Total Eclipse

Europe saw its first total solar eclipse in 27 years! 

Sunny Spain

Most of Spain had totality, but in Sète, France, we just missed it - 97% for us!

We made concrete plans just a little too late...

Here's where I had planned to scout viewpoints - pink dots and red arrow. The blue lines show the direction of the sunset. Our eclipse peaked just before sunset, so it was low on the horizon (important to find an unobstructed view).

Then! Disaster! Eclipse glasses were all sold out! Pharmacies, supermarkets, all "non plus" (no more). 

Margareta's photo for proof

So, we did what any sane person would do - searched the internet for webcams 😜 - sent it to our TV, and watched from our air-conditioned living room 🤣

Here are a few captured shots - from Norway and Spain 

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https://www.timeanddate.com/live/eclipse-solar-2026-august-12

Summer Time

Summer Time, and the Coolin' is Easy 🎼🎶

It's that hot time of year again, and we have a new Air Conditioner! And it was an *easy* install! 

I used my kit from before; the A/C came with a perfect drain hose, so I didn't even have to fuss with that!

The two things that took the longest were (1) cleaning the windows 😁 and (2) straightening the cardboard plug (it was crooked last time, but no more!)

Day 1 of the heatwave is done, and done in style 🤣

Drive Drive Drive

Drive, drive, drive, all the way home! 

That's exactly what we did!

Day 1: Cádiz to Valencia - 9:30 AM to 7:00 PM - Glorious Sun, all the way! 

Day 2: Valencia to Sète - 9:45 AM to 6:30 PM - Almost all in the FOG !

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Spain 2026 driving stats

3510 total kilometers 

Overall "mileage" = 6.1 liters/100 km = 39 mpg