I know some of you have probably grown tired of hearing about the western North Carolina problems associated with our recent hurricane. And so the national focus on a crisis has shifted to the California fires...as they are definitely horrific. And yet, I sit here and have photos to share about a little near-by bridge which I cross each week to go to the grocery store. There's another route I could take, through downtown Black Mountain, but this way has no traffic to speak of, nor traffic lights with tourists crossing or turning, looking everywhere at once. I know I do so when visiting other towns!
So I'll share another batch of photos (some have been posted before, sorry).
I found a collection of photos of the Hurricane Helene destruction (9/17/24) of a local bridge on Blue Ridge Rd. That's the same road I live on, but I live up the hill from the Swannanoa River, a small stream that drains from several mountain areas just below this western slope of the continental divide. It only exists for less than 20 miles I would guess. But with the force of water, it inundated many populated areas causing destruction along it's way to join the French Broad River in Asheville.
Not my photo, but shows how the Swannanoa River exploded into buildings along it's banks.
This complex was right next to the river, and remains standing today, with all the destroyed windows just as the photo below shows (taken Jan 14, 2025.)
A shot showing the foundation of the former bridge.
This is my first shot I saw of the new bridge that had been built finally. It wasn't a major highway, so crews didn't come here early in restorative efforts. The building in the distance is the same one shown in the flooded picture above. The photo was taken Dec. 14 or so.
The new bridge after it opened. It's one way only, so cars have to wait a while sometimes taking turns going over it. Yes, I wonder why that tree leaning over the bridge/road hasn't been cut back. I think it's because it is one of several which held that bank of the river in place. (view looking south)
And as I had no traffic behind me one day, I took photos of the "reconstructed" banks and the new look of the Swannanoa River (going south, but looking west as the river flowed that direction.)
Dogs and other animals detect smells using proteins called odorant receptors, chemical sensors. They sit on the surface of cells, grabbing specific molecules that float past.The process is temporary: after the [receptors] are done, they either release or destroy the molecules that they’ve grabbed. But one group of them bucks this trend: opsins.
They are special because they keep hold of their target molecules, and because those molecules absorb light. This is the entire basis of vision. This is how all animals see—using light-sensitive proteins that are actually modified chemical sensors.In a way, we see by smelling light.
An Immense World: How Animal Senses Reveal the Hidden Realms Around Us, excerpts
—Ed Yong
by Jan Huling...American beadist....Jersey City, New Jersey, born 1953
I am glad the bridge is finished. Water can be so powerful, it is sad to see the flooding and destruction water can cause. It seems like there is always a new crisis in the news. Take care, have a great day!
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