Suddenly, there is complete silence. I can't believe my good luck. Now I can hear my audio countdown tape and the image of the thin crescent sun is incredibly sharp. I immediately thank management and just in case there is a God, I thank God too. Then, Huguette points out a red beacon light near me that would likely come on during totality and possibly interfere with our observing and photographing the eclipse.
Management responds immediately and throws a large switch that probably shut all power to the hotel.
This must be close to a miracle. By this time, I'm an emotional wreck and try to calm down enough to concentrate on my photography. Huguette sees them first. Fantastic shadow bands. Of course, I never see them, being too busy with preparing to take pictures.