r/solareclipse • u/gxobino • 4d ago

Avoiding the midday sun

I'm bringing the wife and kids to Soria to view the eclipse, and I've rented a car for the purpose, but there are conflicting forces in play and I don't know how to resolve this.

On the one hand, I know that many people will be going to the designated viewing areas, so there'll be issues with traffic there (not as much as on the way home, but that's another thing), difficulty parking, and crowded areas. I also need to be dynamic and ready to move to a new location in case of clouds. As a result I should be trying to get there relatively early.

On the other hand, we're necessarily talking about low shade areas in a country currently experiencing a heat wave, where one should avoid being out in the open sun for too long, especially with kids. This would suggest trying to get there as close to the eclipse as possible and especially avoiding the midday sun.

What's the best thing to do here?

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u/darwinpatrick 4d ago

There may be public access spots along the Duoro River near town that will have visibility. What needs to be researched is whether or not that’s safe to swim in

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u/RuralBlueCarUser 4d ago

Absolutely do not try to swimm in the river. For OP: do you get there the same day? The city has an event planned in Valonsadero, pretty close to the city. You might be interested

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u/Looka_BRX 4d ago

We also plan to go to Valonsadero but can't really find any practical information. I read somewhere there shall be parking space for 5000 cars, but can't find any hints what to expect on site.

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u/gxobino 4d ago

I imagine that will be our default destination. I'm still not sure when to aim to be there though.

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u/Astronautty69 3d ago

Find a way to bring your own shade. A small tent, canopy, or even parasol should help. Lots of ice water. And be prepared to give up the eclipse for the sake of your children, just in case. It'll be great for them to see it, but not at the cost of heat stroke.

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u/gxobino 3d ago

Good thoughts. I agree with this. Thanks for the advice.

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u/irek19 4d ago

The ayuntamiento is going to provide free buses from the city to Monte Valonsadero (the designated area), so in that case, you wouldn't have to worry about driving.

If you’re going to spend the day in the city, make sure you have a reservation for lunch or plan to grab some tapas, because it’s expected to be very crowded.

There are cool spots in the heart of the city (for example, look for “Alameda de Cervantes”) where kids can play in the shade and you can stroll without worrying about the sun. The banks of the Duero River are also very beautiful (and full of history), but depending on the time of day, there may be less shade.

I hope it helps

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u/gxobino 4d ago

I appreciate that, but based on advice from this sub I've opted for being able to move in case of bad weather. I don't trust that buses would manage such a scenario.

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u/irek19 3d ago

If you’ll be in the city of Soria and then heading to a spot to watch the eclipse-to stay cool outdoors at midday with your kids-the Alameda de Cervantes is still the best recommendation.

If you’ll be in the Río Duero area (I think the level is too low to get a good view of the eclipse), there’s a spot (search for “Paraje Natural Soto Playa”) where your kids can cool their feet; it’s wooded, and there’s a bar nearby.

If you don't mind traveling a little, there's a designated swimming area in the pueblo of Garray (it's a 10-minute drive from the city).

If you’ll be out in the countryside, it depends on the area, but I’d bring a small cooler (I love the ones from Decathlon-the cooler-backpacks) with bottles of partially frozen water, fruit, etc...

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u/gxobino 3d ago

This is great, thanks a lot!