali.com/eclipses/PLANNING/TSE2012p/Tides_eclipse_from_the_beach.html

Yes Kriol, but it looks like the weather will be our worst enemy. Every time they update the forecast it looks less promising.

My guest are out on the reef today; hoping they are good sailors. It is windy enough up here on the Tablelands.

Just had a look at the obs. 30 knots with stronger gusts at the moment.

Same here Alan, but I did suggest they went yesterday, although most I could only find one reef trip with availability of semi-sub. Town is packed, people everywhere, hope the weather doesn't let everyone down.

wish i could be in cairns for the eclipse
i see that there is live streaming and there are some amazing places to see the eclipse from
A Cairns hot air balloon www.hotair.com.au
A Great Barrier Reef island www.ustream.tv/Panasonic
from the beach www.ustream.tv/cairnseclipse2012
and with some celestial experts even http://events.slooh.com/
hope the weather goes well for you lucky people that are going up there

So how was it, everyone?

Wonderful except our group had a dirty black cloud come across just before totality and leave soon after. they had paid big money for this site while my free site had wonderful views the whole time except for first contact.

Most people got good or excellent views.

Great, Alan. Hope Ralph had a great view, too - he was looking forward it so much.

Hard to believe it's history now, but what an incredible show it was! From Port Douglas the sun was in and out of the clouds all morning. However, we were so lucky that the view was unobstructed for almost the whole period of totality. The beach, crowded with thousands of eclipse watchers, erupted in cheers at the moment the sun disappeared behind the moon and the dazzling solar corona became visible. Truly an experience of a lifetime!

Still in Australia presently enjoying Cooktown. Will post a trip report of our adventures once back in Connecticut.

Thanks to all for your help and support!!!

Ralph

Ralph, I am so pleased you had an almost unobstructed view of the total eclipse, especially after your three and a half years of planning. It must have been an awesome sight and feeling to be part of such an event.
My class and I watched a livestreaming of it, and it was so obviously darker than daylight - the children were intrigued it was dark and yet it was still only the morning. They were excited to see the 76% we saw here in Wellington. I think they are planning to go to the next total eclipse when most of them will be 24!

So glad it worked for you Ralph. Love Cooktown.
Take a walk up the hill behind the pub, where the old chimneys are. Very interesting auras.

Glad to hear the trip was a success!

Shame on you dottyp, enthusing children about science and travel!

Missed opportunity for a souvenir eclipse menu?

This from 'Column 8' in yesterday's Sydney Morning Herald -

LET it never be said that the Australian tourism industry is less than industrious when it comes to milking the odd extra shilling from visitors to our shores. In Port Douglas just after the eclipse, Julie and Chris, in town for the grand lunar moment, decided to splash out on a seafood lunch. They were each given a menu, and Chris said he’d like the seafood salad. Julie looked at her menu and said ‘‘It’s a little pricey, don’t you think?’’ They compared menus. Hers gave the price at $90 to share between two. His said $70. Raising the discrepancy with the waiter, Chris was told that he’d been given the ‘‘wrong menu’’. As the waiter ran back to the kitchen to fetch another, they overheard the manager tell the waiter that ‘‘The eclipse menus are over there.’’ Chris was unimpressed. ‘‘Mate,’’ he told the harried wait-creature, ‘‘I’m from Tully and she’s from Townsville. We’ll look at the real menu, thanks.’’

And that's Port Douglas for you farremog, totally typical. If they're going to rip people off they should be aware that they don't come from Tully or Townsville, thankfully where I live just out of Cairns there was no price hiking, people were just glad to have the tourists about after a very lean time. Fortunately not all of Port Douglas either, if they'd gone to the Tin Shed they'd have got a reasonable price, but then that does no promote itself to tourists.

Yes we suffered price gouging too at a couple of places. As I was turning away business maybe I should have joined the game.

Me too, Alan, but I didn't - probably mad.

Mad, but with our integrity and self respect in tact.

Well I won't have to travel anywhere near as far to see this total eclipse in 2017:

http://www.eclipse-chasers.com/tseNext.php?TSE=tse2017d

But absolutely no regrets regarding the eclipse of 2012 - a great excuse to return to the wonderful land Down Under!

So does anyone have any idea the chances of good weather in, say, Nashville in late August?

Alan,
Thank you unfortunately I only now saw your offer. I was on the Esplanade in Cairns and there was one LARGE cloud over the sun at the time of the total eclipse. I did however see the shadow moving across the sun and I was glad to see what I saw.

What I found astounding was that there were no T-shirts for sale anywhere, celebrating the eclipse.

Nywoman,
I had an experience similar to yours. My wife had great views at home and those who went to the places I had scoped for my group also had wonderful views of the eclipse. Five & 20 people respectively in spots which could hold a couple of hundred.

If you see a lost Aussie wondering around NY in May please don't push me into the gutter.