In April 2024, I witnessed the solar eclipse in Burlington, Vermont. A group of seven friends and family gathered, hoping it wouldn't be lame...the odds of it being sunny in Burlington in early April were quite low. We watched it from the end of Fish Pier overlooking Lake Champlain, and after getting the perfect view of totality, we immediately made a new plan: next eclipse, Iceland. 

Fast forward to last week in Reykjavík, where our group had grown to ten. The weather teased us with sunshine all week, providing spectacular views of waterfalls, glaciers, and puffins (oh my!), only to deliver clouds and rain when eclipse day arrived. Apparently, Mother Nature enjoys a good practical joke. Nevertheless, we joined thousands of people along the ocean at Grótta Lighthouse and waited. When the sky darkened, the crowd erupted in cheers. Clouds or no clouds, it was one of those rare moments that reminds you how wonderfully big the universe is and how lucky we are to share it with those around us. 

One of my favorite Ted Lasso lines is, "Be curious, not judgmental." That's kind of what eclipse chasing teaches you. You can spend months planning, checking forecasts, and imagining the perfect view, only to have Iceland greet you with clouds and rain on the big day. But if you're curious enough to enjoy the experience anyway, you end up with a much better story.

And speaking of more things that inspire awe, let's talk about the pastries! Reykjavík's bakeries are filled with creations that look like they belong in an art museum rather than on a plate. Between the stunning scenery, the unforgettable experience, and the world-class pastries, Iceland did not disappoint. We’re already making plans for the eclipse in Sydney in 2028.

Sometimes the view isn't perfect, the weather doesn't cooperate, and the plan goes a little sideways, but sometimes that’s exactly as it should be.

Have something you want to share about what's shaping the waste site cleanup profession and celebrate the successes in our industry? Send an email to [email protected].