As the eerie darkness moved in, the long-held cheers from afield went up.

To see 2 minutes and 36 seconds of totality, we left Lincoln for Wilber, Nebraska.

The small shady park was filled with anticipation of the day’s celestial night.

Phase 1 of the Sun’s quest to hide its success behind the Moon and a fine fest of clouds.

Faced with the impending doom directly above, many a trooper split town.

Goosebumps plague the remaining crowd, as day turns ghostly dark.

Opening the show to our delight was Venus (far right in fairer weather).

Never in my life had I seen a nearby planet in blue sky at high-noon.

As clouds are wont to do when the Sun refuses to shine, we caught a break.

Cheers and applause erupts in hopes of more to come from Father Sun.

We didn’t have to wait long, but, alas, we missed totality by two minutes.

Thanks to Mother Moon, all were awed to silence.

About two minutes later, the clouds decided to ruin our fun for good.

Cloud cover won. “Goodbye, sliver sun!” Do rest in peace.

Exit stage left

For the final phase, we offer up a peek behind serenely soulful scenes.

All in a day at American Legion Park in Wilber, Nebraska

Czech Capital Of the USA 

“Thank you!” from Keith, Lucy, Tre and Kirstie

Photographs by Uncle Tree

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