The effect of the light through the trees was good for us for at least 15 minutes B4 and after totality. (It was best in the 5 minute windows before and after around totality. During totality, there are essentially no sun shadows from terrestial objects like trees.)
Unfortunately, somehow information such as that is not widely enough disseminated. Ditto for the difference between a 100% eclipse and a 98-99% eclipse.
You are right. That info about the shadows would have been so good to know. It was my fault...I should have taken the time to read more about the eclipse.
100% was incredible! So glad I was off work today.