Friday, October 4, 2013

Mighty Atlas, settle down!

My daughter, Tracey, was invited at the last minute to attend a church mission trip with one of her girlfriends. It was to be a 14 hour bus ride: leaving at 6:00 p.m. Thursday, arriving in South Dakota at 8:00 a.m. today, Friday. She called me the day the government shut down, all upset that she wouldn't be able to see Mt. Rushmore. That happens to be the least of her worries right now.

This morning she called at 5:00 and said they were stopping for breakfast, but heading into a blizzard with an experienced driver who said their destination was a couple hours away. At 2:00 p.m. the road conditions were so hazardous, and the projected 30 inch snowfall was threatening to close the interstate. They inched along.

Sometime later, due to winter super storm, Atlas, they were diverted to the nearest air force base, where the bus got stuck in the snow. The military sent plows and transported them three at a time to a barracks where they were able to set up for the night. Those who had forged ahead of the bus and made it to the nice hotel they were expecting to be in tonight, called to say that they had lost power. Ice, sleet and snow are pulling down power lines and trees. They also just received word that there are tornadoes wrapped in the blizzard, and they are in a state of emergency and have to stay put, can't even hoof it to the mess hall because of the sleetstorm.

She is glad she brought snacks: craisins, almonds and Mounds bars. At the moment they are sharing what they brought, as they haven't eaten since 5 a.m. I know that girl of mine wishes she would have taken a winter coat (like her mama told her), instead of a lightweight jacket, but I know she will survive and have a tale to tell when she returns. Please keep her and her fellow passengers in your thoughts and prayers. I will update as I know more.
 

8 comments:

Bookie said...

Oh my gosh, Linda. What a worry for you and a mess for her. The weather...I am telling you it is bipolar for sure, not knowing what it should be doing right now. We just came in from taking down hanging plants and moving loose things that can blow...in October! 60 mph winds possible...hail...MIGHT be serve they say but probably not. Last time I heard those words...well, enough. Is this the start of a bad winter...or is Mother Nature just ticked off over furloughs?

Sioux Roslawski said...

Linda--She will have oodles of stories to tell when she gets back home. And, since she is your daughter, the stories will be infused with humor...

Shelly said...

Wow! I did see FB posts last night from friends up there about how they'd lost all power and were staying hunkered down. My prayers for your daughter and her group. What an adventure!

Southhamsdarling said...

Hi Linda. I've been reading about this via your facebook page. You must have been so desperately worried. I pray that your daughter and friends will soon be home safe and sound again. Take care.

Val said...

Whoa! I saw that on the news. At least she got off the road and out of the elements.

Susan said...

Imagine having a blizzard, etc. in October? So they are in South Dakota?
YIKES. That sounds scary.

I'm glad they are safe at the Air Force Base. Wish someone would bring some food over to them from the mess hall.

God help them all, Linda. And you, too! Susan

Connie said...

Wow, so scary! Prayers for them here.

Tammy said...

Lots of prayers, of course. The good news is that when she takes out those vacation photos, people will pull up chairs instead of suddenly recollecting prior engagements.