Returned to Tampa

I safely returned to Tampa last evening! After a 13 hour rather event free drive, I pulled into the condo parking space. Thank you Valerie for vacating the parking space, keeping an eye on the condo and the glass of wine.

Here are a few remaining photos.

Asheville Update 4

 Here are photos from today.

Maples

Recycling container about 50 feet up a tree along the French Broad River

Midday breezy and cool Sun Stroll from Haywood Rd Bridge to Amboy Bridge along the French Broad River

Asheville Update 3

 I am still in Asheville visiting with new friends.  Here are some photos.

Asheville Post Helene 2

I took a walk around the apartment property where I am staying and found this old road up the mountain. I lost internet yesterday; so I am posting this morning.

I also assisted the Red Cross at a nearby Community Care Distribution Center via Handson Asheville. I met wonderful, caring folks during the shift. The Red Cross provided free food, water, showers, toiletries, cleaning supplies, internet, laundry, counseling, etc. Every volunteer encountered their own inconvenience after Helene. However, several of the patrons who came by to enjoy the benefits, shared with us their stories of loss that far outweighed our inconveniences. They left comforted with a smile after unloading their grief, taking a hot shower, a car load of supplies and more.

Several folks from a nearby sorting center visited the shower. During our conversation, they mentioned that they could use more assistance. I am going there today.

Asheville Post Helene

Here are some photos from my walk today.

Is that a bear paw print on my car?

I am still with a new friend in Asheville in the Reynolds. We are getting along quite well. 

My other friends in Asheville are doing well. I will move over to their home next week.

Warrensville to Asheville

I will post today without photos. I drove from Warrensville, NC to Asheville, NC with an extended stop in a Panera Bread on the outskirts of Morganton, NC. Google Maps and the DriveNC.GOV website guided me very safely with clear roads.

On the way though, I saw river water marks at least 30 feet above some highways. WOW! I also found kind, generous and courtesy people a long the way giving away food, water, etc.

Asheville's 2 Rivers, Swannanoa and French Broad probably crested about 75-100 feet above their normal banks. My fantastic new friend in Reynolds, NC drove me around to see first-hand the water lines.

I may stay here a few days since I made some new friends in Asheville. They are kind, generous and resilient.....

Hugs!

Warrensville House Sitting Day 20 of 21

 Essentially my last day. I depart tomorrow morning.

Warrensville House Sitting Day 19 of 21

 Enjoy the views that I enjoy all day......

Warrensville House Sitting Day 18 of 21

 A cold 36° start to the morning

Warmed up nicely to about 70°. Here is a view from 

this bench in the Medicinal Plant Garden.

Afternoon Sun waning....

Warrensville House Sitting Day 17 of 21

 Cold start!!

Turned into a warm, 70°F afternoon. Here is the walk back from the mail box.

Here is the view from the porch.....

Warrensville House Sitting Day 16 of 21

Morning sun from the holler.......

With another cold start to the morning 36° F.

Afternoon view during my walk to get the mail.....

Why do cats warm up the wrong side of the bed? After Loki comes in from a day exploring and playing in the mountains, I feed him and he sleeps here until I join him. Sometimes in the middle of the night, I find him on the window ledge.

Cool afternoon temps in the 60s; it is now 61°F

Sunset view

And there is Milton......