Monday’s solar eclipse is a popular topic around gathering places in Arnold, Nebraska, a town of about 600 people located in the Sandhills about 40 miles northeast of North Platte.
Customers at the Arnold Exchange chat and speculate what lies as ahead as 1PM Monday, the time of totality arrives.
Arnold lies almost dead center of the line of totality, making it an ideal location to view the total eclipse of the sun which is predicted to last about two and a half minutes.
Most of the conversations focus on how many people from outside the community plan to watch this once in a lifetime event as it unfolds. I’ve already seen visitors from California, Oregon, Washington State, Arizona, Colorado, Wisconsin, Florida and New Jersey. International visitors from as far away as Japan, New Zealand, and Sweden are also expected to take advantage of front row seats to what Mother Nature is offering.
While some communities such as Kearney have reported some fuel shortages, it looks like business as usual in Arnold. I fact a limited number of special eclipse safety glasses custom printed for Arnold are still available along with t-shirts.
Arnold Public School is holding an eclipse viewing for students and staff. And the City Park south of town is filling with visitors.
There’s plenty of open sky and locations for everyone desiring to the view Monday’s eclipse. Some are willing to pay area landowners top dollar for a place to stay and watch.
Traffic seems a little heavier than normal on the state highways running through Arnold with an increased presence of law enforcement.
So, why did my wife Bonnie and I choose Arnold to view this magnificent display of nature? This is Bonnie’s hometown which affords us a chance to visit with family, plus friends who have invited us to view the event from near the highest point in Custer County, Nebraska. We have it all to ourselves to enjoy. We’re eagerly awaiting as the hour draws near when day is plunged into darkness and then back to day as the shadow crosses the Sandhills as it makes its way southeast.
I’m looking forward to sharing our eclipse experiences with you. Keep an eye out on our website, 1490korn.com for more stories.
