I left the farm yesterday for the first time since the storm and took a few pictures. Not of the major destruction in Marshall--the town is closed except to workers and besides, pictures have been all over the internet. Just some things I saw . . .
Several folks have asked about our camel neighbors. They seem fine.
Aside from evidence of fallen trees, the drive down Anderson Branch was much as always. Until I got closer to the river. 
This house had water up to its roof at the height of the flood. Its residents had the good sense to evacuate. 
A multitude of smaller outbuilding are gone.
Fallen trees and debris, often hanging from the trees that remain, have turned our once beautiful French Broad into a scene of ugly devastation.
The Barnard Bridge held, despite being hammered with tree trunks and all manner of things, swept along in the flood.
Barnard Park was a put-in for rafting companies and paddlers of all sorts. Now it's closed except for search and rescue (or recover) teams, many from our fine Walnut Volunteer Fire Department. HERE is a good article about the teams.
As I continued on to higher ground and the grocery store, all was pretty normal--except for the many trucks of all sorts hurrying along. Some had piles of supplies; some were official vehicles. Earlier there'd been a military convoy bringing troops and machinery to help in the cleanup effort.
Our grocery store was well stocked--except for some frozen things and seafood-- and I was able to get everything on my list. Everyone seemed a little nicer than usual--and these are generally nice folks. "You doin' all right?" is a standard greeting, but now it carries extra weight, almost like a hug.
I've photographed this meadow/pasture many times-- two weeks ago it was a great swathe of goldenrod.
That was then . . .
This is now.
The trees bear strange fruit, high above the usual waterline.
So frustrating not to be able to grab a shovel or even pick up trash. But as Bob Dylan once said "Get out of the way if you can't lend a hand . . ."
What I can do is another hundred postcards encouraging women to vote.
I am sickened by the blatant lies from the Former Guy and his allies concerning the government's response to Helene (and even GOP governors applaud it, not to mention my friends and neighbors who are already being signed up by FEMA to receive aid.) This election is so important for so many reasons. May truth prevail over fear and the Big Lie. May we all come safely through and build back even better
