Jeb48

This is how it was going around the first few days after the flood.

We ventured out today on our isolated Island and could not believe the generosity being shown. There is at least 6 places along the 25 mile road that doesn't go anywhere giving out food and water. We got some bottle water at one about a mile from our house and some staples like bread and milk etc. Tried to make a cash donation to help replenish and they said no. Everything was donated and an another truck was coming this afternoon. We then tried one the other direction in the hopes they had bulk water that we could fill our jugs for flushing and dishwashing first one had a long line so we kept going down to where we heard they brought a big tanker in, like 5th wheel semi size tanker and they filled up our jugs for us then told us we had to take a case of bottled water even though we had plenty at the moment. They said everyone that stops gets at least a case. Then to our surprise a small specialty grocery next door was not only open but had electricity. There internet connection was down so cash only. Not a problem we keep cash on hand just in case of a power outage not expecting a massive flood. So we indulged in some treats we probably would normally buy along with some fresh cold cuts, eggs and 2 of their great deli sandwiches. Then back home, pretty good outing. Found a neighbor that we had only met once sitting at the end of the driveway (we are at the top of the road so it is a good place to see about half the road). He asked if we needed anything he was apparently out check us old people to see if we needed anything. I assume he saw us leave and was waiting for us or guarding the road, because after he talked he took off. Second neighbor that has checked on us and offered to help if we need anything. Our neighbors are pretty much friendly but it isn't a let's get together neighborhood, so it is great that they are willing to offer help. Even the fellow that does our lawn work, that lives out of the isolated area, texted yesterday and today checking if we were ok and even offered to bring us food, water and gas if we need him, he is a volunteer at one of the food/water stations. There are great people out there.

Parts of Washington Co TN got hit hard too. We live part way up a mountain with the Nolichucky about mile away. We have no damage but all the bridges across the river are either closed, will need repairs or were washed out. we are basically on a large island with no way to leave. The road to Erwin through the mountains is mostly gone and there is a house siting on a part of that is still there. They are hoping to have one bridge inspected and the road you would take north reopened by early next week but it will be the only way out for awhile. No electric, water, and poor sell service. Internet via StarLink when we have the generator on and then till a backup battery runs down, our only real connection to the outside world. We are thankful that we are reasonably prepared with extra food, water, gas and generator but not sure it will last. The power company can't get much done till they can get across the river with some crews. Rumor is that one crew got trapped on this side and are doing what they can since they can't get off. A neighbor said there are hundreds of cars parked in lots and along the road waiting to get out that were trapped here when the water rose. Our main bridge North to Jonesborough is gone, we heard it got hit by house. Have seen several videos of Erwin with multiple house and barns floating down the river with a few cars and trucks flowing with them.

I could when a scout leader 50+ years ago but probably would need at least some barn burner matches now. Many years ago I was put in charge of doing a campfire for our church group. I didn't want to mess with a slow starting fire and laid a nice traditional fire but hid a large piece of wax log in the middle. A friend that knows more about everything than anyone else came up and started giving advice and I told him it was fine I knew what I was doing. Stuck a match back in the right spot and caught the wax log going and had a great fire. I don't think he ever gave advice on fire building again and I never told him about the wax log.