Outside of a rare exception, there is power on the mountain. Cell service has been good up at the end of Staymon as there is a line-of-sight to the towers on Chambers Mountain. Cell service down low is still spotty, as is any internet, and as a result there are still a lot of cash-only establishments. Following is what I know if you don't know already....
Ingles at Russ is still limiting people in and cash-only. The Hazelwood Ingles is taking cards (weird trick they'll show you how to make it work). Publix had been taking cards, but some stores have been closing late afternoon. Food Lion is now taking cards, but limiting people in the store. Plenty of empty shelves as they are awaiting truck deliveries. Ingles' massive supply hub in Swannanoa was devastated in the flood, so they are slow to get supplies. Walmart is taking cards, and lots to restock sitting in the aisles.
Gas is slowly trickling back in. Topped off one car yesterday at the Shell on Russ, with a $60 limit for regular unleaded. Topped off mine this morning with a lower $40 limit. Ingles on Russ has yet to get a gas shipment, but pumps may not run without internet. Hazelwood Ingles has had gas, but ran out as of 1030am today. Exxon near Mauney Cove was out of gas when I passed it noon-ish today. But ever so slowly gas is getting delivered here.
Mountain Credit Union on Russ was letting non-members get a $300 limit for a $2.50 fee this morning (not sure if they are waiving fees or not). I bank at Champion which flooded in Canton, and the office off Russ finally opened this morning (at least the ATM), and the line was all the way down to the round-about, so I passed.
That's the essentials as I know them. We have had a band of angels known as residents in ACA that have done yeoman's work clearing mass gravel wash-outs and mudflow debris. I'll take another spin up that way for updated pictures, and I understand someone saved our HOA a TON of money by cutting through the massive mudslide on Tannehill, trapping the residents at the end. There are lots of those good stories out there, and I know I speak for everyone in thanking those of you that could pitch in.
I also spoke with two volunteers with the Junaluska Fire Dept. that were riding to all the houses in ACA in their UTV, doing wellness checks. Makes you feel good that we live in a great place.
I'll update as I get more pertinent information.
Bob
