Look for the Good (Surviving Kearney Flood 2019)

We should always look for the good in everything.

Chloe, age 9

Sometimes the best advice comes from the least expected source.  I discovered that last week during one of the most bizarre adventures I have ever experienced.  What began as a highly-anticipated Nebraska road trip to visit family ended up being a Mother Nature freak show.

a hotel across the street

The drive across Nebraska was a bit shaky in the first place with heavy rains, torrential at times, ushering us into Kearney.  It seemed to have all passed, though, when we checked into Hampton Inn Kearney.  My sister Peg and niece Micki and her family soon joined us, and we enjoyed a fun evening watching the kids swim in the hotel pool and eating pizza and playing board games in the lobby.  It started raining again, but we all just thought it was a typical summer storm.  If only we could have seen the rains as the omens they were.  Instead, we, and the entire city of Kearney, ignored the flood warning alert that blasted on our cell phones.  We went on with our visit, drinking a little wine or tea and enjoying the silliness of the kids. Micki and Tyler decided they would drive home to Elm Creek, twenty miles away (they made it home safely with no sign of a flood).  Peg stayed with us at the hotel.  We watched a little news (no mention of anything weather related) and called it a night.

The storm returned with a vengeance during the night.  The lightening and thunder were scary--I had trouble sleeping.  I almost called the front desk to see if there were any warnings, but I figured a siren would go off.  I had no idea how hard it was raining out there. Who would have guessed when the morning dawned with blue skies and sunshine.

With the sun shining brightly, Peg left for work the next morning at 7:00.  Mom and I planned to have a leisurely morning before heading to Elm Creek for the day.  We turned on the news and heard there had been some flooding in Kearney, particularly by the high school.  I texted Peg to see if she encountered any on her way to work. She didn't.  Micki also didn't see any signs of flooding in the Elm Creek area.  So we took our time, enjoying coffee and breakfast and the newspaper.  I looked out the window before we headed out, and to my complete shock and horror saw this.

And then five minutes later--

Girl, you ain't seen nothing yet--a few minutes later--

complete with a little sass to my mom (sorry!) and an s word

Yikes!

We decided we better kick it in gear.  Peg texted and said she would meet us at the hotel and help us. It took ten minutes to gather what we needed.  Leaving the rest on the beds or chairs (just in case), we headed toward the lobby and the exit to my car.  That is as far as we got.  Hotel staff stopped us and told us to stay in the lobby--no one was allowed to leave or enter.  Peg texted saying she couldn't get to us, the streets were flooded.

And then

At this point I thought maybe I should ask about getting our room changed to a second floor, just in case.  I asked the desk agent if that could happen.  She politely said she would check later, but at that moment she had been instructed to have everyone move to the second floor hallway.  I looked to the main entrance and understood why!

As we headed up to what would be our home for the next few hours, not one of us thought about evacuation.  We all (about one hundred) thought we were riding the storm out on higher, drier grounds.  We were all joking and trading names and backgrounds and just waiting for the all clear.  Instead, we soon were informed that the police were on the way to begin the evacuation process.  My heart sank as I'm sure did all those other hearts around me.  

Hotel management arrived with water and clear, calm instructions.  They told us exactly what would happen.  Members from the police and fire departments, state patrol, City of Kearney, and the Red Cross would arrive and assist us to buses waiting as close as possible to the exit.  There would be a small area of knee-high water before the bus, but crews would be there to assist.  There were five or six other hotels that would go before us.  And so the wait began.

At my end of the hallway, we formed a close little group as we chatted about our homes and families.  Everyone was so helpful, making sure Mom had a chair and water.  I was a little unnerved--I worried about Mom and stressed about my car.  When we left the lobby, I could see that there was some water around it.  I knew the water was still rising, and I had no idea how much had accumulated by that time.  Margie, a new friend, was worried about her car as well and offered to go to a window and take a picture of the parking lot.  This is what we saw--

I couldn't really tell if the water was up to the doors.  I felt a little better knowing at least it wasn't completely covered.  A little.

In addition to Margie and her husband Dan, we bonded with Ann who was supposed to catch a flight to Denver at 4, Bill and Deb from Wyoming, Travis and Jill from Wisconsin.  And Chloe.  Sweet, beautiful Chloe.  We all fell in love with nine-year-old Chloe from Denver.  She entertained us with jokes and stories and dreams and wishes.  She gravitated from not a care in the world to being almost in tears, worried that she would get separated from her parents.  We did our best to assure her that would never happen.  Just when I was close to tears myself, Chloe proclaimed that "we all should look for the good in everything."  Her words quickly became my mantra for the rest of the trip. I wanted to take her with me.  We all need a Chloe in our lives! (I'm so sad I didn't get a picture of her--my mind was in survival mode, not selfie mode.)

I began to stress a bit about how I would get down to the ground level.  I can't do two stairs let alone a flight of stairs.  I didn't once think I would be left on my own, but nevertheless, not knowing was worrying me.  At about that time, things began to happen fast. A police officer appeared and had everyone line up as he explained the evacuation process.  He came over to me and calmly and kindly walked me through the plan to help me and two others in wheelchairs.  They would carry me down to either an airboat or a loader (oh dear Lord!) and someone would be with me all the way.  I did tear up then--the reality hit me.  I grabbed Mom's hand and said we couldn't be separated (there's a little bit of Chloe in me!).  We weren't.

It was go time.  After those who didn't need assistance were down, firemen came for Mom and me.  Before I even had time to think, one had swooped me up, and we were headed down.  Mom was right behind, escorted by another fireman.

My relief at reaching ground level was quickly replaced with horror.  We were in about two feet of gross water.  We had to make it about fifteen feet to the loader (I so wanted the airboat!) I had no idea what a loader was.  Although not ours, the picture below is almost identical to our chariot.

Two firemen assisted Mom, holding each of her arms, as they helped her in.  My hero firemen carried me all the way and rode with us as we headed three or four blocks for dry land.  

Rescued

   

Thanking our hero firemen profusely, we boarded buses bound for the Salvation Army.  Waiting for us, along with hundreds of others, was Peg.  I have never been so happy to see her!

THE AFTERMATH

What seemed like an eternity in reality was just a few unbelievable hours.  It all felt like a dream.  I kept asking "Did this really just happen?"  We headed for Micki's in Elm Creek at about 1:00--a mere 3.5 hours after it all began.  

Determined not to let Mother Nature ruin this trip, we did what what we would have done had there been nothing but blue skies the entire time.  I played with Quinn and her dolls and kitten, played Sequence with Ethan and Drake (and lost), lounged on the patio, watched the kids jump on the tramp, made s'mores, watched the kids chase fireflies--exactly what we came for.  

At one point Tyler asked me, "How much better would you sleep tonight if you knew your car was okay?"  Because of course that was in the back of my mind the whole time.  I just didn't know.  I saw it briefly out of the corner of my eye when we got on the loader--water was definitely up to the door.  Following updates on Twitter and the local news, we learned that the water was still rising throughout the day.  I had no way of knowing what was going on with my car.

The next day brought more sunshine and blue skies.  I felt confident that the water surely receded during the night, and we would be able to get to my car and assess the damage.  I was not confident that my car was okay, however.  The news footage that morning showed many cars in the surrounding lots almost completely submerged.  

Micki and Tyler offered to drive to Kearney and check out the scene.  A half hour later I got a text from Micki with this:

And this

For perspective, Tyler is 6' 3"

And dear Lord, this

They couldn't get to my car.  My heart plunged.  It just didn't look good.  How would we get home--we had already heard there were no rental cars available in the area.  Would my insurance cover flood damage? Where do I even start??  Such silly worries.  I heard sweet Chloe's words.  Look for the good.  Sheesh--I was surrounded by family.  I'm retired and didn't have to get back to work.  We were safe.  Why worry??

I thought Micki and Tyler would be heading back to Elm Creek.  Instead I got a text from Micki.  Tyler's friend had a truck and gave them a ride through the high water to the Hampton Inn parking lot.

I waited, holding my breath, for the follow up.  And . . .

My car!  On dry land!  And it started right up, water pouring out of the tailpipes.  I felt relief permeate my entire being--I could finally breathe.  The floors were soaked but there didn't seem to be any water on the seats. Micki said it smelled really bad, but I could live with that. They, of course, couldn't get it out of the flooded area, but at least we now knew what we were dealing with.

I had a much more relaxed day with the kids knowing that my car was not a total wreck.  I watched them swim and do flips off the board at Elm Creek's pool, colored and did word searches, and even took a nap.  My brother Mark came through and we visited with him. I thought surely the water would recede by that evening, and we could be on our way the next day.  

But with no updates all day about the water levels or street openings, we were in limbo.  Mark was heading back home to Lincoln in the evening and decided to try to get to the hotel on his way.  Peg went with him in case she needed to drive my car back.  No such luck--the water had not receded and the streets were still impassable for normal traffic.  

But wait--ten minutes later I got a FaceTime call from Mark.  They were by my car!  City workers were on hand to take people into the hotel area (using that wonderful loader!) Management was available at the hotels to let guests in to retrieve left behind belongings.  While Mark checked out my car, Peg went into the Hampton Inn and got the rest of our stuff.  That was one less thing to worry about.  Mark drove the car around the dry parking lot and told me it sputtered a bit but otherwise ran great.  He also mentioned the smell.  Yuck.

Mark on the loader

Peg ready for a ride

They left the car, with windows cracked to air it out, and we all felt certain that we would be able to drive it out the next day.  Surely the water would recede by the morning . . .

Day three brought the news that the hotel streets were still flooded and closed.  I just couldn't believe it.  How could there be so much water when it had been nothing but sunshine for three days?  It turned out that the area by the interstate where the hotels are is lower than most of Kearney and provided a perfect path for the overflowing Turkey Creek to drain.  Just dandy.

A thought occurred to me that morning.  While Mark and I were FaceTiming the night before, I noticed a tow truck preparing to tow the car next to mine.  Why don't I have my car towed out to the dry streets?  I have AAA with coverage for towing, and it looked like a big tow truck could get in and out of the area.  I called them to see if it was possible.  And it was--they would be there in 30 minutes!  Why hadn't I thought of that before??  Micki had to quickly get to Kearney with the keys, and then we were in business.  We had them tow it all the way to Elm Creek since that was covered in my plan.

This sight made me cry.  Happy cry--

My baby!

After a quick stop at Kelly's Sales and Service in Elm Creek for a checkup (Kelly gave us a big thumb's up, seeing no signs of water in the oil, air filter, or engine), we headed home, smelly car and all.  A thorough detail the next day removed any sign that it had been in a flood.

all better

Not once, during the entire three-day ordeal, did Mom or I feel like we weren't being taken care.  During the actual flood, we were never scared that we weren't going to make it.  We never felt abandoned or uncared for.  Everything seemed under control and organized, and for that we are so grateful.  Specifically, thank God for

Kearney Fire Department

Kearney Police Department

The City of Kearney

Nebraska State Patrol

Nebraska Red Cross

Kearney Salvation Army

The Hampton Inn Kearney Staff

Kearney Towing

Kelly's Sales and Service

With cool heads and warm hearts, these heroes selflessly ensured that my mom and me, and the 1000+ other evacuees, were safely reunited with our loved ones.

And for our fellow guests at The Hampton Inn Kearney.  For two hours or so, these complete strangers put forth their most compassionate and trusting hearts and became friends.

For my family

Peg, for braving the flood, waiting forever at the Salvation Army, going to Target to get us essentials, taking time off work to help, and just being you.

Micki and Tyler, for discovering my car on dry land, putting up with us for longer than planned, feeding us, supporting us, and for Ethan, Drake, and Quinn whose love and laughter got us through.

Mark, for coming through Elm Creek and trudging through flood waters to check everything out

Joy, Kyle, Jake, Rog, and Kerri for keeping it positive through texts and FaceTimes

The Schultz/Alldredge crew for checking in, even from Macedonia, halfway around the world, where Max wanted to see the flood

And for Chloe.  Your little nine-year-old heart and wise words touched everyone in our little bonded community.  You will never know the lasting effect you will have on so many adults, but I know I will never forget you.  Yes, Chloe, I will look for the good in everything, even the Kearney Flood of 2019.

Two and a Half Perfect Days (in Arizona)

If you have a long weekend coming up and want to go somewhere where you feel like you've gotten out of town, head for Arizona.  In three days, you can comfortably fit in Phoenix/Scottsdale, Flagstaff, The Grand Canyon, and Sedona.

TRAVELING COMPANIONS

Perfect traveling buddies!!

Don't even think about going by yourself.  You are going to need someone to oohh and aahh with as your eyes behold some of the most breathtaking scenery in the United States, including one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World.  I was blessed to have four of the most amazing people on this trip with me--my mom, my sister Kerri, my nephew Nathan, and his girlfriend Lindsey,  I could not have taken this trip without all four,  and I am so, so grateful for them <3

Day One begins with

GETTING THERE

Did I mention we were in first class?  Well . . . someone has to do it; might as well be me!

Because we were limited on time, we flew from Denver to Phoenix, but we all remarked about how cool it would be to road trip this entire itinerary.  We definitely put that on our to-do list, but for this trip, we took to the friendly skies.  I must say, as a loyal United girl, I was a little hesitant when Kerri emailed our reservations.  US Air (US Scare as we referred to them when I worked for United!) has always seemed a little questionable in my eyes, but to my surprise and relief, our flight was delightful.  As it turned out, we were on one of the last ever true US Air flights to operate.  The next day American Airlines took over in another major airline merger.  

First stop

SCOTTSDALE

Olive and Ivy, Scottsdale

Kerri sat next to a chatty guy on the flight to Phoenix.  He might have been borderline annoying, but he did give her some awesome recommendations for lunch spots in the Phoenix area.  We decided to try one, and we are so glad we did.  Check out Olive and Ivy.  We all loved this Scottsdale gem.  As we walked to the entryway, we were greeted with a soft, cooling mist and a friendly staff.  The food and drinks were outstanding.  We all ordered salads and their specialty, flatbreads.  I would definitely go back and most likely order the same thing!

CONTINUING ON

After our perfect lunch, we were in our rental car heading north to Williams, Arizona, our final destination for day one.  The next morning we would be catching the Grand Canyon Railroad and heading to Grand Canyon National Park.  Since the train leaves at 9 a.m. we didn't exactly want to leave Phoenix at 4 in the morning, and so we headed north on I 17 toward Flagstaff.  Although there are several routes to get to the Grand Canyon, we found this to be most practical, especially since some of our travel would be in the dark.  And there's this amazing rest stop called SUNSET POINT with a gorgeous view of the sun setting behind the mountains.  The image of that view will stay with you as you cruise into Williams to end travel day one.

DAY TWO

THE GRAND CANYON, SOUTH RIM, AND SEDONA

Riding the rails in style

Once we arrived at Williams, we stayed at The Grand Canyon Railway Hotel. Although by no means a luxury stay, the rooms were comfortable, and the train was only steps away.  We survived two, TWO fire alarms complete with total evacuation  of the hotel (the first one at midnight and another at 7 in the morning), but we shook those off and soon forgot them.  

GRAND CANYON!

Real pictures, not postcards, of the Canyon

You can, of course, drive from Williams to the Grand Canyon, but why would you when you can ride the rails?  We took the historic Grand Canyon Railway just steps from our hotel.  The two and a half hour train trip was filled with incredible scenery from desert to bluffs to forests and finally the canyon. 

Nothing could possibly have prepared me for the view awaiting us just a short walk from the train.  For one thing, when they say the south rim of the Canyon, they really mean the RIM.  When you walk up for the first look, you are literally on the rim.  Short walls border some parts to prevent people from falling, but there are also open areas that I wasn't comfortable approaching.  You can see all the way to the bottom and catch glimpses of the Colorado River, and you can see across to the the north side as well.  The views are so incredibly crystal clear and perfect that it almost seems like you're looking at a movie scene or green screen and not the real thing.  

And I couldn't believe how quiet it was, despite the many tourists present.  There was almost a reverent hush as we all took in God's beauty.

We had about four hours to walk around The South Rim, the perfect amount of time.  Make sure to allow time to have lunch at the Grand Hotel, a historic hotel just steps from the rim.  Their lunch menu is amazing--try the Indian taco--to die for!

The train ride back to Williams was equally relaxing and entertaining,  I don't want to spoil anything, but be prepared for some surprises on the return trip.  (Hint:  make sure your purse/wallet is tucked safely away!)

Because we wanted to take the scenic drive back to Phoenix, we stayed one more night in Williams in order to avoid driving in the dark.  I highly recommend doing the same.

DAY THREE

SEDONA

L'Auberge.  Gorgeous.

You must take Highway 89A at least one way of your trip between the Grand Canyon and Phoenix.  This road winds through some of the most breathtaking scenery ever, and this is coming from a Colorado girl!  The mountain views with Oak Creek by your side the entire way to Sedona rival many drives through the Colorado Rocky Mountains.

Because we had a late afternoon flight to catch in Phoenix, we were only in Sedona long enough to have brunch.  There are tons of fabulous restaurants in the Sedona area.  We relied on a sure-fire means to find the best--we asked Siri!  And Siri is never wrong--she led us to a perfect brunch location, L'Auberge, right on the banks of Oak Creek.  I mean really on the banks--we were so close to the edge that sliding a chair just a little too far would have landed one of us in the creek, brunching with the ducks.  The brunch menu was French and elegant and scrumptious, and the scenery was breathtaking.  Make sure to ask for a table by the creek, and by all means try their quiche of the day and a bubbly mimosa.

 L'Auberge was the perfect last stop on a fabulous weekend trip; I couldn't have scripted a better ending to our two and a half perfect days in Arizona.