It's 9AM
It wasn’t what we thought, they said.
They being the tourist commission.
They predicted bad traffic and gas shortages.
They said there would be long lines and lots of emergencies.
I mean, almost a million people coming into the state to act as witness was bound to lead to trouble.
Just the numbers alone would mean the stats would have to go up.
Except…
It didn’t happen.
Small business owners heard the warnings and prepared a lot of food.
Enterprising entrepreneurs heeded the warnings and made a lot of Totality Tee Shirts and special occasion knick knacks.
Even me.
I warned to be prepared.
To weed eat the sidewalks and clean up the gutters and litter.
To patch pot holes and spit shine and polish the city streets.
I hoped an influx of people impressed with what they saw would come back.
But…
They were wrong.
So was I.
Sure, we had people.
The hotels in Russellville were full.
So were some campgrounds and some parks.
Not everywhere though.
And only in the parts with the longest period of eclipse darkness.
Most folks came in for the day.
If they came in at all.
I suspect some saw the price of a Motel 6 jump up to $600 and decided that it was worth some time in traffic the day of.
Because…
It’s a Motel 6.
A $30 hotel room should not cost that much.
I can’t decide if it’s price gouging or supply vs demand.
Especially on a week when they release two reports.
One saying inflation is up and the other saying Corporations are reporting record profits.
It feels like common sense has gone out of the window.
I know what my problem was.
I listened to the government.
Especially our state government, who I have argued long and hard has all the hallmarks of a banana republic.
They said boo and I got spooked.
A hard lesson learned.
And I didn’t even spend money to pump up my inventory in the event that tourists did show up.
I feel bad for the Small Business Owners and café’s and restaurants ready for an influx that never came.
I wonder what could be done to help.
The local parties and events had a good turn out.
I saw some of those myself.
Even as I chose to sit in the driveway and toast the celestial event with a cold Blue Moon.
I wonder how the next one will go?
I’ll let you know in 45 years.
Go hit like and subscribe, then listen to GRUBSTAKE WAR for FREE!
What are you reading this weekend? Get your Copy of THE SHADOWBOXER FILES.
Don’t know the Shadowboxer? Go Get CONSCRIPTED for FREE
Find your next favorite author or try something new: A Thrilling Month group promo
How long would you last? A Free Story
Did you see this on CHRIS LOWRY BOOKS?