Reflections from April 19

The descent into Erwin, TN was quite sobering in regards to the damage done by Hurricane Helene, as well as the work done since. So so so many downed trees for miles and miles through the mountains, and yet the path (so far) has been cut completely clear for hikers. The bridge right here, where hikers would usually walk across the Nolichucky, was completely destroyed. Parts of it, in great masses of steel and concrete, are still hanging out just downstream from here. And so the ATC has contracted with a local rafting company to ferry hikers across, instead of having a 4 miles road walk to get around the damage. Uncle Johnny’s hostel, right on the banks of the river, where I’m showering/laundering/resupplying/resting tonight, has rebuilt bigger than before, and has included a very nice outfitters - formerly in downtown Erwin. I’m moved by the creativity we humans can use sometimes to dig ourselves out of disaster. #renewal #easter2025 #at2025