On August 21, 2017, the day of the Great American Solar Eclipse, I hiked north on the Appalachian Trail from Clingmans Dome in Great Smoky Mountains National Park. I was interested in seeing how many people were hiking in to view the eclipse from Clingmans Dome. I passed nearly 20 people before heading down the blue blaze trail to the Mt. Collins shelter. As I headed back, the eclipse had begun and this formidable view of the Green Tunnel lay before me. This is one the most exciting features of the Appalachian Trail - one minute you are enjoying the company of others, and the next? You feel isolated and alone.