We had to get up early today to end the run in time for the Huskers game at 2:30. I figured watching this in a bar would be an essential Nebraskan experience considering how rabid the fans have been throughout the state on this run. We got up, ate breakfast at the Range Cafe, and drove to Stuart to start our 28 miles to O'Neill. My dad decided to join me for the day in its entirety. My mom drove the support vehicle, greeting us at all of our stops every five miles or so.
We passed through the town of Atkinson and my mom soon pulled up next to us with a reporter from the local paper. After a quick interview, we trudged through to O'Neill, the Irish capital of Nebraska. This was made official by the huge clover leaf painted on the road at the main intersection of town. We checked into the historic Golden Hotel and got to our rooms to shower and rest. I was given the Husker room, completely decorated with posters, pillows,wallpaper and banners of Big Red.
The Husker game against Florida Atlantic was already pretty well decided in the first quarter by the time we started watching and no bars seemed to be bustling with patrons watching the game. I was way more concerned about Oregon State being down to Portland State at halftime anyways. I checked for score updates during a steak dinner at the Western Cafe. The Beavers managed to turn things around a bit in the second half and pull out the W. Not being able to watch OSU games on Saturdays with any reliability is going to be tough for the next couple months.
We toured the town of 3,700 by car, sipping on root beer floats on an already full stomach. To be expected in the Irish capital, the largest building was a catholic church with the private St. Mary's high school across the street. We continued the tour on foot downtown, stopping for drinks at the Eagles club across from the hotel.
Today was the only full day I'd get to spend with my parents on their visit before finishing my rest day tomorrow on my own. I'm glad my dad got to experience a day on the left shoulder with me and that my mom was able to help along the road. I would have loved to have them by my side for the rest of my run to the other side of the country. It certainly would make the trip a whole lot easier both physically and especially mentally. I'll get to see them soon enough either when I go swimming or when I return to my home state.
We passed through the town of Atkinson and my mom soon pulled up next to us with a reporter from the local paper. After a quick interview, we trudged through to O'Neill, the Irish capital of Nebraska. This was made official by the huge clover leaf painted on the road at the main intersection of town. We checked into the historic Golden Hotel and got to our rooms to shower and rest. I was given the Husker room, completely decorated with posters, pillows,wallpaper and banners of Big Red.
The Husker game against Florida Atlantic was already pretty well decided in the first quarter by the time we started watching and no bars seemed to be bustling with patrons watching the game. I was way more concerned about Oregon State being down to Portland State at halftime anyways. I checked for score updates during a steak dinner at the Western Cafe. The Beavers managed to turn things around a bit in the second half and pull out the W. Not being able to watch OSU games on Saturdays with any reliability is going to be tough for the next couple months.
We toured the town of 3,700 by car, sipping on root beer floats on an already full stomach. To be expected in the Irish capital, the largest building was a catholic church with the private St. Mary's high school across the street. We continued the tour on foot downtown, stopping for drinks at the Eagles club across from the hotel.
Today was the only full day I'd get to spend with my parents on their visit before finishing my rest day tomorrow on my own. I'm glad my dad got to experience a day on the left shoulder with me and that my mom was able to help along the road. I would have loved to have them by my side for the rest of my run to the other side of the country. It certainly would make the trip a whole lot easier both physically and especially mentally. I'll get to see them soon enough either when I go swimming or when I return to my home state.
Huskers mean a little bit 'round here
Holden - Alan and I were happy to read of your adventures since leaving Chadron. You are a good writer and your interest in people makes for great storytelling. We look forward to future posts. Glad you are dodging the lightening as we have seen the big clouds out to the east from our deck and thought of you. Loved seeing the video of your dad running to catch you and that you could spend time with mom and dad. Let us know what route you take through Iowa as I may be able to connect you with some folks in eastern Iowa (which, by the way, is Hawkeye country...almost as rabid as Huskers :-)
ReplyDeleteSafe travels! Mary and Alan
Correction...*lightning :-)
ReplyDelete