We are safe. Thank you, everyone, for your texts and emails and phone calls. We are buoyed by your support and concern.
We’ve tried to respond, but our communication with the outside world has been minimal. We have no internet, with no ETA. (I’m sending this from the parking lot of our internet provider, who has set up temporary access for the community.) We’ve had no phone service. Our ability to text has been unreliable, at best.
Mostly, our phones have read “SOS only.”
We were almost five days without power. We went to bed at dark and rose in the dark.
A Disaster Of Biblical Proportions
This has been, as one of our neighbors said, “a disaster of Biblical proportions.” He followed that up with, “and I’m not a religious guy.”
A 40-foot pine snapped and fell just a few feet from our neighbor’s home two houses away
As information trickles in to our community, we’re just now learning about the vast destruction in this place we now call home. It was a landscape-and-life-altering storm, and the scale of tragedy is overwhelming. No one was truly prepared. How could we be? North Carolina doesn’t have hurricanes in the mountains.
We Had A Feeling…
The day before the storm hit, we woke up in Boone, about 125 miles northeast of our home. Our Airbnb was picturesquely located on a twisting, treacherous mountain road several miles from town. We had been there for a week, and had plans for a hike and dinner with friends for our last day in town.
But the weather forecast was nagging at us. With two days of heavy rains predicted, we decided to head home on Wednesday to avoid driving in the rain.
It was a very good decision. Had we not left when we did, we would still be trapped in Boone.
During the storm, an enormous oak toppled and blocked the entrance to our community
No One Was Prepared For This
Growing up in Florida, I’ve been through my share of hurricanes. My family had a plan: Get out the hurricane lanterns, the Coleman stove, and the flashlights. Fill the bathtub with water. Buy a block of ice for the cooler. Stock up on canned and dry foods.
When we cleared out my parents’ home on the bay in North Florida several years ago, I found the ancient Coleman stove and the vintage glass hurricane lanterns with their charred cotton wicks, still half full of lantern oil. We gave them away.
If a hurricane headed our way during the three years we lived in Florida, our plan was to leave. And we had our emergency escape pod (our Arctic Fox trailer) at the ready with propane, water, and all of the comforts of home.
It Wasn’t Supposed To Happen Here
We were worried about Hurricane Helene, but simply because it was making a beeline for our beloved Apalachicola. I texted several friends there, checking on them before the storm. Everyone had evacuated.
Little did we know that the hurricane would bypass Apalachicola and head for the mountains.
We never expected this. No one did. Hurricanes are not supposed to travel 500 miles inland to the mountains of North Carolina. When we started getting emails from Duke Energy telling us to prepare for heavy rains, high winds, and possible flooding, I got concerned.
One of our neighbors took this photo of the parking lot at our clubhouse on Friday morning
I wanted to prepare for the worst. “You’re overreacting,” said Eric. “Maybe,” I said. “But we’re doing this.”
Preparing For The Worst
We rolled into town on Wednesday, threw our luggage, bins of Airbnb gear, and kitty into the house, and headed out for supplies.
We stocked up on groceries and then headed to Walmart, a 20-minute drive away. We got the last Coleman stove on the shelf, propane, matches, several battery powered candles, batteries, and a 5-gallon water jug for drinking water.
We were very, very happy to have that Coleman stove and battery candles
We excavated our little Honda generator from the shed. We had planned to sell it when we gave up our full-time travels, but had never gotten around to it. There are benefits sometimes to procrastination.
Our little Honda generator kept our refrigerator and freezer running, and enabled us to charge neighbors’ phones while the power was down
At home, we filled large plastic bins with water in the event we needed water for dishwashing, flushing toilets, and bathing. We did all of our laundry and took showers. We stored porch cushions and outdoor furniture in the shed. The last thing to come down were the bird feeders. The birds, especially the hummingbirds, were feeding heavily right up until dark.
And then, we waited.
Riding Out The Storm
Wednesday evening, the rains began. In less than 48 hours, we had 18 inches of rain, on top of 4 inches that had fallen the previous day.
On Thursday night, the storm arrived in full force. As dusk descended, we could see branches whipping wildly and trees bending to the force of the winds. Acorns pummeled our metal roof. Magnolia, who is not a fraidy-cat, spent the night under the bed. “Do you think a tree might fall on our house?” I asked Eric in the dark of night. “If you hear a loud crack, get under the bed with Maggie,” he replied.
Somehow, we managed to sleep. Just before dawn on Friday, we woke and peered out the window from the sun room.
The brunt of the storm had passed, although it was still windy and raining. Suddenly, the tiny, unremarkable creek that runs behind our house rose several feet. The muddy water spread 50 feet and engulfed the banks. That mild little creek had white caps as it rushed behind our home.
The tiny creek behind our home flooded in minutes. The new home under construction behind us luckily had hurricane tie-downs in place.
This was the non-creek several hours later
Fortunately, we are on high ground, and our home is set high enough that we can’t flood. And fortunately, our tiny homes are built to withstand Category 1 hurricanes, which is what we figure this came close to being.
We were very lucky. Our home emerged unscathed.
Our little home escaped damage, with just minor clean up needed from the oaks across from us
After The Storm
In the quiet after the storm, we assessed the damage. For the most part, our little community of tiny homes came through remarkably well.
Willow uprooted on the banks of the creek
A couple of homes were damaged by falling trees, but no one was injured. Several enormous oaks toppled over, and many other trees snapped in the tornado-like winds.
Healthy trees snapped in the high winds
Creeks rose, engulfing the lowest part of the community within minutes in four feet of rushing water. But the homes in that area are high enough that no water intruded. Entire gravel driveways and flagstone patios were washed away. Two dumpsters sailed off into the woods. One woman is still searching for her kayak, which she had stored in her backyard.
This was the tiny home we rented last year while waiting for our home to be built
Clean up efforts in our community have been swift. Management responded immediately to clear trees off of homes and streets. Residents gathered to share food for community cookouts on the outdoor grills. A generator at the clubhouse provided power for hot showers, coffee, and microwaving food. We had our own means for cooking, so we stayed home. But it’s heartening to witness how neighbors have all pitched in to help one another. “How are you doing?” everyone asks.
The Power Of Community
Our first connection with the outside world was several days after the storm, when a neighbor shared her weather radio with us. We are shocked and saddened by stories of the devastation that surrounds us. Entire towns destroyed by flood waters, including large areas of Asheville. People stranded on the tops of mountains. Downed trees and toppled power lines everywhere. People desperately trying to find loved ones. So many tragedies. For days, sirens wailed in the distance. Military helicopters still fly over us daily, bringing supplies and troops to surrounding areas.
Hundreds of power poles snapped and transformers lay in the roads
We’ve stayed close to home, doing what small things we can do in our community to help. Fixing meals with neighbors. Cleaning out refrigerators for neighbors who are away. Cleaning up debris. Encouraging each other.
We have plenty of time on our hands, so we’ve been cleaning up debris along the creek
We still don’t know the full extent of the devastation. I don’t think anyone does. Rescue efforts continue, and recovery will take months, or years. Our hearts are with those who lost so much. The generosity of so many has been inspiring. As a friend said today, this is still surreal. It will be for a long time to come.
P.S. Thank you so much for all of your comments on our previous post. Before I was able to respond to everyone, we were consumed by storm preparations and then lost internet. I will be responding to everyone in the coming days. ❤️
Good morning
Holding you in my heart and in the light as we brace for milton in No Fl .
Thank you for the update.
So relieved to hear that you two are okay and that your community faired so well.
The devastation that surrounds you is heartbreaking and shocking. So many have lost so much.
Sending positive energy and warm thoughts to you, Eric and Magnolia.
.💕💕
So glad you are safe! Praying for all devastated by this Hurricane. Thanks for the update.
It’s great to hear this update. What a scary time! I’m so glad you are safe and well and part of a wonderful community all looking after one another.
Hugs, Joanne
Thanks for this post. I’ve been thinking about you and it’s good to know that you are safe. As you clean up and carry on know that our prayers are with you.
THANK GOD YOU ARE OK and thank you so much for doing this post. We have been so worried about you guys!
Our thoughts exactly! As usual, Tessa’s one step ahead of me.
Laurel, your photos are sobering, and I’m sure even they don’t paint the full picture of the devastation. It’s heartwarming to see the way your little community and others are pulling together to help friends and neighbors in the wake of this disaster. So fortunate that you never got around to selling your generator – who knew it would be pressed into emergency service?!
Hugs to you and Eric – so very happy that you came through this okay!
After Helene hit, while also worrying about family and others, I imagined your tiny home community might have floated away. I’m so grateful it didn’t and you are both okay, as well as Magnolia.
I’m sure the community mindedness that you both embody is helpful to everyone around you. Thank goodness you listened to your instincts, and intuition in Boone.
Who could’ve fathomed such devastation from a hurricane in inland NC? I’m glad you are safe and that you have a wonderful community to weather such a storm.
It is comforting to know you are safe and OK …plus the wonderful power of community being felt so strongly. I have held those beautiful communities deep in my heart and send light.
So relieved you are safe!!!! Aiken has major damage and we had trees trimmed the week before and lost one to winds, praying for everyone in this path!!!! Camping has prepared us for such an event at least coping with meals and sharing with friends!!! The difficult part is friends who have lost their homes and emotionally supporting them!!!! THANK YOU for posting!!!!❤️❤️❤️❤️
So good to hear it from your words, Laurel. How does it feel, being the poster children of climate change–Ashland to Asheville, fires to floods? As you said: it wasn’t supposed to happen here. I’m still in shock over my beloved Celo community…but everyone’s taking care of each other, as y’all are. Be strong!
Thank you for posting this! Joan and I have never met you and Eric, but we followed your RV travel blog for quite a while, before you moved to N. Carolina, and even though we aren’t full-time campers we always felt somehow like kindred spirits to you two. We are happy that you came through this in good shape. Your community looks really nice, and I’m sure it will recover. Whoever decided that hurricane anchors were required for the tiny houses there is a real hero! Best of luck moving forward.
Thanks so much for putting this post out, Laurel. I’m so glad you are safe.
So very glad the three of you and your tiny home came through the storm unscathed. Who would ever have thought the hurricanes would follow you to NC. It’s amazing how powerful water can be. Take care and thanks so much for the update. Good you prepared the way you did. Your FL hurricane experience had you ready. Sending hugs.
Thrilled to hear you are safe. I have been so worried about you. And over joyed to hear you had little to no damage personally.
I am also glad to hear that Apalachicola was spared the worst. I so hoped your parents beautiful home on the water would not be destroyed.
It is still unbelievable to me that such weather came to the mountains, But I shouldn’t be since the area I live in remembers Hurricane Camille in August of 1969 which roared through our mountains and the floods washed houses and people away. So many lives lost.
I’ve been wondering about River Bend or whatever they are calling it now down in a hole with a creek.
As your friend reminded there are fires, incessant rains, floods, tornados, hurricanes everywhere. There is no where to run, no where to hide. And within days, Milton is thought to be plowing into Tampa Bay as a category 4 storm. Still the climate change deniers persist and the country wears blinders.
Much love to you both.
Laurel,
Whew! I sent you an email last week, and I feared the worst when I did not hear back. Thanks for posting. Growing up in Hurricane territory gave you plenty of practice preparing for big storms, and I’m impressed with the steps you took getting ready for Helene. We only had lots of rain on this side of the mountain, but Erwin, TN, took a beating–one of the prettiest parts of Tennessee. Stay safe, and stay in touch. Joe
Thanks for the great pictures and story. Now I’ve sent them on to several friends who keep asking me
how my brother is doing. This is the best explanation there is and with pictures too.
Love you guys, stay safe. Penny
So relieved to hear you are safe. Sending love and prayers to you both and to your community.
❤️
Laurel and Eric…Been thinking of you both…thanks so much for your update…so glad you are safe….sending extra calm and peace your way…and thoughts and prayers for a swift recovery.
Thank you the update. We’re so glad that the three of you are safe and that your little house stood strong. It’s so good to hear your community has pulled together and everyone is okay. We wish you well in the days ahead. Hopefully, services will be restored soon. Though, I know from past experience, it’s going to take time for the major infrastructure to be back on line. Hugs to you both. Take care. K&R
Thank you so much for taking the time to let us know that you are OK and that your community survives. I loved the description of your preparations for whatever was coming – you don’t mess around, Laurel! Big hugs big hugs. Stay safe.
Such welcome news from the midst of the devastation! Thank Goddess you listened to that still voice within and came home … also the move from your ancestral home in Florida! We were keeping you close in loving prayers during the storm and news cycle! Now comes the hard part, getting thru the hurricane season and the adjusting and rebuilding of trust and community! So glad you love your home and the friends who surround you… we are so fortunate to have shared the time together for years (Halloween and Blazing Saddles paartaas) hikes and everyday work and creative play! Love and more love to you three and your NC tribe! Yes, please keep blogging from time to time, I posted this latest as so many folks have been concerned about you and your blog voice and photos is so much better than anything I could say! ❤️ surround you and scratches behind the ear for Maggie!
Your instincts – both to leave Boone and to stock up on supplies – were right on. All those years in Florida and on the road served you well.
I’ve been heartened by all the stories of people helping one another, the stores and restaurants offering food and supplies to those in need, and the huge response from the government, military, and local organizations. It’ll be a long time before things return to any semblance of normal, but we’re all rooting for you and sending lots of love.
I just read your post out loud to Morey and our dog Ruger. Moreys comment was “crazy” as he walked out the door to get the mail. Mine was of trying not to cry by knowing what you and others are going through and those that are facing total devastation and loss. It is almost too much to fathom. I have watched people helping each other on YouTube over there and that is truly heartwarming. Holler if you need anything, we can ship it to you. I think having ‘prepper’ items on hand is very important. You never know when you might need it. Hugs to you both!
There are no words to tell you how sorry we are that you and others have experienced what they have. So so good to hear from you. You have more friends than anyone i know so I’m so glad you have support and honored to be part of that. Hope we can see you this coming year.
Even though my worries about you were put to rest via our recent back-and-forth texts, I am even more relieved to see all the smiles in your photos. You have some wonderful neighbors! Thank you for taking the time to share your experience – and that you are safe and sound – with your blogging friends. Now as we watch the latest hurricane headed for the west coast of Florida, I again am worried about a few blogging friends who may be in harm’s way. I hope they make the same smart decisions you did. Hugs!
I can’t express how overjoyed I was to see your blog post notification in my inbox this morning. Michael and I were on our way to Billings and I read the post to him. Sue Malone had sent me a note saying you guys were OK which helped my worry. I am so glad you guys, Magnolia and your tiny home survived unscathed! My heart goes out to all those affected by this horrible storm and especially to those who lost so much. I remember the email we exchanged about your decision to sell the Florida place then you get hit by a hurricane in the middle of the North Carolina mountains–horrible!! Hugs to all of you and thanks for finding a way to let us know you were OK.
It’s so good to know you escaped relatively unscathed. How scary that you moved to avoid such weather events and are still in the path of them. Your new house seems sturdy and a lovely safe haven. Wishing you the remainder of hurricane season be mild!
Glad to hear all is well in the aftermath of what for you was an unexpected storm. Stay safe.
There’s nothing like a catastrophe of Biblical proportions to inspire a blog post, right? Seriously, we are so relieved that you all made it through unscathed. Your spidey-sense about the impending bad weather was obviously right on and it’s great that you were prepared. While things looks pretty grim right now, I can say from our experience in Florida that communities really can and do rebuild and come back just as strong. I feel confident that Western NC will recover!
Thank you so much for letting us know how you are doing! It’s great to hear that your home and community didn’t suffer too much devastation! The pictures I have been seeing on the news are heartbreaking!
Our planned camping trip to Lake Toxaway in two weeks is obviously not going to happen now .We were hoping that we would be able to see you, but that was before the storm!We will have to postpone it until next year.
Hang in there!! I know this is a stressful time!
My love and prayers,,
Barb
Time for me to add my voice to all the wonderful comments by all your wonderful friends and loyal followers. So many people love you, from Ashland to Florida to North Carolina, and even around the world. I can’t begin to tell you how relieved I was to see the first photo in your post. Your tiny home is intact. I so appreciated the email that you sent I am sure as soon as you were able to get a signal out, even for a moment. At least I knew you were alive. I had no clue about your home though and knew that with the lack of communication ability, you probably didn’t know the devastation wreaked on your part of the world. I was so grateful, to read your newsy story about how you survived, and your wonderful community coming together to help everyone. I did write to a few of your friends out west that I knew that were asking if I knew anything and my response was, “We are OK”. A treasure trove of information for each of us, and now this story of yours, telling of all you have survived is so encouraging. I can’t thank you enough for putting it together and sharing it with those of us so far away with no real knowledge of what is actually going on. For once, I think maybe the news isn’t over dramatic and it is as awful as it looked. Much love to all three of you from all three of us.
Laurel, we passed a caravan of electrical workers headed south yesterday as we entered Maine. It felt like the Calvary was on its way. I am relieved to know that your home survived and you and your neighbors are okay. The loss of life and property has been astounding. Unfortunately, Milton is about to pile on to an impossible situation, with some towns in Florida facing a double whammy.
Malcolm and I are watching from Vermont, but heading home tomorrow as we expect some cleanup in our area. As of this morning, our home is in the exit path of the storm.
I have to say, a moment of irony flashed before me at the thought of you guys moving from Florida only to land in the middle of a hurricane in NC. You can take the girl out of Florida…Your instincts were still spot on!hugs of relief coming your way.
Thanks for this post and for keeping us all updated. We’re glad you’re safe and sound, sorry that others aren’t. We’re thinking of you three and watching……
You’d been on my mind as news of the storm rolled in, wondering about Apalach, and I thought to myself that surely you weren’t in peril where you were now. Well, fuck. Of course, I’m so glad you three and your home withstood, even more glad your community has you and others like you to help and share. I don’t know what the other rainbows will be, but I do know they will come. 🩵
Thanks for posting, I am so glad you all survived as well as your darling home. We have friends in other parts of NC who are just aghast at the damage. It really was a storm of a lifetime. All the best to you in the future.
We are home from the Tetons and I have just read your post. I am so relieved that you and Eric (and Magnolia!) are safe and sound. What an ordeal! It’s just unreal how your area got hit so hard with all that rain. Nearly 2 feet of rain! Unbelievable. I love how your community came together to help one another. We’ve done the same during our ice storms, utilizing our rec center as a “warming hut” with generators running for those who don’t own their own. These storms are good reminders to be prepared, even on the Oregon coast. We have oodles of water stored in gallon containers, a coleman stove (in case the gas goes out, but Rod says if that happens, we have much bigger problems!), nonperishable food, a generator and heavy duty power stations, FRS radios, and lots of firewood.
Take good care of each other.
So glad all of you are safe and have breath a big sigh of relief when Eric posted on FB about your status. I immediately looked at the map when the forecast that the hurricane was heading in land. And to think you escaped Oregon and Florida to get away from all these natural disasters, yet it seemed to have followed you. But you are both always on the ready having lived through some storms.
I can just imagine the sleepless night you had listening to the rain and the wind and the cracking of the branches. what an ordeal.
We watched in horror on tv the gushing and strong river current that took some homes away with it and the loss of life.
Thank you for this update post and very glad that you were very prepared!
Take care of each other and of course the little furry one.
I read your previous post just a few days before Helene. As soon as I heard from Sue that you and yours had little damage and were all okay my first thought was “But she just finished her front garden and landscaping!” Glad you posted a pic that it survived – and still looks amazingly lovely. So often we prepare and don’t need it, but the alternative is just not worth being unprepared. A small generator, Coleman stove, stocked up pantry, and battery candles mean getting through the worst – I’m so happy you were as ready as you could be! Thank you for taking the time in a parking lot to share your experience, to let us know you’re all okay, and to remind us the value of community. Love and hugs.
Hola!
So relieved to hear you and Eric are safe and sound. It’s always something… eh? Saludos, Colleen & Robert SMA