That’s it?: Totality Day, 10:14am. I’m in my rural backyard eight miles from Oregon City. The sun’s brightness begins to fade, losing an estimated 20-30 percent of its illuminating power. Then it pauses. Two minutes later the landscape begins to lighten up and within another few minutes the sun is its old self again. From a 100-watt bulb to a 75-watt, then back again. That’s it? That’s all? Both disappointed and disgusted, I get in my car and drive to a nearby country store. Half a dozen customers are inside, stumbling up and down the aisles and feeling their way along, shouting, “Somebody turn the lights on, we can’t see a thing!”  It took me about five seconds to join them in their mockery.

Tony Welch, Oregon City