The Tun of Totality

Seeing a partial eclipse is like drinking a three-two beer; it seems satisfying but it completely misses the target. Here in the United States we were blessed with the path of totality passing from coast-to-coast this August 21. For those of you wondering if the trip to see the totality was “worth it” my answer is TOTALLY!!!!!

I had read about what it is like to experience a total eclipse but I was un-prepared for the pure mysticism of the event. When the eclipse began, there was just a small clipping of the sun taken out; the pre-lude, the first taste of what was to come. Sure it was cool, but I have seen partial eclipses before.

Protect your eyes, protect your beer

Something was different. As the eclipse progressed the color of the land was being washed out. It wasn’t as if a cloud passed overhead but as if your present moment was slipping back into a memory from the Wild West; the air a continually fading sepia tone as each new phase of the quiet chill brought a growing breeze. That first taste was evolving and becoming bolder in it’s own uniqueness. 

 

It stayed bright up until totality; the light seemed filtered but even with a crack of sunlight the land was still lit. As the moon passed completely in front of the sun, a shadow swept across the prairie and a tumbling chill covered my skin.  Nature’s precise execution of that moment made it feel animated. That full-bodied visual aroma of the thin white circle around the adjoining disks, and the sharp wisps of the corona dancing against the backdrop of space left eyes wide and a tingling sensation. 

It was the most alluring scene I have ever witnessed.  

August 21, 2017: Total Eclipse of the sun as seen in Little Medicine Bow Wyoming

A celestial diamond peaked along the edge of the passing moon and the world grew into light and color again and just like that it was over. I wanted more. I needed one more sip of that astrological wonder.

 

I will remember this event to the utmost detail for the rest of my life and will always pine to see it one more time. And of course, like any other adventure, I had a beer in hand to ease my nerves rattling with glee and making the experience complete. 

If you are a firm disciple of three-two beer you probably missed the analogy of this piece relating to drinking that perfect beer. My People of the Pint, this is how our beer should treat us. Build us with the anticipation of the ride of flavor, hit us with purpose and leave us needing another sip. Just like the eclipse, beer is intended to be enjoyed with all factors taken into account: aroma, environment, color, feel and taste. 

Take it all in totality, because whether it is a complete solar eclipse or an evening beer, you may never get it the same way again.  

Everything is better with Beer

Cheers!