Brandon man to finally experience "bucket list" total eclipse

For the past 38 years, Brandon's David Swayze has dreamed of something he hopes he'll get to see Monday for less than two minutes a total eclipse of the sun by the Earth's moon.

His dreams were dashed asa boy in February 1979when he was forbidden to go outside and see for himselfthe last total eclipse visible to parts of the U.S. and Canada.

• Total solar eclipse 2017: Read CBC's complete coverage

• 'Your vision is worth more than a single event:' Astronomer stresses solar eclipse safety

• Solar eclipse glasses sold out across Winnipeg

Instead, he says he was forced to watchit in black and white on a 12-inch television fromthe confines of a darkened classroom.

Today, however, the 47-year-old Swayze says he's not going to miss a thing, having driven nearly 13 hours to the southeastwith his family to Lusk, Wyoming, where the total eclipse is expected at about 11:46 a.m. and will last, by his estimation, one minute and54 seconds.

Swayze told CBC on Sunday the family was initially planning to head to Nebraska to watch the event. A last-minute change of plans saw them divert to Wyoming, where they've found a great camping spot.

"I don't even have to get out of my pyjamas to watch," said Swayze, a lawyer and self-described "science geek."

Swayze said he's marked down Aug. 21, 2017 as a date to remember in his electronic calendar since he first used one at least 15 years ago.

"It's one of those bucket list things," he said. "I actually expect it will be an emotional experience."

He and his wife Jayne, 13-year-old son Ethan and daughter Isla, 2, have stocked up on proper protective gear to allow them to bear witness to the eclipse.

These items include theMylar eclipse goggles and also a jerry-rigged bike helmet with a protective shade attached for the little girl one she won't be able to simply shake off, Swayze laughed.