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!
ReplyDeleteDisasters make good interest pieces on TV. I get tired of seeing the same shots over and over though. So glad I record things and can fast forward through parts that won't really give me any "news". I'm so grateful our disaster has gone and now the marathon of recovery continues.
DeleteI don't mind seeing more photos. It is a major event that has greatly impacted the area and lives of people who dwell there, including yours.
ReplyDeleteYes, I've survived intact, without any damage beyond inconvenience. I feel for so many who lost their homes, here, in California, and especially in Gaza.
Delete...let's turn walls into bridges.
ReplyDeleteAnother piece of wisdom, Tom.
DeleteThe river looks so sad and meek now. What a loss. I know you are glad to have your bridge back though.
ReplyDeleteI hope North Carolina is not forgotten as the CA fire and its celebrities crowd the headlines. And yet they too will be back-burnered when the next disaster strikes.
The beaded dress is beyond gorgeous! What patience that creation took!
I'm still very busy in your surroundings, especially the before and after contrasts. I was so worried about you during that storm until I found you'd been able to leave.
ReplyDeleteI typed interested and it published busy! Why, why
DeleteIt must be a relief to have some sort of functioning bridge again. It's very sad how floods alter the shape of natural features and, at first, all looks so bare and sad. Nature reclaims eventually but it takes a while.
ReplyDeleteThose who have seen and worked on the damage from the hurricane (floods and landslides) have said it will be a marathon to rebuild, not a race. I remember a local wildfire that was black on the side of a mountain the first year, but the next it had returned to green. You're right about nature reclaiming things. But for people who need homes and roads, and businesses, it takes labor and help from volunteers, a lot of help.
DeleteEvery bit of cleanup or reconstruction is so welcome!
ReplyDeleteThat's a wise and true statement!
DeleteReckon blogger ate my comment... again.
ReplyDeleteFlooding is stinky. In Ingo´s apartment the water went up into the bathtub, massive furniture got moved and the smell from the mud... But it made him move to me to Braunschweig.
The beaded dress is amazing.
ReplyDeleteThe flooding was horrific. The devastation in California affects me the same way. I look at the pictures in horrified fascination, and then I allow myself to cry. I fear for our civilization.
The damage is harrowing.
ReplyDelete