First, I’m going to start right off saying my eclipse pictures were just with my phone and not too many. I wanted to focus on the event not trying to get photos of it. So, if you are looking for professional quality (or even just quality) eclipse photos, this isn’t the place. 
My Five on Friday post is more the tale of a group of friends traveling to the path of totality for eclipse viewing. And the beauty of the area. A trip planned in October of 2022! What are the odds it would work out? And that the weather would cooperate? It did on both counts.
Since 2020, we’ve been spending an October weekend near the Buffalo National River in Arkansas, in a county that labels itself the “authentic Ozarks”, I do not disagree. We skipped our October of 2023 trip and instead went last weekend for the eclipse as the area was in the path of totality.
ONE: Wildflowers
The part of Arkansas we visit is about 5 hours south of the KC area. And their trees were mostly leafed out and the wildflowers were blooming!
Did I mention the bees, butterflies, and wasps were already buzzing with excitement down there? And that as we were packing up on our last morning, we saw a hummingbird?! Time to get the feeders out up this way as the hummingbirds are on the move.
TWO: Exploring
One thing we do in October and also did in April, ride Four Wheelers (ATVs) on the many trails. We did this while waiting for eclipse day and to search for the perfect viewing location. 
THREE: Discovery
We often look for rocks as we stop along the rocky trails. One of the days, I found part of this skull. And then, others found the more of it. It was a bit of an exciting discovery. 
I also found many animal tracks along the stream I visited each morning for a bit of peace and quiet time. 
The creek near our cabin: 
Here’s a 30 second moment of peace (you can find a video that lasts a full minute, the next post back): 20240409_074124.mp4
FOUR: Eclipse
FIVE: Home, before and after
I noticed this tulip beginning to bloom the morning we left (Saturday): 
And this is what it looked like upon our return: 
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Were you able to view the eclipse in your location? Has Spring sprung yet for you?
Don’t forget to hop over to My Creative Life to check out Five on Friday!
Thank you for sharing your eclipse photos Jean, and for joining me for Five on Friday. I listened to your short sound clip, it’s so calming listening to the water and birds. Your tulips are gorgeous, I must get some photos of my garden in bloom today. You blink and it’s off to the next season of flowers soon. Have a lovely weekend x
Sorry for the late reply, busy weekend turned into busy week over here. I really wanted to just bring that little creek home with me, it was so relaxing down there. Glad you enjoyed the clip. Speaking of the next season of flowers, my irises have started blooming…although they might be on time, it’s very mixed up around here lately. Hope your week is off to a great start!
Your pictures are lovely, unfortunately there was no sign of the eclipse from my part of the world the sky was too cloudy. Spring bulbs are beautiful aren’t they mine are nearly done now. Have a great Sunday.
Thank you! We really lucked out with the weather where we were. My tulips are starting to fade a bit now as well. Hope your week is off to a great start!
Here in Europe, we didn’t get to see anything of the solar eclipse. That’s why I find your photos so beautiful. Thanks for the stunning shots!
Aritha
I do think you get the next eclipse somewhere over that way. Glad you enjoyed the photos, I noticed Sandra from the Happy Homemaker Mondays has some beautiful shots of the eclipse itself on her post, maybe on the Monday post. I’m all mixed up on days, been busy with life and work since returning to town 🙂 Hope you are having a great week so far!
What a wonderful post with amazing photos! In Romania we had a total solar eclipse in 1999.
I hope things settle down with you soon and you blog more often. I miss your posts.
Aw, thank you! I know the next eclipse is not visible in North America, so maybe near you? I’m trying to get a quick post up tonight. Seem to have 1 more week of a crazy schedule, then hopefully a bit of downtime in May before June is fairly busy again. Summer is typically busy for me as I cover a lot of teacher vacations. Hope you’re having a great weekend so far!