Aftermath of Helene - Driving To Cherokee

[@sayehabdolrahimi5407]

Watching from Istanbul, Türkiye. praying for all the people whose lives are effected by Helene. What a beautiful state. Thank you for this video. God bless you and your family

[@NCMemoryMakers]

Thank you for watching from Istanbul! We are very happy you came across our channel. Yes, we do have a beautiful state that was hit so hard by this storm in the western part, and we appreciate your well-wishes. Thank you so much for watching, and for your prayers.

[@penniecurrie2424]

It's so amazing you know what's going on in our state praise God I read one lady sent best wishes from Australia thank you sweet people I am about 4 miles from Asheville but it's still my state and it break my heart to know what they r going thru

[@penniecurrie2424]

4 hours away sorry

[@moonejohn2771]

thanks so much for the nice video. So glad to hear someone upbeat. I used to visit Cherokee every year haven't been there in so long. I am part cherokee so glad to see no damage there.

[@NCMemoryMakers]

I learned as an adult, that my great-grandmother was also Cherokee. I've always felt a closeness to that place. And yes, we were so glad to see that it was doing well yesterday.

[@robinivens7870]

Thank you so much for showing the roads that are open. Don't listen to the negative people on here. We know your hearts were in the right place. 🙏🙏🙏🙏

[@NCMemoryMakers]

Thank you for your sweet comment. We appreciate it. No, we aren't listening to people like that. We know of another KZbin couple that organized a relief effort, and they too, were criticized. That is all some people want to do, is tear others down. Funny thing, but every single one of the negative comments, have come from first time commenters. We always have a few of those, who want to stop by long enough to show themselves. They don't bother us. I address them, and they don't even come back with a reply, for the most part. We made this video to show the current situation, we stayed on the interstate and out of the way, and used this platform to plead with people to give and help out. God knows our hearts, we know our hearts, and thankfully, wonderful people like you do, as well.

[@MW-tk5nf]

So contrary to your post you did not stay on the interstate.

[@NoraBennett-k6v]

Thank you so much for taking this tour. I spent a lot of time as a small girl in Maggie Valley. My family played music at ghost town in the sky during the summer of 1967 as The SwaggerTee family band. And at Grandpa's place. I hope everyone will continue to be in prayer for all those people.

[@NCMemoryMakers]

@@NoraBennett-k6vThank you for sharing your wonderful memories of this area. And thank you so much for the continued prayers.

[@meldev16]

My daughter and I used to travel that same route and we absolutely love it up there.We have been so sad and depressed, watching all of this horrible destruction 😢😢Praying for everyone and praying for all the people who are trapped 😢Thankyou for posting this.

[@NCMemoryMakers]

You are very welcome. Yes, please keep the prayers coming.

[@reginaann7792]

Thank you for posting this. I already knew cherokee didnt get much damage, but there are content creators out there lying and saying Cherokee is gone. I will save this video.

[@NCMemoryMakers]

Yes, we have heard some of those rumors. We heard the same thing about Maggie Valley. I don't know why people want to spread falsehoods, but we are happy to report that both towns are still very much there, and need our business.

[@jeffscott7266]

Thank you so much for making this video. Also an FYI- The roadside campfires and chairs are from the people who became stranded in their cars during and the aftermath of Helene due to all of the road blockages. My family’s hearts go out to fine people of Western NC and Eastern TN. You are all in our constant thoughts and prayers!!! My wife and I have lived with our two children near Hillsborough, NC for 23 years now. She is a native to NC and I am a transplant from Melbourne Florida which is now in the direct path of Milton on the East Coast side of FLA. Milton is very likely going to be the most powerful Hurricane on record. Hellene is a living nightmare unsurpassed by anything ever encountered in the mountains of NC! We have donated and will continue to donate for as long as it takes for the wonderful People to fully recover. My Wife and I have a strong attachment to the western mountains of NC. We were married in the Church of the Brethren at Brummet’s Creek,NC about an hour + North of Asheville. My Uncle is the pastor of that church. We honeymooned at the beautiful location and cabins of Spring House Farms southwest of Marion. We spent a lot of time at the towns of Lake Lure and Chimney Rock. Our first big date started with a picnic up off the service road around Lake Lure. There was a flat stone the size of a picnic table. We met the owner of that property who was planing to build a house about a month later. He was such a nice guy and we made sure our picnic area was only a memory with absolutely no litter left behind. The stone was located in his future kitchen. Afterwards we walked through the town of Chimney Rock and then did the short hike up to Chimney Rock. My wife and I began falling in love on that trip just like we fell in love with Chimney Rock and Lake Lure. Later in the evening we had dinner on the dock of Lake Lure at the restaurant with seats at the huge picture window romantically over looking the lake. We’ve had many trips to Lake Lure and our Honeymoon was so wonderful. We fell in love with the people in the mountains who are so wonderful. They are salt of the earth folks. I speak of this because it has been absolutely heart breaking to see the Town of Chimney Rock and Lake Lure completely destroyed. Knowing full well that loss of life had to be high as well. Our tears have poured out for the people of Western NC and East TN.

[@NCMemoryMakers]

We appreciate your heartfelt sentiments regarding our area. Thank you for sharing your wonderful memories with your wife, visiting the Lake Lure and Chimney Rock area. Yes, what has occurred here, is truly a tragedy. We want to thank you for the continued prayers and donations, as this area certainly does need both. We are also much in prayer for everyone down in Florida who is in the path of Milton. Thanks for commenting, and God bless!

[@jeffscott7266]

@@NCMemoryMakers You are more than welcome. We hope life can somehow begin back again in some kind of a new way. We will carry you all in our hearts, thoughts and prayers.

[@pamelamohn5931]

Thank you for sharing your memories.

[@NCMemoryMakers]

@pamelamohn5931 You are very welcome. Thank you so much for watching!

[@erobinson988]

Thank you for making this video. We are all so anxious to see how everyone's doing.

[@danielashley6263]

We have had reservations in Cherokee for the middle of October and been debating if you should go or cancel. Thanks for the video because i think we can zip up 40 and 74 and stay to the Tennessee side without being in the way. 20 years ago i would be among them shoveling mud but not physically able but have donated to Samaritan Purse . Im sure the restaurants in Cherokee/ Dillsboro and Bryson City will appreciate our dollars as this is their make it or break it season. Thanks again for sharing. Some people are so judgemental or miserable but we can pray for them also.

[@NCMemoryMakers]

Where are you going to be coming from? If from TN, you can cross the National Park and get to Cherokee that way. But not in I-40. It is closed from Exit 20, to the TN border, and I think even a stretch is closed in TN, as well. Yes, you are correct...Those towns will appreciate your money being spent there, and they desperately rely on tourism. Thank you so much for donating to Samaritan's Purse. They are a great organization, and that is the one we chose, as well.

[@suew4609]

So Bryson City and Cherokee are OK? My grandfather was born in that area and I must have so many relatives that live there that I’ve never met. Bryson. City is named after some of them. I just can’t find info on any of these areas, including Waynesville, Whittier, Dillsboro, Ela, etc. My family are buried there. Does anyone know?

[@NCMemoryMakers]

@@suew4609 We were in Cherokee, and it looked good. We did not go to Bryson City, but if you check out their official Facebook page, they are saying that they're open for business. So, I would take that as a "yes". We ate lunch in Waynesville (separate video of Clyde's Restaurant), and it looked fine. We did not go to the other places you mentioned.

[@suew4609]

@@NCMemoryMakers Thank you for answering! I’m glad to hear this. I’m so sorry this happened. I’m praying for everyone suffering from this horrible tragedy🙏🏻🇺🇸🙏🏻

[@Argonaut1621]

@@suew4609 I live in Haywood County near Canton. My sister lives in Bryson City and I work in Cherokee. Swain county/Bryson are fine and didn't really get hit - Cherokee is fine as well. Dillsboro and Sylva are good and hwy 74 is open and good. Parts of Waynesville is okay - some not so much. The Bethel, Clyde and Canton areas - the SE and Eastern part of the county got hit hard. Canton was really bad - lots of rivers and low level areas. The road across from my road is gone. I've not been East of Canton but I went to Canton yesterday and the roads are open but a lot of businesses are closed and you can tell they had to muck out their places and there is tons of debris, furniture, drywall, etc piled up everywhere. If you are familiar with Waynesville, you might know of the community called Frog-level - it was flooded. If all you do is go to downtown Waynesville, you won't see the vast damage to the county. Ela and Whittier are in Swain County and there were no issues there. They all had a lot of wind and rain, but the real devastation is further East. Cherokee actually collected goods for Haywood County and took them there. It's about a 45 min drive from Bryson to Waynesville. My doctor is in Asheville - about a mile or two from Biltmore Village which was devastated. I think they are still closed but should open soon (my doctor). Their main issue is water contamination and destroyed waterlines. That whole part of the infrastructure is having to be rebuilt. Some people are complaining about not seeing some government agencies but most of them have been concentrated there initially because of needing to get clean water into the area and try to fix and open the main interstates and highways. The main, very large hospital in Asheville (Mission) was having severe water issues. They were having to carry in water to flush toilets. My neighbor works in Asheville and they were having to do the same thing. I hope that helps! I also hope your family are all safe --- if they are in Bryson City and the surrounding areas, I'm sure they are fine.

[@RussellN-rg9dz]

Thank you for showing us the safe route into Cherokee, North Carolina Fall is the season to see the beauty of the mountains of North Carolina be safe

[@NCMemoryMakers]

You are very welcome. We hope you do get to come and support these communities that depend on visitors coming in. Thank you for watching and for commenting.

[@somewhereupacreek]

​@@NCMemoryMakersYour in our favorite place, so glad to see this. Our hearts are broken for everyone affected elsewhere there

[@NCMemoryMakers]

@@somewhereupacreek Yes, it is our favorite place, too. We are glad to see that it is recovering. But many prayers and much help is still needed.

[@stopanimalabuse2569]

Thank you so much for including us on you travels. I just ordered a shirt from Southern Charm in Cherokee. WNC strong. # 100% donations to relief. From Central NC

[@NCMemoryMakers]

Thank you so much for your support of these communities. God bless!

[@DebraDockler-os2sb]

Thank you for sharing this with everyone helping people know what is going on with the roads and damage from the storm ❤

[@NCMemoryMakers]

You are so welcome. Thank for your prayers for these communities.

[@banditjones3632]

My dad is buried in Hendersonville I am in total shock over this disaster. Supporting you with prayers from Candor.

[@NCMemoryMakers]

Thank you so much. So sorry for the loss of your father, and yes, it truly is shocking. I don't believe anyone anticipated it being this bad. I have been to Candor, but it has been years. Down near Troy, I believe.

[@candrakane4642]

So Sorry For Your Loss!!😥🌹🕊️😇

[@sharonchiles4641]

Thank you for the ride. I love Maggie valley. My husband and I and friends would come to Maggie twice a year on our bikes . We always stayed at The Vally Inn. My husband passed away 7 years ago October 6. This Video brought tears and so many memories. And watching the videos of the flood is so sad .❤️❤️❤️

[@NCMemoryMakers]

@@sharonchiles4641 Thank you for sharing that. We are so very sorry about the loss of your husband. We are glad this video brought back some fond memories for you. We appreciate you watching and commenting.

[@jimmycoleman3906]

Thank y’all for sharing this - we will be heading that way soon and this helped us ! Much appreciated !

[@NCMemoryMakers]

So glad it has. Please continue to remember the people in these communities.

[@Gaboy9968]

Western North Carolina is a beautiful area. So very sad for the people who live in the Appalachian Mountains. Never have I seen that amount of devastating damage. These people need our prayers and much help. Of course we none understand why. We had a lot of wind here in our area in south Georgia near Savannah. Without power for a week but nothing remotely close to what these people have experienced. We are a blessed people. Thanks for the video.

[@NCMemoryMakers]

You are very welcome. Thanks so much for your prayers and support of this area.

[@smokymountainman4964]

Thank you so much for doing this. Derrick and Shawnasi we appreciate you sharing what is going on. Our hearts are breaking for the people there. Thank you for using your platform to share with us this update. Don't pay attention to those negative comments. Those who know you know that you only want to help people and use this as a way to help people and glorify the Lord. Keep doing what you do. We love and appreciate you both.

[@NCMemoryMakers]

We appreciate your comment so much. The handful of negative people who show up and want to tear us down, have no effect on us whatsoever. We are glad to see that the towns are trying to get back on their feet. Of course, prayer and support is still very much needed, and we are happy to encourage people to do that. Have a blessed day!

[@dalemoreland5106]

Thanks for sharing this trip to Cherokee, brought back good memories when my wife and I travelled to Cherokee, North Carolina from Gatlinburg, Tennessee around the middle of October 2014. The leaves were beautiful in color and the mountains were incredible to view also.

[@NCMemoryMakers]

You are very welcome. We are glad you enjoyed it. Yes, this is one of the most beautiful areas on earth, in our opinion.

[@GPgundude]

What I’ve always been led to believe is that we need a dry summer to have very nice peak leaf colors in the fall. I’m thinking that our summer was dry enough to have a brilliant autumn. Thanks for this video! I grew up off of exit 55 in Asheville just about 3 miles from the Billy Graham training center (The Cove). Although Asheville is a totally different place now than it was when I was growing up, I hate seeing videos of all of the destruction from the storm. Thanks for all of your great videos! We Love You Two!!!!!

[@NCMemoryMakers]

Thank you so much! Yes, I have heard the same thing about dry summers and the Fall leaf season. But this was one of the driest summers I ever remember, and I've also heard that it can be too dry. I don't believe it's any longer too dry, that's for sure. But we will see what happens with the leaf change. I've seen a lot of years where they were predicting it wouldn't be good, and it was.

[@SmokyMountainBlessed]

thanks for sharing, yes these areas depend on tourist dollars, and we have been telling our viewers to give to Samaritan's Purse and churches so that the giving gets to the people in need

[@NCMemoryMakers]

Amen to that!

[@wmgirl041668]

I so well remember riding this road when my husband was still alive. We loved to go to the KOA in Cherokee & stay in the Camping Cabins on the river. Beautiful country & we just loved to get up to the mountains. I lived in Aberdeen in Moore Co. I haven't been to the mnts. in a long time. I sur do love them tho.

[@NCMemoryMakers]

We are so glad this video brought back memories for you. That is a beautiful Campground that you stayed in.

[@Whatt787]

Nice video, nice to see all the hills, Fall colors there are quite dull(I know its early), Banner Elk and the Blue Ridge Parkway Grandfather Mtn, Linville Falls, have the best color, keep the videos coming

[@NCMemoryMakers]

@Whatt787 The best color now, is up at Newfound Gap and up near Clingmans Dome, in the Great Smoky Mountains. We did a separate video on that area the same day as this. My understanding, is that the Blowing Rock and Boone area is just now starting to turn. That's from people I know, who are just there yesterday. It's all about the elevation. That's what determines what the color is in any given area. Besides, the Blue Ridge Parkway is closed due to the hurricane. You can't even get on it.

[@serdvd6]

Thank you for your video, I live in NE Ohio, I had rode my motorcycle to West Palm Beach the last week of August to visit family, then headed to Maggie Valley on September 8th as I do every year for a get together in MV and stay at the A Holiday Motel (eat breakfast at Pops) I saw a video earlier were the hotel had about two feet of water in some of the rooms, I believe Rob got it all cleaned up. Such devastation in other places , I hope the entire state of NC recovers, one of my favorite places to ride too!

[@NCMemoryMakers]

Thank you for that information about the motel in Maggie Valley. I would definitely encourage everyone to call whatever motel they are going to be staying at, to make sure. Maggie Valley looked good to us yesterday. It looked like everything was running normally, but we don't know every single situation in town.

[@smoketr41]

Thank you so much for this information. That area of North Carolina, Tennessee and Georgia are a very special place and my favorite areas to visit. Victims of this disaster are definitely in my prayers. This is so very heartbreaking. Be safe in your travels.

[@NCMemoryMakers]

It truly is heartbreaking. Thank you so much for your prayers and support of this area. And we appreciate you watching and commenting.

[@cindalong3926]

we live just West of Franklin and we had no damage from the storm except for phone outages for several days and some were without power for a little bit. I kept seeing things saying "all roads in western NC are considered closed....not true none of ours were ever closed. We drove from our house to I40 exit 33 on the 29th to get some family members that didn't have power...no issues except on the way back just outside of Waynesville a power line had fallen in the road since we went through initially and we had to wait for them to clear that. Praying for the folks severely affected by the storm. Donations are flowing from our town and lots and lots of other places. Lots of opportunities to serve with churches in the area, Smaritan's Purse, Cajun Navy. I saw where Darnell Farms is organizing supplies and helping also. Our mountain folks always pitch in to help each other.

[@NCMemoryMakers]

Yes, that is what I love so much about mountain people...they stick together and take care of each other. Since you live west of Franklin, you might be able to help us with some information we were wondering about. Do you know if Highway 64 from Franklin, up to Highlands, is passable, or even open? We were hoping to come up the last weekend in October, to video the 3 waterfalls on that road, and also Whiteside Mountain and Whitewater Falls.

[@cindalong3926]

We haven’t been up toward Highlands since the storm. I haven’t heard of any closures though.

[@dracomille13]

That yall so much for posting this video. Me and my daughter are heading to Maggie Valley next week for 4 days. I am planning on going down 74 from GA. I am glad the road to Ashville is open since we are going to go check on her mom that lives there and see what she might need.

[@NCMemoryMakers]

@@dracomille13 I don't know how many of the roads off of the Interstate are open. But I do know that Interstate 40 through there is. I hope you are able to check on your loved one, and that they are fine.

[@dracomille13]

@@NCMemoryMakers thank you. As far as I can tell, 74 is open all the way back to ga. But not for sure but will find out. From talking to her she is ok. Power is back on but still no water. Food shortage is bad. I feel sorry for everyone affected by this historical event. If I could do more for everyone then I would but unfortunately I am not able to. So i will help out at least the person who gave me the first best gift of my life 18 years ago and if I can help others along the way then I will gladly help.

[@NCMemoryMakers]

Thank you for the information, and thank you for your heart for the area. So glad to know that she is okay.

[@sherrymoore5653]

Thank you for takin us alone for a ride to the NC mtns ! I myself are from NC more the foothills area ( Lincoln County ) it’s just devastating how all this has happened! I haven’t been to the mtns in at least 5 years probably will be while before I get to go back! Y’all two please be safe & have fun! Derrick you have the sweetest and most beautiful wife .Shawnasi I can feel the spirit of God when you talk ! And I’m greatful I have found y’all’s KZbin channel ! May God bless you and your family and your trip back home ❤️🙏🏻

[@NCMemoryMakers]

Thank you so much for your kind words. You only live 2 counties down the road from us. In fact, we were just at Cook-Out in Lincolnton the other night. And yes, God has blessed me with a very beautiful wife.

[@rosaleebrooks482]

TU so much for making this video. When my husband was still alive he took a job delivering a big U-HAUL load of Nan's Dolls (beautiful corn husk dolls) to the east coast w a couple stops on the way to drop off some at other craft shows. I begged to go too. We would wind up in N CAR. I knew there was a Cherokee Reservation there i'd always wanted to visit. I'm of Cherokee descent from those in N CAR & GA. It was the long way home from the northern coast down to the SW Car Appelatians but he took me & then we could take I-40 back home. We found our way to I-40 & spent the night in, i think Anderson.? Then we went to Ashland stopped at some county offices to gather information. Then we went through Hazel Valley to Cherokee. Went to some Dioramas were they deplict the flora & fauna & life & history of the Cherokee. The tragic story of the removal & the hearbreaking story of how that one tribe got to remain there. Then we found the headquarters of the tribe where i talked to a few people & shared my story & my 10 generation family tree. I knew that Hazel Valley was just that. A valley far below Ashland. I have been stressed out about what happened there ever since Helene hit. Watching everything i could to pick up any news of Cherokee. All i ever got was the name. So thank you for the tour. It was a long time ago. Then i saw one of your commenters said Cherokee was fine. That some people had been reporting that Cherokee was gone & he just wanted to let people know that wasn't true. So thanks also to him. I pray for all those salt of the people who lost so much. Some their lives. I lpray the Cherkee haven't lost anything or anyone in this storm. We must be in the end times. Everything is getting so much worse. BTW my 8th grandma died on the trail & was brief in the mouth of a cave. Archiologosts found such a cave down by Table Rock Lake here in MO. They settled in NE Okla. Some went back into NC Ark. The country here is similar to there.

[@NCMemoryMakers]

@rosaleebrooks482 Thank you so much for sharing your story of your heritage, and your visits to our area. Yes, we were very happy to see that Cherokee was spared lots of the damage that some of the surrounding communities endured. These are strong people in these mountains, but they do need our prayers and support. We appreciate your kind words so much.

[@Htkp-1246]

I love Maggie Valley. Such a beautiful place.❤

[@NCMemoryMakers]

It is. Someone was falsely reporting on a FB page, that Maggie Valley is "gone". We want to make it clear that is NOT true. Maggie Valley is still there, and wanting visitors.

[@harolddenton6031]

​@@NCMemoryMakersn cherokee had flooding as river in downtown park area was way up.

[@Htkp-1246]

@@NCMemoryMakers Thank you for letting me know. I also heard that Ghost Town in the sky was gone. I know they weren't open anymore but I was wondering. A lot of memories. I'm planning to come to Maggie Valley next summer. Also to Cherokee.

[@NCMemoryMakers]

@@Htkp-1246 It is true, that they are not open. They haven't been in years. As far as hurricane damage up there, we honestly don't know.

[@BettyRobinson-gg5tz]

1st time watching!!! I'm from Winston Salem,Nc. Thanks for sharing this!!! God bless you!!!!!🙏🙏🙏💖💖💖😍😍😍❤❤😀😀😀😘😘😘😘💐💐💐💐🌹🌹🌹💕💕💕💕🌈🌈🌈🌈🌈🌈🙏🙏🙏🙏

[@NCMemoryMakers]

Thank you, and we appreciate you watching. We actually did a couple of videos in Winston-Salem this past February.

[@caseyquinn6458]

Also watching from Winston Salem. Glad to know the road to Cherokee is open. Was just there in August and won$1500 at the Casino on my birthday!!

[@keeedwards4935]

It’s so sad and heartbreaking to watch videos of the aftermath, knowing the destruction has ruined so many lives. The aerial videos that I’ve watched give a glimpse of how beautiful NC is. I will continue to send support and will not forget all who have been affected by this. God help you all. ❤

[@NCMemoryMakers]

@keeedwards4935 Thank you so much for your prayers and your support. That is what the state so desperately needs right now.

[@johnpinckney4979]

Derrick, \TNX to you and Shawnasi firr setting the record straight on what's really going-on in that area. As recently as Thursday, WVDOT still had message boards on I-81 reading "TRAVEL TO WESTERN NC NOT ADVISED". However, you did commit an oxymoron by using "government" and "efficiency" in the same sentence. Finally, I want to thank you for your witness of God's ord. Just as relevant in the 21st century as it was in the 1st century. Great video and God Bless!

[@MarthaRae1]

Thank you for sharing. My family used to go to Cherokee and all the surrounding areas. I love it there and it is heartbreaking to see what has happened but God is good,He will help restore. I pray for His mercy, grace and comfort be given to all who have lost loved ones 🙏✝️🌷

[@NCMemoryMakers]

Thank you so much for your comment. Yes, it truly is heartbreaking. Thank you so much for your prayers for the people of this area, and any support you can give.

[@Teflon229]

I got a friend there can't get in contact.I love cherokee haven't been since 2017.

[@RuthCollins-g1g]

Hi you guys here in Augusta Georgia we got hit pretty hard but doing better today got me some food after week also got power and water back God bless everyone

[@NCMemoryMakers]

So glad to hear you are okay, and things are going better in Augusta! God bless!

[@ginaterry6442]

I was born in Augusta. Lived there for years. Now in upstate SC and we got hit hard. But I worry about Augusta. Please tell me….do you know what area of Augusta got hit the worse. I lived near I20 and Washington Rd about 1/2 mile from Augusta National.

[@marywmiller]

This area is our favorite place to go on vacation. We did a life memory trip to the Smoky Mountains last year. Appreciate all your video and commentary. We are so heartbroken this event has happened and so many people are suffering! Many prayers!!🙏

[@NCMemoryMakers]

Thank you for watching. Yes, please continue praying for this area. The devastation is vast.

[@brianb.5473]

Derrick and Shawnasi thank you for the video. Ignore the hateful comments. You are both wonderful Christians. The tourists towns that are up and running need tourism now more than ever. I already knew your stance on it. But I'm glad you shared it about being PRO LIFE. Brenda and I will continue to pray for everyone involved and I encourage any who can to donate to Samaritans purse.

[@NCMemoryMakers]

We appreciate your comments so much. You both have been a blessing to us since we started. We're not going to let hateful and ugly people bring us down. God knows our hearts, we know our hearts, and we believe people like you also know our hearts. The opinions of hateful people mean nothing to us. We appreciate your comment. Have a blessed evening!

[@bryandraughn9830]

Thanks for the information about Maggie valley. I haven't heard from my friends there and now I know i can get there.

[@NCMemoryMakers]

Yes, you should be able to get there. Not sure which direction you are coming from, but we were so pleased to see that Maggie Valley, though hard hit, is still intact.

[@TBrannan]

Thank you for sharing this video. We've been wondering about Maggie Valley and this sure helped.

[@NCMemoryMakers]

So glad it did. I saw someone reporting on FB a few days ago, that Maggie Valley was destroyed. This is false, and bad information like that, does nothing to help those communities that rely so heavily on tourism. We wanted to make everyone aware of how things were...where it was bad, and where it was better.

[@Mae.86]

Praying for everyone effected, and sending love! ❤️ Thank you for getting all this amazing info out to us so we can donate to help. All of you are amazing!

[@NCMemoryMakers]

You are so welcome, and God bless you for your generosity, and whatever you can do to help!

[@samsammy6210]

Drove from Moore county to Hendersonville. Wednesday. Went for a purpose carrying 32 crates of bottle water to the distribution point at Hendersonville. Plan on making another trip back up this coming week. I wanted to do something and it was burning a hole in my heart. Got up the next morning got my Queen went to Harris Teeter, Pinehurst and they paid half. I was totally shocked in a good way. It don’t end there. He said load up at our gas station. As me and the Queen was loading up the pick up a young lady approached and ask if we were going to the mountains and if she could pay for the gas. We were already fueled up. My wife (Queen) said we are fueled up. She then asked she would want to pay for the water and she did payed our half. She was like an angel. She wished us a safe journey. None of us knew each other. From the store manager to the young lady this trip was unreal. Many private pick ups loaded down with supplies. Looked like a never ending road of citizens supporting those in need. I have met the most fantastic people on the start of our journey that day. They’re are good and decent people that rose to the tragic situation. Kinda really felt good inside to see this happen. Yup drove up and back same day and going to do it again in a few days. Bless those that entered our lives that day. It came from the heart, simple strangers doing good not expecting anything but trusting each other. Btw me and my Queen are in our 70’s and won’t stop. See ya in our next run coming up this week. We took 40 and dropped down 26 to the distribution site. Keep well and safe y’all. Bye now.

[@NCMemoryMakers]

Wow! Thank you so much for sharing this beautiful comment. It truly is a blessing, to see people and businesses coming together, to help those in need.

[@dianapearson1771]

I got a new phone and I had lost y’all!! Glad to see you!! Thank you so much for this information!! Glad to see a lot of clean up and stuff back open!!

[@NCMemoryMakers]

Yes, the towns west of Asheville are pretty much running again. Asheville is still very devastated, once you get off of the Interstate. That's why we stayed on the Interstate. We didn't want to be in the way of any cleanup or rescue efforts. It will probably be years before Asheville is back to normal. So glad you found us again! Thank you for watching!

[@evelynarnold1383]

Thank you for this video. I have a friend in Candler and she was leary of going out. I sent this too her, so hopefully she can venture out to get what she needs.

[@NCMemoryMakers]

You are very welcome. Now granted, we primarily stayed on the interstate until we couldn't go any further on it, so I still don't know how many of the side roads are. Please urge her to use extreme caution.

[@stellamariesmithson1431]

Thank you I'm in England. Can't put boots o the ground but i have donated to Samaritans purse. Im making other people aware of whats happened and telling them they can help the same

[@NCMemoryMakers]

Thank you so much! Samaritan's Purse is a wonderful organization, and truly does have boots on the ground. Anything you have given to them, will help others. God bless you!

[@stellamariesmithson1431]

@@NCMemoryMakers you are good people

[@sharon-b7k6z]

Samaritan's Purse is my choice also.

[@NCMemoryMakers]

@@stellamariesmithson1431 We appreciate that. Thank you.

[@NCMemoryMakers]

@@sharon-b7k6z We believe they are a great choice.

[@wtfesme235]

Thank you so much for this post. My family is all over Haywood county and my parents are in Clyde. I’ve been trying to plan a route around the damage to get home and yours post made it a lot more simple. Thank you 🙏 ❤

[@NCMemoryMakers]

Thank you. We are glad you found the video helpful. We appreciate you watching.

[@snapperproman21370]

Thank you so much for making this videos,and all the other ones.I am a believer,pro life,and a NC native.I am also a new subscriber as of today.My wife,and I live in Lexington

[@NCMemoryMakers]

We appreciate you subscribing, and for letting us know you like the videos. And glad to know that you are a Christian who believes in the sanctity of life. Thank you for watching!

[@katinaharris2083]

I will miss this so much this year

[@NCMemoryMakers]

Yes, I'm hoping and praying that people will be able to come back this year for the Fall season. These communities need it.

[@elizabethreid9448]

Thank you. Just thank you. My heart swells with relief to see this.

[@NCMemoryMakers]

You're very welcome. Thank you for watching!

[@WilliamFrederick-i9o]

Thank you for the update

[@NCMemoryMakers]

You're very welcome. Please continue to pray for these people who were so affected and devastated by this hurricane, and help as you can. God bless!

[@debrawaite7173]

This is heartbreaking, I love that area so much. I want to live there someday. I’ve lived on the Gulf of Mexico for years and experienced hurricanes. Glad that things are getting back to normal. Love yall.

[@NCMemoryMakers]

Things are getting back to normal in some areas. But in Asheville and off the main roads, the devastation is still severe. They continue to need prayers and support.

[@kendrasmith6637]

Wow! Thanks for showing us. So much damage. Those poor people who are still living in tents. Cold out. Praying for all. 🙏 God bless.

[@NCMemoryMakers]

Yes, please continue to pray for them.

[@kendrasmith6637]

@ I will

[@jimburdin]

you are absolutely right about the color change being different by elevation and also by latitude... here is the Western mountains of Maine, our leaves are more than half fallen off the trees... peak color came early this year, and then heavy rain took a lot of them off the trees... thank you for showing that part of NC... my brother and i trucked over those roads 30 years ago and i mistakenly took the road from Boone out over the mountains toward Johnson City Tn... i figured out in a hurry that i shouldn't have been on that road with a 72 foot semi...i made it though... slowly.. the damage i have seen to that part of your state is heartbreaking and we are praying for expedited help and resources to arrive for the ones who need it...we are also offering our condolences to the folks who lost loved ones... great video thank you

[@NCMemoryMakers]

Thank you for sharing. We appreciate you watching and commenting. We were actually discussing maybe doing a weekend in New England next year in the Fall. What would you say would be the normal time for peak color, in Vermont or Maine, assuming we stayed in one of the towns below the mountains?

[@GlendaShook]

Thank you for sharing. Catawba County is in good shape and I think this could have been us. My heart goes out to all and prayers .We are never a long .God is with us always..

[@NCMemoryMakers]

Amen to that! Yes, Burke and Caldwell Counties also took a hit, but it is far worse west of us.

[@ChildOfGod0777]

A few years ago my husband and i drove through the smokies and came out to the little town of Cherokee, it was so cute and quaint, i have been thinking about Cherokee since the hurricane, glad your video came up in my feed!

[@NCMemoryMakers]

Thank you so much for sharing that, and we appreciate you watching and commenting.

[@sandyhenson5875]

thanks for keeping us updated on roads conditions and God bless yall guys ❤

[@NCMemoryMakers]

God bless you, as well.

[@MarthaRae1]

I've already commented one time but I just want to say how much this video blessed me. I haven't been able to go there in a long time and thank you for showing the roads that are open. People need to know because... these places depend on tourist. Also please pray for Israel and Jerusalem. Psalm 122:6 ✝️✡️

[@NCMemoryMakers]

Amen to that! We certainly do need to pray for the Peace of Jerusalem. Thank you for that reminder, as well. We appreciate your comments, and have a blessed evening.

[@itsnotthesamething]

So glad to see Maggie Valley and Cherokee are relatively unscathed. I've seen some pretty devastating pics from Blue Ridge Parkway. My prayers are with all the folks in devastated areas.

[@NCMemoryMakers]

Thank you for praying! Yes, the Blue Ridge Parkway is closed indefinitely. We, too, have seen some of the pictures where sections of road are gone. Very heartbreaking.

[@BJ-dv7dk]

My grandmother's family is from the South, and I have Cherokee ancestors who originally lived in NC before they were made to leave and wound up in Texas. We stopped at Cherokee on the way back from Atlanta when my grandmother was alive. Beautiful country.. just hearbreaking what has happened.

[@NCMemoryMakers]

It really is heartbreaking. Cherokee fared well, compared to some areas in the next county over.

[@PaulJames-uz5yl]

thoughts and prayers to everyone effected.....big love from England x

[@NCMemoryMakers]

We appreciate that so much!

[@angiecrotts6100]

I just live 5 mins from the pilot in Marion! I love the view when traveling up 40 after you pass Morganton and can see the mountains

[@NCMemoryMakers]

@angiecrotts6100 Yes, that is a beautiful view, when the mountains come into sight.

[@philliproop9910]

Thank yall for the update. We love it up there. We are from Frostproof, Florida. We have friends in Clyde. Prayers to all the people effected.

[@NCMemoryMakers]

Thank you so much!

[@Htkp-1246]

Donations should be made to Samaritan's Purse. They are helping people as I write this. They always go where ever help is needed and out stay everyone. A great Christian Organizations. Volunteers do the work.❤

[@gerimartin6558]

They are amazing! I just donated this morning to Samaritans Purse. God bless the work they are doing and prayers for them and all the disaster victims in this area! 🍁🙏🙏💔

[@backbonz]

They are indeed incredible..i volunteered with them two days this week. Encourage others too.

[@shirleys765]

That's where I donated last week not know which ones are legitimate. So glad I did.

[@vickiebates1177]

Thank you for sharing. I lived in Franklin NC. Maggie Valley and Pigeon Forge is beautiful. I miss the Appalachian mountains. God bless you ❤

[@NCMemoryMakers]

Thank you for sharing, and for commenting. You lived in a very beautiful area.

[@christineprice5463]

Thanks for taking us along. I agree that life is important, but that is my belief. I don't want to force my belief on others. I am so sorry that this storm has destroyed so much and took so many lives 💔

[@NCMemoryMakers]

Yes, I understand about not wanting to push our beliefs on others, if it is a minor belief or something that isn't life and death. But when it comes to the life of babies, there is no middle ground on that. When an abortion happens, a baby is killed mercilessly. We will speak out against that all day long. Thank you so much for watching, and for your well wishes for our area. Take care.

[@catfish24]

Great informative video thanks for posting, our hearts go out to everyone in the area. Stay safe my friends.

[@NCMemoryMakers]

Thanks so much!

[@sharonamerson3438]

😊hope you enjoyed yourselves....thanks for letting us see some beauty with you. God Bless all those in and out of the mountains that are giving of there time, energy and bringing kind hearts with resources to be of service to others in many ways. GOD is a good...

[@NCMemoryMakers]

Thank you. Yes, please do continue to pray. It is very encouraging to see the amount of aid people are so generously giving.

[@saras4181]

Thanks for this video, we needed to see how I40 is. We have two huge trees down, they missed the garage and the little storage building and we are very thankful for that. Our pup had surgery 11 days ago so we had to wait before making the trip up to NC. Be safe out there!🙏

[@NCMemoryMakers]

So glad that the trees missed your buildings. Thank God for that. I-40 is closed from Exit 20, all the way to the TN border. It is open up until that point.

[@LovingAtlanta]

🙏😭🙏😭🇺🇸Thank you for posting this video. I like Ole’s Guacamole mexican restaurant too. It was sad to see it closed down. They have 3 locations and it looks like 2 of the locations have been closed & impacted by the disaster.🙏 I appreciate this video also because I was really curious about the businesses & road conditions going up to and around Cherokee. I have been there many many times. My 99 year old MeMa loved going to the casino. She passed away last year and the Cherokee Casino was the last place I took her before she passed away. I was supposed to speak at a conference at the casino this week 10/8-10/11 but of course it was canceled. I was also told there might be a concern about being able to get gas up there but it looks like everything is okay in Cherokee. Things are definitely better than the other NC areas that were hit hard. I just returned yesterday from delivering supplies and volunteering for several days in NC. Seeing the damages & devastation in person from a boots on the ground perspective was of course heartbreaking and very different than seeing it on a screen. The Oconaluftee Island Park is so pretty. It was very thoughtful of you to stop there before ending the video. Bless y’all. I’ll check out your other videos too. Prayers to you and everyone impacted by the disaster.🙏😭🙏💝🇺🇸

[@NCMemoryMakers]

Thank you for watching and for your comment. We are sorry about the loss of your grandmother. We actually filled up with gas before we got to those areas, because we too, were concerned about the fuel availability. Honestly, once we were there, we didn't really look or notice if the stations had fuel, but I assume they did, because most everything looked open. Thank you so much for providing much needed help and assistance to the area. It is greatly appreciated. Do you happen to know which location of Ole Guacamole is still open? We were only aware of the one in Black Mountain, but we're glad to know there is another one.

[@LovingAtlanta]

@@NCMemoryMakers - 👍💝 You two are wonderful vlog hosts. I subscribed and will check out your other videos. The Ole's Guacamoles, 1805 N Roan St E3, Johnson City, TN location is open. Sadly, the Black Mountain, NC and the Asheville, NC locations are closed indefinitely until further notice.😞

[@NCMemoryMakers]

@@LovingAtlanta Thank you for letting us know. I was hoping there was another location in the Asheville area. But we will certainly try it out when in Johnson City. And thank you for your kind comments.

[@Thewindingstairs747]

My great grandfather built the soco gap motel. It’s on the left as you go downhill after going under the parkway

[@NCMemoryMakers]

Yes, we actually got stuck in that parking lot in the snow this past winter....lol. Thankfully, a guy came and helped us out. We had pulled off to take some pictures and video. Thank you so much for sharing.

[@Thewindingstairs747]

@@NCMemoryMakers when he built it he had over 13 rooms but none of them were numbered 13! Superstitious as could be

[@mikeflynn1483]

Thank you for showing the rest of the country what is a fading memory. I appreciate your representation of the Christian population!! We are working from afar. God bless!!!!

[@NCMemoryMakers]

You are very welcome. We wanted to get the correct information for people, since there are so many inaccurate stories circulating around. We really appreciate you watching, and for continuing to pray for these communities

[@pickled625]

Hello from Perquimans County, NC. Thanks for the video. Prayers for everyone affected by the hurricane.

[@NCMemoryMakers]

Thank you so much for the prayers. I know they appreciate it.

[@alicesilvers2694]

Praise God! Thank you so much for showing me what i can't see on my own. How i wish i were with you!

[@NCMemoryMakers]

You are very welcome!

[@jdgreen214]

One of my favorite places to visit. The end of August i took my daughter to cherokee after she turned 21 for our first gambling trip. We then went back on labor day weekend and stayed in dillsboro at the best Western with the river running behind it. In Sylvania they have a park with a water park next to it. My family enjoyed themselves and the water park was very reasonably priced. My family even made new friends and we planned on going back. I just feel so bad for the people there. We got hit in upstate south carolina and were without electricity for a week. Prayers go out to the residents of North Carolina and all the states affected by the hurricane.

[@NCMemoryMakers]

@jdgreen214 Thank you for your continued prayers for our area, and other areas hit by the hurricane. I've always wanted to stay at that Best Western, with the river. It looks like it would be a very quiet and peaceful place. Glad you had a safe trip.

[@jdgreen214]

@NCMemoryMakers Its nice and very peaceful especially if you get a room facing the river with a balcony. Highly recommended.

[@evinrude1236]

All I can do right now is cry. 😢 My heart aches for the people who live in the affected areas. And to think how close that storm came to hitting my local area. I've given monetary donations and helped gather supplies to send to the affected areas.....but it just doesn't seem to be enough. The only other thing I can do is offer up prayers....and I have been doing that every day. But now we have another storm coming in this week getting ready to hit Florida....and I have family in the direct path. Please keep them in your prayers also. 🥺

[@NCMemoryMakers]

We fully understand your sentiments. When we got back to our motel Friday night before last, and saw how bad it really was, we were in shock. And I also understand what you're saying, about doing what you can, but feeling like it is not enough. It really does feel like we are just scratching the surface of everything that needs to be done. But if everyone could do what they can, a little can go a long way, especially if God is in it.

[@HomeEF]

The ride was so beautiful, thank you for sharing it with us 🇺🇸♥️

[@NCMemoryMakers]

It is a beautiful place. Thanks for watching.

[@marysiegel5763]

Thank you for your video. We were wondering how the roads were. We have camped up their for years. I was sick to here about the Bat Cave area! Thanks again!

[@NCMemoryMakers]

Yes, we did not go down to Bat Cave or even attempt to. We understand that it was devastated.

[@DWNY358]

Beautiful drive the belies the tragedies that have occured in the area. Coincidentally another section of US 19 in western Florida is in the path of a potentially destructive hurricane.

[@NCMemoryMakers]

Yes, we saw that this morning. Prayers for Florida! We were not trying to "belie" anything. To the contrary, we want people to be aware of it, which was the purpose of this video. I'm sure you can understand why it was important that we stayed on the Interstate where no relief or recovery efforts were taking place, and not veer off into areas where we would be a hindrance? I think we were pretty detailed about the situation, and made that information available to others.

[@allysonmurray1731]

Awesome drive! Thanks for sharing.

[@NCMemoryMakers]

You are very welcome. Thank you for watching, and for your prayers for this area.

[@erobinson988]

I'm glad to see Cherokee's doing good.

[@NCMemoryMakers]

Yes, we were very glad, too.

[@hayleybrittain5457]

Old fort and McDowell got hit hard too. Much love to the mountains.

[@NCMemoryMakers]

Yes, our pastor lives in Nebo, and many of our church members are from Marion. I know that there was a lot of devastation there, as well.

[@hayleybrittain5457]

@@NCMemoryMakers i figured you might. Just asking for prayers for the communities 😊 thank you for all that yall do!

[@Marilyn-KY]

Thanks for letting us tag along.

[@Itsmeagain828]

I had heard the same about Cherokee and was worried sick. I love all the people there. I am in South Asheville and I take off to go fishing up there with my husband a lot. Someone already told me they were actually okay last week but nice to see so too.

[@NCMemoryMakers]

@Itsmeagain828 Yes, we were very happy to see that. We didn't really know what to expect when we got there. Thank you for watching

[@Itsmeagain828]

@@NCMemoryMakers God bless

[@NCMemoryMakers]

@Itsmeagain828 Thank you. May God bless you, as well.

[@deborahmoore1111]

We went to Ghost Town and Santa’s Land on our honeymoon 52 years ago. Thanks for showing us that we can get to Cherokee with no problems. I’ve been wondering. And I know those businesses need folks to patronize them desperately. Maybe more this year than any previous years. This is their livelihood. Again, thanks for sharing.

[@NCMemoryMakers]

You are correct...this area depends so much on tourism, and a lot of false reports are out there. And like you said, more now than ever. Thank you for sharing the story of your honeymoon. God bless!

[@johnliberty3647]

Pro life here too and I am not even Christian. I expect all humans to revere human life.

[@NCMemoryMakers]

Thank you so much for your comment. I'm glad to know that you value the sanctity of life

[@markisb3585]

I live in Eastern North Carolina. I know two days before the storm the local news weather here said that our mountains would get 15+ inches of rain and a good chance of mud slides and catastrophic flooding.

[@NCMemoryMakers]

Our local forecast on Thursday, was for 4+ inches of rain. We live east of the mountains which were the hardest hit. I do know the mountain areas were forecasting higher amounts, but I do not know what those amounts were. In this area, and in the mountains, it is not uncommon to get severe storms and some flooding in areas that are prone to that. But I do not think anybody had any idea how bad this would be. Hurricanes just don't usually have an impact like this, that far inland. When a hurricane hits western NC out of the Gulf, it is usually just some nice rain, and some wind gusts. This was far worse.

[@ThisUnderWorldOfDarkness]

Hey, nice video. Beautiful country views. - The strongest side of any Hurricane is always on the East side, with the strongest being on the top NE corner. Water strengthens hurricanes. Land weakens hurricanes. Cherokee is on the far west side of N Carolina near the Tennessee border. Being a survivor of many hurricanes including Hurricane Katrina, I’m not surprised the damage was minimal. For those who live in hurricane country, downed trees across the roadways are "not" the biggest issues. The biggest issues are severe flooding, chemical spills and buildings being utterly destroyed. Most people from down south who may have been in the Cherokee area probably would’ve gotten a couple of cases of beer, and would’ve thrown a hurricane party, watching it all from under the carport. As far as flooding in Cherokee, they have flash floods there regularly. Whatever flash floods they got probably was considered normal, or maybe a little worse. Just giving some polite, respectful and hopefully informative info. Great video, thanks for this upload. I can’t find any info on Cherokee, you’re the only one!! ... cheers!!

[@NCMemoryMakers]

Thank you for sharing the information, and we are glad that you found the video helpful in knowing the conditions in Cherokee. Yes, you are correct, that hurricanes weaken once they get over land. That's one of the reasons they are usually not still considered a hurricane by the time they reach these mountains. I don't believe anybody was expecting it to be as bad as it was, in the Asheville or Boone areas.

[@ThisUnderWorldOfDarkness]

@@NCMemoryMakers You're welcome, and thanks again for the upload. I didn't follow the news on the Hurricane, I just looked at the track. Looks like the north west tip if the Hurricane didn't pass as far from Cherokee as I thought. If you look at the track very carefully, the far EAST of the Hurricane went over the Atlantic Ocean off the coast of Georgia and South Carolina. That part of the Hurricane was probably strengthened by the waters of the Atlantic, especially, if those waters were warmer than usual. Warm waters strenghten Hurricanes. The worst thing to happen is for a hurricane to sit over warm waters. That's what turned Katrina into a Kat 5, it sat halfway off the coast for a few hours. The press don't like to report that, but it was a Kat 5, with vortexes in it that were strong, strong enough to destroy houses and even flip over the concrete foundations. Katrina literally hat smaller hurricanes inside of it, going around the eye. Thankfully, not a large part of Helene was back over water. After looking at the track, I think what saved Cherokee now was the mountains. Mountains are hurricane killers, more so than normal flat plains. Interesting chatting with you. Thanks again for the beautiful video and the Cherokee news. Cheers!!

[@billl.3917]

UnderWorldof Darkness to be correct, the strongest side of the hurricane is always on the East or right side. How do I know, I live in Panama City Florida, and we have been just glanced with the west side of hurricanes and did not receive much damage.

[@ThisUnderWorldOfDarkness]

@@billl.3917 Yeah, you are 100% correct, and I know that. I was visualizing the east side when I posted that. I'm left right dyslexic. For real. If you ask me to raise my right hand, if I don't think about it, I will raise my left hand. It's a real form of dyslexia. I don't see numbers or letters backwards. But left / right, ... east west, I mess that up all the time. Thank you my friend for correcting me on that, and being respectful about. May you have a great and blessed rest of your week! Cheers.

[@ThisUnderWorldOfDarkness]

@@NCMemoryMakers Hey, I have a form of dyslexia where I right / left mixed up, and the same with east / west. Someone corrected me. It's the N East side of the Hurricane that is the strongest side. That's what I meant to say, but my dyslexia kicked in because I'm having a bad morning. Sorry about that. I made the changes to my reply. It's the NORTH EAST corner of the hurricane that is always the most brutal side of the hurricane, and for strong hurricane, you don't want that part of the hurricane to hit your city. Sorry about my error. It was unintentional. Cheers!!

[@karenperdue4879]

Thanks for video We are going to Smokemont Campground Oct 28 for 3 nights We go I-40 to 74 smoky mountain Expressway to Cherokee. RT 19 to crooked to put a 30 foot camper

[@NCMemoryMakers]

Hope you have a wonderful time. You sure picked a beautiful time to go.

[@karenperdue4879]

@@NCMemoryMakers Thanks

[@scottwells9824]

Love y'alls video's. Just want to point out that as long as we allow them to change one name, we give the the power and authority to change every name, and every thing... It will always be Clingman's Dome.

[@NCMemoryMakers]

Thank you so much. We are glad that you enjoy our videos. We appreciate you letting us know that. Here's the thing I will say about the name change... If we are going to talk about not allowing them to change the name, then the name is rightfully "Kuwohi"...Because that's what it originally was. It was changed to Clingmans Dome. And as I make clear in the video, I don't support name changes for political reasons. This one is, in fact, different. This is the original name given to it, by the people who originally inhabited the land. And I have always thought the Smokies should contain more reflections of Native American heritage. I tried to call it both names in the video. There are people who are always going to call it Clingmans Dome, and I think that's perfectly fine, too.

[@alicesilvers2694]

Oh my gosh! You're going! Thank God! Stay safe!

[@Stevesbe]

The first patent for weather modification was issued in 1891 and was for a method that involved shooting liquefied carbonic acid gas into the atmosphere: Patent number: 462,795

[@NCMemoryMakers]

Not sure about all that, but I seriously doubt humans can create a hurricane.

[@davidreilly8888]

​@@NCMemoryMakersHAARP...look into it.

[@Stevesbe]

@@NCMemoryMakers not create but they can certainly dump all of its moisture do some research on what they have done to hurricanes in the past

[@Mrs.Frankenstein]

I was coming to take up for you but I see that you guys can clearly do that on your own haha. We were in Cherokee yesterday and in Maggie valley and the locals were very gracious and welcoming and they need people to come and shop and buy things. It helps to keep them going and helps them get the repairs done on the things that were damaged. We saw several donation areas in Maggie valley as well. We did see today though that the park is closing certain roads because commercial vehicles keep trying to come through there and they're not allowed to go through the actual Smokies National Park. So you might want to check on that. But other than that you can get from Gatlinburg to Cherokee through the park no problem.

[@NCMemoryMakers]

Well, thank you anyway, lol. Yes, we knew when we made this video, that there would be some really ugly people show up on it. We were ready. These people have no clue what they're talking about, and they aren't going to deter us. We love this area more than any place on earth, and we want it to thrive. You are absolutely 100% correct, that these towns desperately need for people to come and support them. Especially in the month of October, which is a peak time for them. Thank you for going to Cherokee and Maggie Valley and doing just that. And also, thank you for mentioning about the commercial vehicles. That is true. Where we did our close out for this video, was right there by the sign at the end of the Cherokee Indian Reservation, just before you go into the National Park. We actually saw a couple of tractor and trailers coming back out. And just as you enter the Park, they have a sign diverting them to the right, and a guy was sitting under the tent making sure they didn't go through. They are having to close the road at night, because they don't have enough manpower to monitor it. I understand the truckers have their main route now closed off to TN, but the Park road is simply not designed for vehicles of that size, and it is not safe for them to be in there. Thank you for mentioning that.

[@Mrs.Frankenstein]

@@NCMemoryMakers You are more than welcome! We had a semi in front of us barely make it under the bridge going into the park and when we made it to Sugarlands they turned him around. It's just too small of a road up and down the mountain. Thank you all for all you do. People don't need to know how you help or donate! We live in TN but NC feels like home to us as well. We have been praying for everyone there and our neighbors here in TN that are also in the same situation! You all be safe! ❤️

[@NCMemoryMakers]

@Mrs.Frankenstein And again, thank you so much. We really appreciate your comments and your encouraging words. I was curious about what you were saying about the truck that they turned around at Sugarlands. Are you saying he came all the way across the Park from the North Carolina side, and they turned him around and sent him back across?

[@Mrs.Frankenstein]

@@NCMemoryMakers He came through Gatlinburg and entered the park and where it splits there's an overpass (bridge) and he barely fit under it scraped the bottom of the bridge and we had to follow him all the way up to the Visitor Center where they turned him around. They had the same tent and rangers set up there too.

[@NCMemoryMakers]

@Mrs.Frankenstein Ah, okay. I get it now. Thanks for clarifying. I thought it would be odd for them to send him back across, if he had already come in from Cherokee. But yes, that makes sense. There was a guy at the Cherokee entrance to the Park under a tent, as well.

[@smokymountainman4964]

So glad to see that Maggie Valley is OK. I heard that it was completely wiped out. Maggie Valley is such a beautiful place. I have been there several times. We were at Ghost Town in the Sky.

[@NCMemoryMakers]

Yes, that is one of the ugly rumors that people were spreading. I saw it on Facebook a couple of times. That really is not fair to those towns, for people to be spreading misinformation, when those towns desperately need tourism dollars. There are still some bad areas that were hit hard, but the main stretch through their looks okay. And some of the businesses are starting to open back up.

[@catfish24]

Wow i had no idea they had wind damage i though it was all flood damage. Thanks for posting this video. Stay safe my friends.

[@NCMemoryMakers]

@catfish24 Yes, and that is the thing that was so unexpected, I think. By the time a hurricane reaches these mountains, it usually is no longer considered a hurricane. Some of the footage I've seen of the wind there, is mind-boggling.

[@Gayle45]

Just found your channel and subscribed. Loved this content

[@NCMemoryMakers]

Thank you! We appreciate that so much. And our area appreciates your prayers.

[@DeliaLRuiz]

Watching from San Diego County California. Thank you for sharing.

[@NCMemoryMakers]

Thank you so much for watching. Our area appreciates your prayers and support.

[@RobbieRaines]

God bless you and prayers for everybody.🙏

[@NCMemoryMakers]

God bless you, as well. And yes, please continue praying for these communities.

[@tommyhooks7767]

I'll forward your video to my sister. She and her husband like to go to Cherokee at least every month, and we were talking about whether the roads were open.

[@NCMemoryMakers]

The main roads are. I'm sure there are still some back roads that are not, but the towns are accessible.

[@michaelpardue2400]

Becareful Thanks for sharing this trip with us Have Bless Week

[@NCMemoryMakers]

You, as well.

[@papaw5405]

I live near Rhodhiss and Connelly Springs now but I was born and raised in a little place called Needmore on past Cherokee on #19 a little ways on the other side of Swain County. I can't travel any more so this video was just like going home again. We didn't cross Soco much because I had two sisters living in Sylva so we went across Balsam Gap.

[@suew4609]

My family is all over that area. In fact, Connelly Springs in named for some of them, as is Cooper’s Creeks, Bryson City, and lots of others How is that area doing? Is Sylva OK? I was hoping to see these places next year where my grandfather and lots of family were born I hope you’re all well sand safe🙏🏻

[@NCMemoryMakers]

We appreciate you watching very much, and we are glad the video brought back some memories for you. You live very close to us. This past weekend, I actually flew the drone over the Rhodhiss dam, to show the water levels.

[@NCMemoryMakers]

​@suew4609 We did not go over to Bryson City or Sylva. We did go to Cherokee, Waynesville, and Maggie Valley, and those places are completely accessible.

[@papaw5405]

@@suew4609 I don't think Sylva suffered much damage. One of my sisters who lived there (actually Cullowhee) passed away in 2001. The other moved to Arden in Buncombe County. A neighbor's tree has fallen on her house so she had to pack up and go live with my third sister in Franklin until the repairs are done. Connelly Springs is in Burke County between Valdese and Icard. Exit 113 from I-40. Cooper's Creek is Swain County. I'm familiar with that community. I've lived in Burke County for almost 50 years but the Needmore Community will always be home to me. I was born there and my wife is buried there, 120 miles away, waiting for me to come home.

[@papaw5405]

@@NCMemoryMakers It has been years ago but I have walked out on the top of Rhodhiss Dam and also fished from a little ledge at its base. That would have been impossible the other day when I crossed the bridge below the dam. I live almost exactly 2 miles as the crow flies from the boat launch opposite the dam. By road it's 3 miles which is still easy walking distance for a young boy with a fishing pole. But I'm not a young boy any more and barely able to walk. I can still dream though! I do a lot of genealogy research and could be related to you. Could you give me the names of your grandparents. Please!

[@JasonMyers-c6z]

The "Wheels Through Time" motorcycle museum is in Maggie Valley. I'm very glad they survived the storm.

[@NCMemoryMakers]

I wasn't sure if they had, but that is good to know!

[@1898nc2]

Prayers from Maryland. Thank you for the video I have been worried deeply Cherokee One Feather has been the only place I have been able to get any news. The media only reports on Asheville

[@NCMemoryMakers]

You are very welcome. We are glad that you found this video helpful. Thanks for watching and commenting!

[@cindyblair6080]

Lots of you tube videos up and running.