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Antarctica (Topeka, KS and Lincoln, NE) – Part 2

By on May 11, 2017 in Adventure & Travel | 7 comments

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We knew that continuing on to Lincoln was a bad idea. It was raining the entire weekend. And there was a snow storm heading for Montezuma.

Instead of spreading out the weekend like we originally planned and return on Sunday afternoon, we decided to push it and drive most of the way to Lincoln, stop in West Omaha for the night then hit Lincoln in the morning and drive all the way back to Western Kansas that same day. The weather had taken a turn for the worse; it was going to be cold and thunderstorms Saturday afternoon which guided our decision to get home before then.

The drive was almost pleasant as we headed to Omaha. Nebraska was one gentle hill after the next. It was barely foggy and a little chilly at 50+ degrees. … And then it went from almost pleasant to “I want to kill RJ.” It started raining a couple hours from Omaha. It was a bit windy and the temperature dropped to 36*. Not to mention, the sun had set, so we were in the cold, dark, and rain. The only thing keeping me from hypothermia was my burning wrath. I told him we should have headed home after Topeka. How does he rope me in to this stuff?!

We were frozen by the time we reached West Omaha. RJ, without saying anything, pulls into a Denny’s. Then with a guilty look on his face, he takes me in and says I can get whatever I want. He knew he was in trouble. He went to the bathroom to try and warm his frozen hands while I grabbed a hot chocolate to try and warm my core temperature. I think he assumed that I’d only get a hot drink; but as he was coming back to the table, I was able to sneak in order of clam chowder and chicken fried steak.. hehe. We enjoyed our meal even though we were still full from lunch and then we reluctantly headed to the KOA down the road to setup for the night.


We were doing a great job showing God’s love for one another as we setup camp in the cold… until RJ said we needed to re-stake and move the tent 4 inches closer to the electrical outlet. I almost called my divorce attorney.


In silence, I crawled into my sleeping bag and fell asleep to the sound of rain while RJ planned out the following day.
It rained throughout the night and into the morning. We slept in longer than we planned; I was not about to get out in that rain and take down the tent.
The rain finally let up around 9 and we were able to pack up and drive to Lincoln.

The weather was drab which was also reflected by the Capitol. Our first impression of the building was underwhelming at best. It lacked shape and color which formed our negative opinion. However, as the adage goes: “Never judge a book by its cover.” Words can hardly describe the amazement and sense of awe as you opened the massive cathedral-like doors into the building.


We were speechless; we were without speech. The view opened up into a grand hallway with colossal ceilings. The walls were adorned with beautiful designs depicting stories of strength and wisdom and maybe some other virtues.


We hurriedly toured every available floor that we could, got our stamp, and took off for Grandpa’s as the storm was heading for us.


The gift shop was closed so we opted to get my mug from a gas station. After visiting three different gas stations only to return back to the original one, we found my Nebraskan Mug…. RJ wasn’t very happy with me.


Unfortunately, my little quest cost us precious time and the rain had arrived. By this time the temperature had dropped to forty below or maybe below forty…who the heck knows.  We hit mile one and both of us had the same thought, “Man, I don’t know if I can go another mile.” We had 350 miles to go. We lied to ourselves the next 150 miles as we trekked through the pouring rain, howling wind, and freezing cold.  By the time we stopped at a gas station everything was soaked; I had stage four hypothermia, and RJ had chesticles.

We took some time to dry off and warm up. RJ bought $1 egg rolls for us and a coffee for me. He then proceeded to use the bathroom hand dryer to try and dry his gloves. We sat down at a booth and stared at each other and just laughed at the awfulness of the situation and tried to postpone the remainder of the trip as long as we could. However, we knew deep down that the longer we waited, the worse the storm was going to be.

Once we saw a minor break in the rain we headed out again, only to be fooled because literally the moment we left the rain started up again. This time, we only made it about 90 miles before we stopped at another gas station. We were just so cold, and now my boots and RJ’s gloves were completely soaked through. The freezing water was now penetrating our skin which made this horrendous experience even worse. RJ, again, was off drying his gloves in the bathroom hand dryer while I stood in an aisle in my water-filled boots contemplating my core values like loving my husband.

It’s hard to describe how long one mile feels when you’re this miserable. I know it only takes 50 seconds or so, but each mile felt like an eternity. There’s no way to clear your mind and let the miles fly by. You sit in pain and watch the odometer tick, every 10th of a mile, until you reach the destination. Not a minute goes by, that you don’t consider quitting. RJ and I discussed this point numerous times on our return. There was no way for us to quit, or just stop in a hotel, or wait for a break in the rain. The forecast only intensified over time, culminating into a snow storm. It was now or never.

With 140 miles left, the sun was starting to set, turning our drab, gray surroundings into a darker, less inviting shade. The temperature continued to drop, hovering around 35-36 degrees. We made it 70 miles before our next stop at a Taco Bell. We came into the restaurant and soaked the floor from our drenched clothes. We waddled in like penguins holding their egg, apologizing to the staff for the mess of water we brought in. We ordered our usual: a Quesarito and Beefy Frito Burrito. The staff was nice and very willing to mop up our mess. When the food came, it was at this moment we realized that miracles still do exist because the taste of the molten burrito sliding down our esophagus felt like the Holy Spirit himself came and warmed our bodies. I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again: Taco Bell saves lives (and marriages apparently).

We knew this was our last stop because the temperature kept dropping while the wind and rain were unmerciful. It was nearly dark by the time we left with only a sliver of natural light to guide us. As we rode home, the temperature dropped even more to about 29 degrees according to Moty’s display. The rain was coming down at a harsh angle and the bike was pegged at a lean against the wind in order to keep straight. We happened to follow a State Trooper till Dodge City who helped guide the way and made us feel a little safer. We were incredibly worried that ice/snow would start to form on the road at any minute; ironically, the ruthless wind prevented the worst.

With only 28 miles to go, a semblance of hope started to rise. It was hard to believe that we even made it this far considering that we didn’t think we’d make it out of Nebraska. This final stretch seemed to last as long as the 300+ miles we had just completed. Yet, somehow, by the Grace of God, we made it to Grandpa’s.  I’ve never been so happy to see the lights of Montezuma in my life.

It was almost midnight as we pulled into the driveway, the garage door opened up. And at the door, were the Esau’s greeting us with towels, hugs, and sighs of relief. The wind blew so hard that it soaked our shirts under our jackets because it dripped down our neck and came through our sleeves. I dropped my wet gear like dead weight and waddled into the kitchen. I could barely walk; I was so sore and cold. Grandma greeted me with hot chocolate and fresh baked pies. RJ was still in the garage shaking with Parkinson’s trying to remove his boots. I think Grandpa had to help him; I’m not sure.

He finally did make it inside however and joined me in the mini feast Grandma had prepared for us. I don’t know if we would have wanted to come home to anybody else; we were so overwhelmed by the kindness and hospitality from Grandpa’s as they made sure we got warm and dry.

After eating, we took a long hot shower and crawled into bed. I found as many blankets as I could get my hands on and stacked them all on the bed. RJ was sure that I got too many and that we’d get too hot, but what does he know. We slept hard and slept good.

The next morning we woke up to 6 inches of snow (and a pool of sweat from the extra blankets)! All this to say, we will never be traveling in the cold rain again; however, this was still one of the best memories we share :).

Next blog entry: North and South Dakota

Cheers! ~RJ and Emmy

 

7 Comments

  1. Karlene Esau

    May 11, 2017

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    I am just glad I didn’t know any of this while it was happening! Or maybe it would have been better for you if I had cause I would have bought you a motel 6 for a few nights!

    • Emily Garcia

      May 11, 2017

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      Well Dad knew about it! He was texting me all day, keeping his eye on the weather. I let him know we got home safe and sound:)

  2. Heidi

    May 11, 2017

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    Oh my goodness! Thank you for doing your part to help me appreciate my mommy-van!

  3. Catherine Voice

    May 12, 2017

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    Glad that God kept you safe and held the snow till you got home!! And your next trip is where? Door is open and there is an extra bedroom should you desire along with hot coffee!

    • Emily Garcia

      May 14, 2017

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      We are heading down to Texas. I don’t think we will make it to your place this trip but when we head to the East Coast we will be in touch!

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