NEW ORLEANS (WGNO) — A local social media influencer wasn’t going to miss this total solar eclipse. So, she traveled to Arkansas to be in the path of totality.
Jessica Fender, who is known on Instagram as “Traveler Broads,” decided to go to Lake Ouachita near Crystal Springs in Arkansas for the 2024 total solar eclipse.
This is the first time Fender has seen a total solar eclipse.
“I had friends that had been in the path of totality in 2017, and they were so moved by the experience, so I thought maybe this is something I need to pay attention to,” she said.
So, she hopped in her car and drove seven hours north to Arkansas to Lake Ouachita near Crystal Springs in Arkansas to see the eclipse, and it truly moved her.
“It was so eerie, and you think you’re going to know what it is like then the light starts changing and the quality of light gets wild, dusky and colors change. Just incredible and it feels really special. You kind of forget we are all animals and so the little prickles on your back of your neck, and it’s a little spooky and weird, but I love it,” Fender said.
On her boat, she had a disco ball so she could see all the little crescent reflections during the eclipse.
“I just looked at my friend Becky and was like I can’t believe we are here,” she said.
For someone who’s traveled all around the world, this is right up there with one of her most fascinating life experiences.
“You just get the feeling of being a little, tiny human in this big old universe. I’m going to remember this forever,” she said.
Fender said she’s on a mission to see all the seven wonders of the world, and it would be wonderful if she traveled to see another total eclipse one day.
Stay up to date with the latest news, weather and sports by downloading the WGNO app on the Apple or Google Play stores and by subscribing to the WGNO newsletter.
