> I am interested in seeing the June 21, 2001 eclipse. Is anyone making
plans
> for going?
>
I'm certainly thinking about it. Here are my issues:
1. Cost. The tours are expensive, and I don't think that this white boy
would
feel comfortable hauling around telescopes and cameras in Southern
Africa
without an escort!
2. Political stability. Right now, Zimbabwe is looking quite unstable, and
Zambia
has perennial problems. Angola is right out, which is too bad because
the best
place for the eclipse is probably on the Angolan coast. One could go
the cruise
route, but the price is significantly less totality time. However, you
would get
to see the eclipsed sun setting into the sea.
3. Baby sitting ;-).
So far, I have found a few tours, only some of which seem to have a clue.
Average
cost seems to be in the $4000-$5000 range plus meals and tips. And remember
that
if you go on one of these you are by definition a rich American, even if you
had to
scrimp and save for two years to go.
-- archer