Luckily, my house didn't sustain any significant damage, while just within a mile from me homes were completely washed away or had heavy damage from falling trees. I didn't have power or water for a solid week, but thousands of others still have neither. Fortunate to be on a well, so with power I now have water.
My parents (ages 87/91) live just 15 minutes away, but I was unable to get to them until two days ago. Communication was very spotty and still is. The interstate was shut down and my attempts at finding a back roads solution failed (roads washed out or otherwise impassible and mountains between us provide only a few options). Finally, I took a long way around to reach the interstate where I knew that State Troopers had it blocked to all but emergency vehicles. I asked a trooper when they thought it "might" reopen. Officer Dustin Grieve asked me why I wanted to know- I told him I was trying to reach my elderly parents and he immediately told me to go around the barricades. What? Imagine driving up a six lane interstate (tears in eyes) that cuts through the mountains and being the only one on the road- it was surreal. I got my parents and took them east to a hotel and after just one night they were ready to return home- still with no power or water. They were right on the dividing line where a power line comes in, so although their neighbor had power, they still didn't. I ran an extension cord and they were happy. The next day they finally got power, but still have no running water. The entire water system coming from Asheville has been largely destroyed and it will be a very long wait for them and others.
We are truly blessed and, despite my tendency to bit¢h about things, I have absolutely no complaints. I've met neighbors I never knew before and have seen acts of kindness that have renewed my faith in people. It's a life changing experience. I have even more respect for utility and transportation workers, and ALL emergency service personnel. We do not pay these people enough and need to fix that in this country!
You've seen much much worse pictures on the news, but I'll share just a couple I took to give you an idea what it's like here. I'm a good ole boy from Louisiana and have seen many a hurricane and photographed them and tornadoes as a photojournalist- this ranks right up there with the worst of them.
I was actually able to take the bike out yesterday to bring food to my folks (interstate now fully open). It felt really good to have the wind on my face. Just grateful.
I don't need any assistance, but there are thousands and thousands in FL, GA, TN, and NC who could use a helping hand. Do what you can for them and everyone be safe out there.
My road
A lineman helps an elderly woman through the mud and debris covered main street in my town. I walked her further on to her store so she could check on the water damage.
The scene just to the right in the photo above