The HEMMCC shakedown cruise was a smashing success! With a few minor adjustments and a quick brake job on the tow vehicle, all systems are go!

There's another newsletter from Crater Adventures with some crucial last-minute info that you'll want to read. We're up to 15 different countries as well a people from 33 states that will be in the crater one week from today. They suggest bringing a flag from your state or country; we'll be flying the Idaho flag in addition to Old Glory, not to mention the Jolly Wrencher.

It's with much relief that I can report that at least here in Northern Idaho, the smoke and haze from the BC and Washington forest fires has at last blown out of the area. We've been steadily in the upper 80s to upper 90s and beyond for the last eight weeks or so, which was beautiful right up until the smoke came in about two weeks back. Seeing conditions would have been challenging here, and a report from a friend passing through Rexburg last week indicated the same issue there, but all that appears to have changed! We have bright crystal blue skies here and the temps are in the 70s. Rexburg seems to be similar now, and the Weather Underground forecast looks extremely favorable for next Monday. Fingers crossed.

Our plan is to arrive at the campground in time for the dinner on Saturday night. Feel free to stop by the HEMMCC any time and say hi. We're probably going to find something fun to do in the area on Sunday, perhaps a trip to St. Anthony's Dunes, because sand dunes, or maybe we'll try to find a hot spring to soak in. We're still planning a Sunday pot-luck dinner at the campsite, too.

Monday will be an early start to stake out a spot on South Menan Butte. I'm shooting for the north rim, here-ish if possible -- it may be private property there that's not part of the Crater Adventures access. We'll be there until there's nothing left to see. AFAIK there will be PortaPotties set up in the parking lot inside the crater itself, if that becomes an issue.

Suggestions: hydrate, hydrate, HYDRATE OR DIE!! Do not underestimate how arid Eastern Idaho is. Dewpoints are in the 40s in Rexburg right now, and while it's not Arizona, it's still a desert. Passing out for lack of hydration is an easy way to ruin the eclipse for you and those around you. Drink as much water as you can in the days leading up to the eclipse to build a baseline hydration state, and keep drinking all day. Don't worry about peeing -- you'll probably sweat it all away without even noticing it. 

Personally, I'd plan to some ready to hike. You can pay to get a ride up to the top, but if you're in shape, the walk will be great. Just remember that the top of the butte is almost exactly a mile above sea level, and if you're not used to higher altitudes, the thinner air will kick your butt. Take it easy, and don't become a causality that someone else will have to deal with.

Plan ahead for traffic. The newsletter mentioned above has information on that. Best bet -- be there at least a day before the eclipse, and plan to stay put until well after it's over. Eastern Idaho roads were not built to handle as much traffic as they'll see next week, so it's best to avoid the issue insofar as you can.