#31 on my Bucket List
Completed Wednesday 12th August, 2026 at Altafulla, Catalonia, Spain
A total eclipse of the sun has long been seen to have spiritual significance. It is said to signify a karmic reset, allowing hidden truths to emerge, old patterns to break, and deep inner transformation to take place. Witnessing it in person adds to and amplifies this significance.
It seems apposite that a metaphorical alignment of the stars should have placed me in the path of a total solar eclipse that took place on the 12th August.
Our summer holiday this year has brought us to the Garrotxa region of Catalonia, tantalisingly close to the path of totality. However, when it comes to bucket list eclipses the difference between 99% and totality is described as being as between night and day. I agonised considerably as to whether a two hour journey to the ideal viewing point was justified, given that my family (Jude, Isi and India in this case) were considerably less invested than myself. In the end it was the information that Kude’s wild swimming chums were travelling to the Llyn peninsula for a partial eclipse that swung opinion, and we set off early on the morning of the 12th August for a beach day, to culminate with the eclipse.
Research showed Platja de Tamarit to be a prime viewing location so we went there. While everyone enjoyed a beach day I set off an a really enjoyable hike into nearby Altafulla where I purchased eclipse glasses from a farmacia (the TIC had run out of free supplies, but gave me a phone camera filter). They recommended the mirador as the best place to see it, so after a swim and some beach time we drove into town for pre-eclipse drinks. As the start approached we walked up towards the mirador and secured a nice spot. There was quite a crowd, and as the first sliver of the sun was obscured (barely perceptively) a collective cheer went up.
It took around half an hour to reach full totality. The glasses were necessary to observe the gradual obscuring of the sun. Without them the eclipse was just an accelerated move toward twilight. I made a note when we reached the 93% that we’d have experienced at home – I can see why so many observers in the UK felt it to be a letdown.
As the eclipse reached full totality I found myself quite moved by the experience. I experienced what is known as the “awe effect”. I felt pleased and privileged to have chosen to be there.
Afterwards we headed back down to a seafront bar for tapas. There was incredibly heavy traffic for the drive back, and we eventually arrived back at Can Pique at around 2am.
I’m delighted to say that Jude and the girls all said that despite their initial reservations they were pleased to have seen it.
