I am devastated by destruction left by Hurricane Helene on parts of North Caroline and Tennessee. And everywhere, honestly. But from personal travels in North Carolina, I feel like a special piece of my heart is there.
Here I am after hiking up to Max Patch with my friend Jaime. She knew I needed an inexpensive escape, and she planned the perfect trip.
We had so much fun. Now she is ever the avid adventurest, but this little trip made me feel like I was destined to complete the Appalachian Trail!
You gotta love those gravel one-lane roads to the random pull-offs for parking.
I am pretty sure this was trip #2 for us. Who knows what mountain, and, honestly, I can't believe I stood there. I do not love heights.
Jaime loves to dangle her feet off the edge. I was probably sweating watching her here.
After this one hike, as two single mommas trying to adventure on a dime, we literally pitched a tent on the banks of the French Broad River, which in recent days has ravaged the communities in the area. Before we pitched our tent, we ventured into Hot Springs for some dinner. I am pretty sure we ate at Spring Creek Tavern. I just looked at their website and it simply says, "We are heartbroken."
I do wonder about the people who appeared to be living along the banks of the river, some in make-shift shelters that early summer afternoon. I pray that everyone is able to recover and rebuild this beautiful area.
Asheville is also where Robert and I first vacationed with this kids. Robert and I had visited before, and I knew I wanted to share the town that left such an impression on me with Campbell and Elaine.
Of course, we went hiking. This was the Hooker Falls hike.
At some point, we did slide down those rocks just like everyone else.
While I don't have pictures of all the places I have eaten in Asheville, I did have this one. Biscuit Head on Asheville Road. This location is now closed because of the damage, but they do still have two locations open. Again, a visit to their website highlights the devastation for their business and their lives.
And what prompted me to capture these memories here in my blog was the Facebook post on The Hole Doughnut Shop's page. While they have able to reopen, their staff and the future of their business is in question. I have declared this, along with Bon Appétit, as the best doughnut ever.
The only picture of it is with my friend Penny. We took a roadtrip to pick up her daughter from cross country camp one summer.
The French Broad Chocolate Company has this "get us back on our feet fund" posted on their page.
And out of all my trips, I only visited The Biltmore with Mom. It was the beginning of many girls' trips for Mom and me.
The Biltmore Estate and its family owners have launched The Biltmore Relief Fund for WNC, pledging two million dollars in immediate relief. They have a comprehensive list of ways to help the area on their page here.
In particular, I would like to highlight the following places to donate.
I know many areas have been devastated by the recent hurricanes. I hope everyone can find something somehow where they can help the rebuilding efforts for those most impacted.
My prayers and thoughts continue to be on these communities.