Day 21. Tellico Plains, Tennessee.
The shadow of the moon arrived today! We walked into town the mile to see what was going on. The place was packed with eclipse watchers and things that had been set up for the event. We spent $5 and sent a postcard back home with the one off "eclipse" stamp from Telico Plains that the post office had laid on. Because the standard postcard didn't have enough money on it the local lady on the stand used two of her own stamps to top it up - but then refused any reimbursement! People are really nice and friendly here. One of the locals also stopped his truck to explain that we could have parked closer. Americans seem to think it odd that we should voluntarily walk anywhere.

The eclipse occurred at 2:30pm. We were right on the path of totality, and the moon completely covered the sun for 2 min 38 secs. During this period all we could see was the sun's atmosphere - the corona - completely circling the moon. This only happens very occasionally so we were really lucky to have such a great view, with hardly a cloud in the sky.

On the downside we have now discovered two more issues with Mark's bike. A second blown headlight bulb is no problem but the tyre worn to the canvas definitely is more of an issue - possibly due to some lively cornering over the last few days(?).

We have suffered with poor internet all day today but have located a willing dealer 50 miles away who can do the tyre swop tomorrow at 9. Let's hope it makes it!