Seeing changes

 

Gladiola - from the internet

If you're tired of all my talk about our hurricane survival issues, just skip the rest of this post...

Aerial view of storm damage to bridge in Swannanoa NC, Sept 27, 2024. The tree in the middle of the photo partially hides the red cargo container, both of which slammed into the bridge over the Swannanoa River. You can see the waters have receded from  US Hwy 70, but the mud still remained when this arial shot was taken, and there were no signal lights due to no electricity. The missing roof on the nearby building at top of photo is probably from wind damage.

I drove on the one clear lane four days later to get to the I-40 interchange that went through Asheville to then-reopened I-26 in order to evacuate. You still couldn't go any of the other 3 directions on the interstates, and many other highways wouldn't be repaired for months following the floods. For instance, Hwy. 70 which goes into Asheville was still closed 2 months later. Further south, US Highway 64 going east from Hendersonville is closed going into Chimney Rock still today.

And here was the repaired/new bridge in Swannanoa March 1, 2025. The red edged roof overhang on the left belonged to a building which was halfway washed away, and has since been demolished. But many of the buildings in that strip have yet to be demolished ..completely unusable. I need to drive along US 70 to get to the nearest entry to I-40 to go to Asheville, where most of my medical care is.

I am like many other residents of Black Mountain that travel often along these same roads, and are constantly reminded of the disaster 7 months ago. Swannanoa is an unincorporated town, so relies upon the Buncombe County government for any help beyond what federal or state efforts might offer. It shows that a US highway is still dealing with the hurricane effects.

Here are some shots of the damaged buildings taken May 5, 2025, looking across the river.

And here we were crossing the new bridge, looking downstream  to see what's left of those buildings.

The bank on the right has been stabilized with huge rocks, which I imagine will also be piled on the left bank as well. 

A happy symbiotic relationship between peonies and ants.

Our first peonies opened for Mother Day last week, then we had rains for several days. They don't have strong stems, but most are still ok.

Today's quote:

By being our true, authentic selves, we can make the world a better place one day at a time.

Blue flower and bee teapot, before the handle is attached.