The day started off cloudy and had us worried a bit, but all was well come time for the eclipse. We are in Leander, Texas, which is in the path of totality. The cumulus clouds cleared off as the eclipse progressed, and then came back for a cloudy afternoon. Solar-reflected heat is the energy behind their formation, so as that drops, cloud formation does, too. This was incredible to experience, and I feel so very blessed to be here in a totality spot and to have cooperative weather. I can see why ancient cultures were terrified by this event, and I am in awe. Even during the totality, the bright corona cast enough light to prevent nighttime darkness, but twilight in the middle of the day without a storm is eerie.

Tony worked for hours after the eclipse (and before) so we headed to another city park to give him a break and eat a picnic supper and walk. At last, I found the elusive Indian Paintbrush and got pictures! I have seen these on the sides of the highways as we traveled here, but couldn’t find them within the city parks we have visited so far. Only a wildflower enthusiast can appreciate my excitement and satisfaction!

Leander has a railroad history, as so many small towns do, and they have the only station for the Austin CapMetro Rail that is outside the Austin city limits. These painted trains can be found around town, and we found this one in the Devine Lake Park which is on the Soil Conservation Service Site 1 Dam. This lake water has really good clarity as compared to Lakewood Park from yesterday, which was green and murky like so many of Iowa’s ponds and lakes.