Local Family Drives 14 Hours To View Solar Eclipse

Many families traveled south to view the eclipse in the path of totality this week. 

Jontue and Phala Austin were one of those families that opted for that vacation for a once-in-a-lifetime event.

“The distance, the travel, and the fact that we had to take the kids out of school; they’re supposed to be in school right now,” Jontue Austin said. “But here we are, driving through the wiles of Oklahoma.”

Beginning Saturday, the Austin family opted for a different learning experience through the 14-hour drive to Dallas.

“Made it into town about 9 something, managed to hit up Buc-ees to see what all the hype was about,” Austin said, referring to the massive gas station chain based in Texas. “It lives up to it. Definitely recommend it.”

Amidst all the sightseeing, the Austins traveled to totality in the path of the solar eclipse. They were originally planning to watch it in Dallas, but a cloudy forecast led to a change of plans.

“You know, there was a whole path cutting through the middle of the country. So it was like we kind of have to go at this point,” Austin said.

They opted to travel about four more hours to a sunnier spot– Little Rock, Ark. Austin said it was incredible to experience with everyone.

“Everyone is there for the same reason. You know, obviously, a lot of schools had taken off. So, just that general sense of experiencing something together,” Austin said.

Austin said the colors changed right before their eyes– to almost a sepia tone. The streetlights turned on as the eclipse reached totality.

The Austin family prepares to view the Eclipse with special glasses.

“The lights are just dimming around you, and then it just– it happens. And you look up, and it’s like the pictures you see– but it’s just different because it’s live,” Austin explained.

His youngest daughter, Aria, said it was cool to see the moon blocking the sun. 

For their entire family, it created a once-in-a-lifetime memory.

It will be a long time before we see another eclipse in the United States. The next one is expected to be visible in 2024.

Eclipse photo courtesy of Phala Austin.

Twin Cities